'Transformers 4' Party Commences At Parliament

Parliament's rooftop offers a great view of Chicago's skyline. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)

I'm not much of a movie buff, so when I got a last-minute invitation to the private cast/crew party for Transformers 4: Age of Extinction, the only reason I accepted was because of its location. It was held Monday night at the hot new River North champagne lounge Parliament.

Of course I was excited about the possibility of meeting director Michael Bay (Who we met!), as well as stars Mark Wahlberg, Kelsey Grammer and Stanley Tucci, but I was even more excited about another bubbly bar in the area. The former home for the grimy Griffin Lounge had been successfully transformed into a luxury night spot that I could easily see myself hanging out in on a regular basis.

Trends: Filipino Cuisine

Pecking Order's roasted Cornish hen with slow-cooked white bean miso and ginger coconut sauce. (Photo: Pecking Order)

The September Details issue proclaims that Filipino cuisine is the next hot dining trend and highlights some of the top spots in the country.

Notably missing are Chicago restaurants—which shouldn't come as a surprise because when most folks think of Filipino food the Midwest isn't the first place they'd look.

Lite Bites: What Your Favorite Chefs & Mixologists Are Up To Around Town This Week

Four talented local toques gather at Tom Van Lente's TWO restaurant in West Town for a memorable, pork-focused feast. Van Lente, along with Derek Simcik (Atwood Cafe), Aaron Thebault (Girl & the Goat) and John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina), will create multiple courses from a whole Mangalitsa pig that will be paired with beer, wine and cocktails. Ninety bucks will get you smoked loin carpaccio, chile-smoked pork shoulder and pork fat buttermilk funnel cake. The event happens at 5pm Sept. 8 and a portion of the proceeds benefits charity.

September To Remember: Allium's All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken, 'Green Tie Ball,' & More

Yowsa! A basket of Allium's all-you-can-eat buttermilk fried chicken deal. (Photo: Allium)

Just when you thought the coast was clear and all that awesome eating you did over the Labor Day weekend was a thing of the past, this happens.

In time to fete fall's return, Allium re-introduces its weekly all-you-can-eat buttermilk fried chicken special. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, Executive Chef Kevin Hickey brings back his yardbird special that comes with a wedge salad, sweet corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuit. Dessert is house-made peach pie with blueberry ice cream. It's $38 per person during lunch and dinner every Tuesday throughout September. Get it while it's hot!

Hot List: The Best Spots To Take Kids In Chicago

Photo via Delectably Chic.

Little kids can sometimes get out of control, but that's OK because that's what kids DO. But since not every establishment or diners relish in their growing pains (see story here), thank goodness for those that embrace the concept.

Brendan Sodikoff Drops 'Deli' Concept In Dillman's

Dillman's interior (Photo: Dillman's)

New River North eatery Dillman's has been open for less than two weeks and principle owner Brendan Sodikoff is already making changes. He admits that his vision for a contemporary deli concept has been lost on some customers, so he'll be "dropping the use of the word delicatessen in association with Dillman's," effective immediately.

He added, in a message to 312DD:

So Very, Very Hot Right Now.

Michael Carlson photo via the Chicago Tribune

I should have known something was up when Juno partner Jason Chan gushed out of the blue Wednesday that Schwa owner/chef Michael Carlson stopped by his restaurant to drop off lunch for his staff. That certainly isn't in character of the elusive chef, so of course I was right on the money.

A Bang Bang Pie Shop Backyard Benefit

Bang Bang Pie Shop's Lavender Coconut Cream Pie. (Photo: Bang Bang Pie Shop)

Logan Square's Bang Bang Pie Shop teams up with Growing Home for a fundraiser that sounds like a ton of fun on its backyard patio.

They've gotten together some of the best folks on the local cocktail and culinary scenes for a family-style dinner party 5-8pm Sept. 15. Here's what to expect for a $65 (or more!) donation: