Dine with Art Smith—on NBC—for free!

Those of you pissed because of how hard it is to get a primo reso at Art Smith's glorious, down-home haunt Table Fifty-Two will be happy to know he's expanding into the space next door sometime this spring or summer. Hopefully, that'll make getting in easier!

In the meantime, we've come across something even cooler: a free lunch with Chicago's top adopted toque himself, hosted by NBCChicago.com on April 27.

Getting in is surprisingly simple. All you have to do is sign onto NBCChicago.com and answer a series of locally focused questions. Then you just might be one of the lucky 160 winners of the "golden lunch ticket" to enjoy what's certain to be a marvelous meal featuring Smith's signature dishes.

Winners will be notified of the secret location on the day of the event.

District Bar soft opens Wednesday

District's semi-private VIP room. (Photo: The District)


Looks like District Bar is finally making its presence known.

Maven's hosting a "private" sneak-peek party Wednesday at this long-awaited River North spot that wants to be it all: speakeasy (enter through a faux bookcase), sports bar (40 flat screens tuned into the games) and hip dining eatery (menu items like soft-shell crab "BLT," a deconstructed gyro with lamb carpaccio, and grilled proscuitto flatbread are mighty intriguing).

Decide for yourself at the Haute Pursuit party, which includes cocktails and samplings from the menu. 6-8:30pm $20 (members); $30 (non-members). Proceeds benefit PAVE (Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment).

EXCLUSIVE: Spiaggia buys dinner for ENTIRE dining room!

(Photo: Jeff Kauck)


We should've all been at Spiaggia last night . . .

This just dropped in my mailbag:

"On a rainy Chicago evening, something extraordinary happened to a collection of restaurant patrons. Last night (April 13) the nearly full Spiaggia restaurant celebrated its 25th birthday by surprising guests and buying their dinner. Sixty guests composed of regular clientele, friends and Spiaggia newcomers received a message of thanks for their support and patronage in lieu of a bill at Chicago’s only four-star Italian restaurant, among them a 96-year-old woman who has frequented Spiaggia for 25 years.

"James Beard award-winning chef/owner Tony Mantuano shared Spiaggia’s birthday with other milestone occasions of guests in attendance, including 40th and 60th birthday parties and a wedding anniversary."

The comped dinners marked the launch of a series of surprise gifts that will be offered at Spiaggia thoughout the year. Expect these type of generous surprises to happen on the 13th and 25th days of the month—13 symbolizing Spiaggia’s actual birthday and 25 to commemorate 25 years of service.

Who knows?! You may be next!

Weekend Tweet Beat

Stephanie Izard of The Drunken Goat (Photo: Stephanie Izard)


What were Chicago's top chefs up to this weekend?! 312DD checks out their Twitter accounts:

Grant Achatz (Alinea): “42 preordered Tour menus tonight about 50% covers. Check average w/wine+tax+tip will be $500/pp.”

Curtis Duffy (Avenues: “Just finished a great meal at The Bristol with great friend (chef) Phillip Foss (Lockwood)!”

Stephanie Izard (The Drunken Goat): "Heading to Walla Walla, Wash., today to make The Drunken Goat wines (red and white blends) for the new restaurant!"

Mark Mendez (Carnivale): "Brainstorming asparagus dishes, most of what I think of has been done, even though I know it tastes good."

Giuseppe Tentori (Boka): "Thinking about peas, morels, and pig tail or feet."

The Hunt . . .

. . . is on for colorful eggs and Easter brunches this weekend, but also for the hot hangouts:

THURSDAY

New York's top turntable temptress DJ Kiss (Goldbar NYC; Studio 54 Vegas) is back in the Chi, this time spinning her special brand of mixes at The Outfit's weekly Manor party. 9pm-2am (she goes on at 11pm). Cover varies.

Deep house maestro Miguel Migs (a.k.a. Petalpusher) takes the reigns at Crescendo for a party that's perfect for the bottle-service crowd. 9pm-2am. Cover varies.

Fashion fiends, get ready. Julia Failey's at Pivot (1101 W. Fulton Market, 312-243-4754), showcasing her jewelry collection along with the store's 50-plus, sexy, eco-friendly frocks. Her line's also 20 percent off today. Guests will also indulge in organic wine and snacks from Green Grocer and Bleeding Heart Bakery. 5:30-8:30pm. No cover.

Mark Caparone of Caparone Vineyards in Paso Robles, Calif., hosts a special tasting at Red & White. The small family winery has been making wines—with an emphasis on Italian reds—for 30 years, so this should be a good one. 6:30-8pm. Free.

FRIDAY

Tonight's debut of Infinity Presents...Bliss should get your Good Friday off to an amazing start with DJ Vince Adams at the helm. Happening at Green Dolphin Street, the after-work party includes live music, comedy and more. Of course, DJ VA throws down soul, hip-hop and house as he always does. Time to scrub da ground! 5-11pm.



New York spin siren DJ Kiss spins at Manor Thursday. (Photo: DJ Kiss)


Another great bet on Good Friday is the deal at Nacional 27, where guests get a comped Ahi tuna and watermelon ceviche appetizer with dinner. And if you join the restaurant's Facebook group, you'll also be treated to a free mini mojito (print out invite). 5-8pm. No cover.

SUB 51 goes Hollywood this weekend with the smooth stylings of DJ Morse Code. He rocked the house during his performance back in February, so this is something to definitely check out. 10pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Yet another L.A. deejay spins this weekend. They're hosting Rick Rude (Hyde, L.A.; Body English, Las Vegas) over at Lumen. Expect mashups and the usual shenanigans, but Genuine Entertainment's parties are fun and full of pretty peeps (and we don't mean those Easter candies!). 9pm-3am. $20.

And can you believe Sound-Bar's been around for five effing years?! Tonight, the club celebrates with a live performance by Euro dance sensation Erika ("Relations," "I Don't Know," "Ditto"). Get there early for the comped cocktail reception (10-11:30pm), and extend that service until 1am for $35. 9pm-5am.

It ain't happening, folks . . .

(Photo: Hot Doug Drop)


Sorry I got everyone all worked up about the possibility of Hot Doug's being delivered to the Loop.

Owner Doug Sohn has sadly shut down the idea, according to Drive-Thru.

At least for the time being . . .

Get it together, please . . .

(Photo: www.stevenjohnsonphotography.com)


West Loop newcomer The Grocery Bistro, a casual concept by chef Andre Christopher (Japonais, Pops for Champagne, one sixtyblue), is catching heat from Zagat's commenters:

"The decor sums it up - cute on the surface, but upon closer inspection cheap and not very well put together. Menu was blue cheese heavy and fresh veg light. Staff was easy on the eyes but sloppy with the service. Will not return. Bummer."

"Tried to make reservations last week and couldn't get a call back - left multiple messages. Won't try again."

Dude, this is your wake-up call. Answer it!

Ben's still in!

Ben Walanka, executive sous chef at Rhapsody (Photo: FOX)


So, we haven't checked in lately with our hometown hero Ben Walanka, Rhapsody's colorful exec sous chef who's still holding it down on Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen.

If you need to get caught up on episodes, check here. The next show airs at 8pm CST on FOX, so you'll be all caught up just in time!