MJ Steakhouse's 'Secret' Menu Item . . .

The Killer B at Michael Jordan's Steak House (Photo: Michael Jordan's Steak House)

And speaking of Michael Jordan's Steak House, the Mag Mile resto has just introduced a secret, off-menu, late-night special.

They're calling it the Killer B—which is available by request only and served weeknights after 10pm. For $19, "insiders" get a bacon and blue cheese topped burger, sandwiched between two pieces of signature garlic bread.

MJ, Bill Kim Team Up For Slam Dunk Asian Spot

Now, this is a dream team we can appreciate!

Bill Kim (Belly Shack, Urban Belly) is teaming up with Michael Jordan's Cornerstone Restaurant Group (Michael Jordan's Steakhouse) for a new Asian BBQ concept going into the former one sixtyblue space in the West Loop.

Belly Q—with plans to open later this spring—promises to be all that, as the press release I got Tuesday morning indicates:

The Gage Transforms into a 'Blind Tiger'

Yep, that's a "blind" tiger right there!

Waaaaaay back in the day, there were sophisticated, black-tie speakeasies and there were seedy, illicit speakeasies. These were called Blind Tigers—with the tiger serving as a ruse—which sound a lot more fun than the ones we've heard about.

To school everyone on what they were like, The Gage once again opens its lower-level lounge for the Downstairs bash. The party promises to be a little risque, with some pretty naughty surprises you'll just have to find out about on your own.

Where You Should Be Dining . . . NOW

Bread & Wine's duck confit pierogi, with pickled red onion and herb crème fraiche. (Photo: Bread & Wine)

It might be the dead of winter in Chicago, but that's not stopping a number of restaurants from opening this month and in February.

So I stopped by The U's You & Me This Morning to rap with host Jeanne Sparrow about some of the most anticipated new spots, including red-hot Tavernita in River North and the sexy Storefront Company in Bucktown/Wicker Park.

But wait, there's more!

What's in Store at 'First Look For Charity'

Chicago Auto Show's "First Look For Charity" dessert spread from last year's event. (Photo: First Look 2011)

The Chicago Auto Show's First Look For Charity, the black-tie benefit where guests get an exclusive sneak peek of all the fabulous new cars, celebrates its 20th year on Feb. 9. It's raised more than $32 million for Chicago-area charities since 1992.

For the occasion, they're doing things a bit different, offering guests unusual bites from some local—and not so local—favorites.

Look for David Burke's Primehouse's Executive Chef Rick Gresh to whip up dishes certain to draw long lines. His bites include cheddar bacon dumplings, beef sliders with jalapeno ketchup, and duck confit bread pudding with whipped brie and aged-rum maple syrup.

A Brand New Look For Boka Restaurant

Boka's sleek new renovated lounge. (Photo: Giuseppe Tentori)

The guys behind the super successful Boka Restaurant Group have received so many accolades for their most recent projects (Girl & the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Perennial Virant) that it was probably long overdue for an overhaul of Boka, which opened in 2003.

So late last year, they quietly started with the lounge area so as not to disturb the regular dining service.

Lynn House Set For Sundance's 'Behind the Bar Series'

Hennessy KAWS models with Blackbird Chief Mixologist Lynn House (second, left). (Photo: Hennessy)

Mega props go out to Blackbird's super star mixologist Lynn House, who announced Friday that she's been selected for Sundance's Behind the Bar Series.

She wrote on Facebook:

It's Official....I got selected for the Sundance Channel's Behind the Bar Series. Coming to NYC to film third week of February. I intend to make a few visits while there. Look out Big Apple...House will be in the House."

Congrats, Lynn!

Trenchermen's Pop-Up Valentine's Day Dinner

Trenchermen chefs Patrick Sheerin (left) and Michael Sheerin. (Photo: via Grubstreet Chicago)

Hard-core foodie couples don't have to wait until March for Trenchermen to open.

That's because they're doing a series of pop-up dinners for those celebrating Valentine's Day at Logan Square Kitchen Feb. 12-14.

Helmed by high-profile chef brothers Michael Sheerin (Blackbird) and Patrick Sheerin (Signature Room), the restaurant is expected to be one of the top openings of the year. Its style is fine dining-casual, with a nod to seasonal ingredients and adventurous takes on familiar dishes.