Would You Pay $50+ For A 'Premium' Reservation?!

The crowd at Coast Sushi Bucktown on a busy night. (Photo: Coast Sushi)

Online concierge newcomer Table Host hopes you do, and the owners want you to shell out the $$$ to them for hard-to-get seats at the likes of The Gage, Hot Chocolate and Coast Sushi.

Here's why they really launched this service, according to the site:

Tavernita's Stolen Dog Sculpture Possibly Spotted In A Craigslist Ad

Could it be him?!

It's possible that Tavernita's missing dog sculpture has not entirely disappeared after all.

If you recall, the story of the restaurant's beloved mascot, Pinxto, was first reported on Eater last week after it was stolen at a charity event. This totally looks like him in this Craigslist ad for a used bar cart. More interesting is that the dog is not for sale.

OK, I cannot believe I'm actually writing this story. Excuse me now while I go strangle myself . . .

Does Shin Thompson Have A Name For His New West Loop Restaurant Yet?!

Chef Shin Thompson's photo via ElIdeas.

I got this tip from an Ultimate Insider over the weekend:

"Not sure if Shin Thompson's restaurant name has leaked yet, but he applied for a liquor license under the name Roast at 952 W. Lake St."

If you remember, the Michelin star-rated chef left Bonsoiree over the summer to work on a new West Loop project with Gemini Bistro co-owner Ryan O'Donnell.

Does Au Cheval Have 'The Best New Burger in America'?!

Au Cheval burger via Bon Appetit.

The editors from Bon Appetit were in town over the weekend as the media sponsor for Chicago Gourmet, and they didn't waste time eating at all the new spots.

They apparently fell hard for trendy diner Au Cheval, and its burger, as noted in their blog:

There Were Some Very Big Winners At The Fifth-Annual 'Chicago Gourmet'

Luis Pedroza of Benny's Chophouse during Supreme Lobster's "oyster shucking" finale at Chicago Gourmet on Sunday. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

The secret ingredients of the three most winning-est restaurants of Chicago Gourmet: grilled watermelon, a metallic glove and bone marrow salt.

At the kickoff Hamburger Hop event on Friday, more than 1,000 guests gathered to chow down on 15 different burgers made from chefs around the city. The judges picked Yoshi's Cafe, whose executive chef/owner Yoshi Katsumura whipped up a burger of Allen Brothers Steaks' Wagyu beef, panko-crusted fried green tomato and pickle, Asian pear jam, brie cheese and micro wasabi. It was topped with smoky Asian style BBQ sauced, presented on a poppy seed brioche bun and complemented by that grilled watermelon on the side.

City's First-Ever Stuffed Waffle Sandwich Shop Should Be A Hit In River North This Fall

Bel 50's slow-roasted, all-natural BBQ pulled pork with smashed avocado, prosciutto, Brie, caramelized onions and fig chutney. (Photo: Bel 50)

Last year, everyone went wild over Waffles, the slick South Loop spot featuring the crispy treat in various flavors from green tea to Red Velvet.

Now comes Bel 50, which takes the concept a step further when it opens in October. Owned by restaurateur Tim Jandovitz and consulted by San Francisco-based chef Joey Altman, the River North eatery will specialize in gourmet waffle sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

According to Chef Altman, the secret weapon will be the actual waffle, which is "light, crisp and airy on the outside and soft on the inside" and "not sweet, but instead taste similar to textured country bread." Additionally, each waffle is 220 calories (also 27 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of sugar), and will also be available gluten free.

Here's a sample of what will be on the menu:

Paul Virant Set To Open 'Restaurant Within A Restaurant' Concept in 2013: Radler & D.A.S.

Chef Virant photo via Time Out.

Following a successful year and a half with his second restaurant, Perennial Virant, famed chef Paul Virant is on the move again. This time he's partnering with Vie Chef de Cuisine Nathan Sears and Adam Herbert for an awesome "restaurant within a restaurant" concept.

Radler—which plans to open in late spring/early summer 2013 in either Lincoln Park or Logan Square—pays homage to Sears' rich German heritage and Herbert's extensive travels to Germany. Radler will offer a Bavarian beer hall with German pub fare, and the more exclusive D.A.S. will be tucked inside. D.A.S. will also have a fine-dining chef's table with seating for eight to 10 guests.

How did the names come into play?!

Alain's Reopens Monday, Oct. 1 Following Recent Eviction Notice

Chef Alain Njike of Alain's Restaurant in the South Loop. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

Looks like it's business as usual for the Cameroonian-focused Alain's, the South Loop restaurant that was recently served with an eviction notice by its landlord.

According to Chicago magazine's Dish on the restaurant that's co-owned by Bears star Israel Idonije and former Charlie Trotter's alum Alain Njike: