'This place rocks!'

That comes from singer/songwriter Richard Marx (remember him?!), who dined at just opened Italian eatery Frankie's Scaloppine (900 N. Michigan Ave. 312-266-2500) in the Gold Coast, reports Stella's Column. Also, Frankie's Scaloppine has a "celebrity wall," so it will be interesting to see who signs it. Check it out when you stop in the 900 Shops.

Big props for a South Side chef

(Photo: BJ's Market & Bakery)

BJ's Market & Bakery (8734 S. Stony Island Ave., 773-374-4700) owner/chef John Meyer becomes the Illinois Restaurant Association's first-ever African-American president. Writer Chuck Sudo uncovers where his amazingly tasty soul food originates.

Right about now, I wish I had a slice of his gooey sweet banana pudding in front of me. Mmmmmmmm!

No Starbucks?! Have no fear . . .

If you're one of those who needs your Starbucks fix in the evening, you probably already know that all stores across the country will be closed for training tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 26) at 5:30pm.

But have no fear. Your local coffeehouse is here for you. Get on it.

Get your party on . . .

(Photo: Darkroom Demons)


Local spin star Tommie Sunshine played Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark St., 773-549-0203) over the weekend, and Darkroom Demons was there to shoot all the late-night naughtiness. Who says Smart Bar still isn't the ish?!

Vegetarians need love too during 'Restaurant Week'

An inquiring foodie wants to know which restaurants are keeping vegetarians in mind during this first-ever Chicago Restaurant Week.

Related: And just because he wasn't on the official list of participants doesn't mean that Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar chef/owner Didier Durand can't take advantage of the foodie-driven week. Through March 2, his authentic French bistro is celebrating the region of Provence with bottles of red, white and rosé available for $20.08 when you order their four-course menu at $31.95. My fave? The braised beef bourguignon with olives and plum tomatoes in a Bandol red wine sauce. 546 N. Wells St., 312-467-0546.

WTF?!

Time Out Chicago reports that Natalino’s (1523 W. Chicago Ave., 312-997-3700) in Ukrainian Village got its windows shot out on the day it was supposed to open for a supposed "chef stealing" incident. Now that's gangster.

Deal of the day . . .

Bistro 110's (110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110) Sommelier for a Day returns, so you know what that means. It's time to help the delightful French eatery pick a wine for its spring menu.

Four times a year Bistro 110 hosts this event that turns the tables allowing diners to pick their favorite vinos, and tonight it's all about red Mediterranean wines, with the best of Greece, Italy, France and Spain.

For the event, Executive Chef Dominique Tougne will serve hors d’oeuvres, including braised short ribs, pulled duck confit pizza, mini steak au poivre with mashed potatoes, tuna tartare with Dijon mustard, spicy mini crab cakes, cheese and charcuterie, mini crème brûlées, chocolate mousse and mini apple tarts. Tonight 6-8pm. $35 for Levy Preferred guests; $45 general admission.

Chillin' with a bowl of chili

Any day now we should expect Cinner's Chili Parlour & Cocktail Lounge (4757 N. Talman Ave., 773-654-1624) to make its debut in Lincoln Square. We're hearing that it'll be in early March, but I'm gonna go with at least mid-March. They've also added vegetarian items to the menu, including Nutty Spaghetti with a spicy peanut sauce, broccoli, carrots and mushrooms as well as Mt. Healthy, two slices of "meatlessloaf" with broccoli and carrots.

Hey, but if you want that chili fix right now, here are a bunch of my faves:

Chili Mac's (3152 N. Broadway, 773-404-2898). The hoppin' Lakeview joint has made a name for itself for its 5-Way Chili that you can get in original Cincinnati, Texas Hot Jailhouse, vegetarian or turkey.

Halsted's Bar & Grill (3441 N Halsted St., 773-348-9696). Their jumbo bowl of Chicago Stadium Turkey Chili has just the right spice, with lean ground turkey and black beans topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Karyn's Cooked (738 N. Wells St., 312-587-1050). Vegetarians can chow down too at this River North spot with the perfect meatless chili that is served with a side of steaming hot cornbread.

Luxbar (18 E Bellevue Pl., 312-642-3400). Head to the Gold Coast for a nice comforting bowl of Steak & Black Bean Chili. Get it five ways with macaroni, cheddar, japapenos, onions and sour cream. And for an extra few bucks, you can also get two Gold Coast sliders like a Kobe burger, buttermilk fried chicken or turkey burger.

Minnies (1969 N. Halsted St., 312-943-9900). The cheery cafe specializes in all things small, so order your tiny bowl of chili to accompany your favorite tiny sandwiches like the tenderloin, grilled cheese or grilled veggie Minnie.

Silver Cloud (1700 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-6212). They've got regular chili on the entree menu, but this Bucktown bar is most famous for its appetizer portion of Frito Pie, with the Fritos baked in their homemade chili and cheese.