Food Trucks Serving Up Sweet Treats

We all scream for Chi-Scream's ice cream sandwiches. (Photo: Chi-Scream)

You know what?!

Those sweet rides rolling around town (Chi-Scream, More Cupcakes, Star Fruit, for example) can serve as the perfect pickup when you're feeling sluggish mid-afternoon.

Don't sleep on it!

Pick Your Perch To View Chicago Air & Water Show

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will rock the 54th annual "Chicago Air & Water Show" this weekend.

If you're not lucky enough to have friends with a rooftop or a boat this weekend, there are several places happy to take you in if you're looking for sweet seats to view the Chicago Air & Water Show.

Of course it's gonna cost you . . .

At Castaways Bar & Grill, right off North Avenue Beach, they're doing limited seating Friday through Sunday. If you want to take advantage of Friday's practice runs during lunchtime, it'll cost you $100 for food and an open bar. That's 9am-3pm. Saturday and Sunday's festivities cost $160 per person for food, open bar and an extra hour (until 4pm). Email afrankos@stefanigroup.com for resos.

Dion Antic Returns To Division Street With Canto

Dion Antic (Photo: Dion Antic)

Long-time dining and nightlife impresario Dion Antic has been very busy as of late.

His Melt Sandwich Shoppe in Bucktown continues to flourish, he's set to star on History Channel's Picked Off on Wednesday, and is also opening an antiques store called Roadtrip on same day.

But he's most excited about his latest collaboration with the Bob San owners on a new Japanese-style tapas bar named Canto. It's set to open August 23.

"Chicago doesn't have a really cool sake and karaoke bar," Antic tells 312DD in an exclusive interview. "I'm bringing something to this part of Wicker Park that's grown up with no PBR, no Jameson and a state-of-the-art karaoke system."

Clint Rogers Returns To The Gage, Henri

The Gage, Henri Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan with mixologist Clint Rogers. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

Well, that was quick.

Talented mixologist Clint Rogers is already out at Hot Chocolate only after leaving the top post at The Gage/Henri in early June.

"It just wasn't a good fit," he told 312DD Thursday about his less than two-month stint at the Bucktown powerhouse. He returned to The Gage and Henri about a week ago.

Get Ready For First-Ever 'Windy City Rib Classic'

Charlie McKenna's succulent St. Louis-style ribs. (Photo: Lillie's Q)

Everyone on the local BBQ scene (yes, there is such a thing!) knows that Gary Wiviott is obsessed with all things grill related. Hey, he actually wrote a book about it, and these days he serves as the official "pitmaster" at Barn & Company in Lincoln Park.

So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that he's gathered some like-minded individuals to take part in the first-ever Windy City Rib Classic, kicking off at 10am Sunday.

Aviary-Endorsed Project Raises More Than $20,000 In Less Than 15 Minutes

The Porthole by Martin Kastner of Crucial Detail. (Photo: Crucial Detail)

Grant Achatz is like Oprah. I am dead serious.

At 5:58pm Tuesday, the super chef tweeted that "The Porthole by @MartinKastner /Crucial Detail is available on kickstarter."

What on earth is The Porthole?! Apparently a ton of people immediately saw that tweet and went to that link because in less than 15 minutes, more than $20,000 was raised for The Aviary-endorsed product that's one of the showpieces of the cocktail lounge.

Celebrate Whitney's Life at Kit Kat Lounge!

The iconic Whitney Houston would have turned 49 on August 9, and to celebrate her most glorious days, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is having a party!

The popular Lakeview spot is dedicating the night to the diva who brought us hot charttoppers like "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," "How Will I Know" and "I'm Your Baby Tonight." Of course, that means there will be over-the-top performances by Kit Kat's own "diva" Aurora Sexton, who will sing Whitney's best ballads and pop hits. The party takes place 5:30pm-2am.

Freebie Alert: Maison!

Don't let 'em fool you because apparently there is a such thing as a free lunch.

The new French-focused Maison celebrates what would have been Napoleon Bonaparte's 243rd birthday on August 15.

If you're one of the first lucky 100 lunch guests, here's what you will get: