Get Your Grub On . . . For A Good Cause

Here's the scene at last year's bustling "Red or White Ball." (Photo: Steppenwolf's Auxiliary Council)

Two tasty events benefiting great causes are coming your way.

The Steppenwolf's Auxiliary Council hosts the annual Red or White Ball at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) Friday.

Guests who spring for the VIP reception (7:30-8:30pm) get to sample signature bites from the likes of Jean Tippenhauer (Fred's at Barney's New York), Tim Graham (Paris Club), Moosah Reaume (The Pump Room) and Kate Milashus (ZED 451). Barrelhouse Flat owner/mixologist Stephen Cole will be on hand to pour cocktails.

Crofton on Wells Closes To Re-Concept

(Photo: Crofton on Wells)

For more than 10 years, Suzy Crofton's River North spot, Crofton on Wells, shined as one of Chicago's top places for contemporary American fare.

She received accolades from the likes of Esquire and Food & Wine, plus a glowing three-star review from Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune. In 2011, the restaurant also garnered a Michelin star (only to lose it in 2012).

So it was pretty shocking to find out that Crofton decided to pull the plug on her operation Saturday. According to Eater Chicago, her reason was simple: Business "has been painfully slow."

Coupons On A First Date . . . Yea or Nay?!

People pretty much went apeshit on a Facebook friend's status:

LADIES, would you be offended if a man pulled out a coupon or Groupon to pay for the meal on the first date?

In less than half an hour after posting, he got almost 100 responses.

Here are some gems:

Smart Bar Dissed By Complex Magazine

The dance floor action at Smart Bar. (Photo: Smart Bar)

What a strange little article to recently appear in Complex.

It featured what they consider to be the 25 Douchiest Bars in Chicago, weirdly placing legendary dance club Smart Bar on the list at #3.

Here's what they wrote:

Freebie Alert: Cafe Selmarie!

Cafe Selmarie's Strawberry Roulade (Photo: Cafe Selmarie)

This is pretty exciting, especially for those who get off early on Fridays:

Lincoln Square's Cafe Selmarie is giving away free dessert to those who stop in between 4 and 6pm for dinner.

The spot is legendary for its bakery, so consider this an amazing deal!

How to Get a Drink at a Busy Bar . . .

The last time we visited the bar at Sable Kitchen & Bar, it was about five people deep. It was a Saturday night, with about five guys 'tending, and everyone wanted one of their signature, hand-crafted cocktails.

We, of course, had no problem waiting, but some folks were impatient as hell. That's why I'm pretty excited that I came across this article from Art of Manliness on "how to get a drink at a busy bar."

Best advice:

• Always, always, tip.

• Know what you’re going to order before you start yelling for service.

• Don’t stand at the server station.

Cheers!

Clandestino Chef Unveils New Gourmet Sandwich Menu

In March, 312DD told you exclusively about Efrain Cuevas' quest to open a gourmet sandwich shop in the downtown area.

As you can see, the chef/owner of Clandestino Supper Club is well on his way to something quite spectacular with items made from all-natural ingredients as well as sauces and flatbreads made from scratch. In addition to gourmet paninis and gluten-free wraps, he's planning a menu of focaccia pizzas, smoothies and fresh salads.

No word still on a name or location, but he promises to reveal all soon . . .

April 6 Is National Caramel Popcorn Day

Salted Caramel's signature Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn. (Photo: Salted Caramel)

This is one "holiday" you don't wanna pass up, so we're glad our friends at Foodimentary were on top of it.

One of the best spots to indulge in this favorite food is at the brand-new Salted Caramel shop, which just opened in Andersonville.