The first 'review' is in!

Asian "meatball" sandwich jammed with lemongrass, fish sauce and mint. (Photo: Steve Dolinsky)


Belly Shack's only been open since noon today (Tuesday), and ABC's Steve The Hungry Hound Dolinsky's already dropped by and hooked up a review on his Twitter page:

"Super-bold flavors at Belly Shack. Asian 'meatball' sandwich jammed w/lemongrass, fish sauce, mint."

Now that Dolinsky's already been through expect a little madness of likes of Rick Bayless's Xoco . . .

Wings . . . and Other Tasty Things . . .

Rockit's WingFest continues through Oct. 23 at both locations. (Photo: Rockit Bar & Grill)


Man, this week is busy!

Belly Shack, Bill Kim's sensational Asian-focused sequel to last year's Urban Belly, opens in Humboldt Park today.

Also, the annual WingFest, hosted by Rockit Bar & Grill, continues through Oct. 23 at the River North and Wrigleyville locations. For $10, you'll be treated to a dozen of executive chef James Gottwald's favorite taste profiles, including the decadent truffle butter tossed chicken wings paired with foie gras gravy; ultra-tangy wings drizzled in pomegranate and port wine reduction with mango dipping sauce; and the Asian-inspired wings with sweet chili lime and soy sauce.

Head over to STATE AND LAKE and check out the new fall lineup of beers, which includes 16 on tap, 20 by the bottle and three new $7 flights. For the flights, you'll get three five-ounce pours when you choose All Hopped Up (Avery Brewing Co., IPA; Surly, Furious Dry Hop Pale Ale; Founders, Red Rye Pale Ale), Autumn in the Loop (Great Lakes, “Nosferatu,” Red Ale; Two Brothers, Cane and Ebel, Red Rye; Founders, Porter) or For the Love of Beer (Two Brothers, French Country Ale; Goose Island, Matilda; Left Hand, Milk Stout).


Neo-Soul star N'Dambi performs songs from new album, "Pink Elephant," at Rumba Wednesday.


More beer's on tap at Socca with the All About Beer dinner taking place Wednesday. You'll get seven beers paired with seven courses for $50, beginning with sausage-stuffed clams paired with Dogfish Head IPA and culminating in a dessert of sauteed heirloom apples with oatmeal cookie crumble and caramel gelato complemented by a "surprise" beer that's light and crisp. Reception starts at 6:30pm. Reservations required.

It'll be a roomful of stylish folks at the 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave.) for the official kickoff of Fashion Focus Chicago, the city's answer to New York Fashion Week. RSVP to boom@expagency.com for the glamorous gathering that includes cocktails, passed appetizers from the likes of Sunda, Bull & Bear and Old Town Social, plus sounds by the fabulously flamboyant DJ Rock City. 6-8pm Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, it's finally time for the Final Four of the Sweet 16 of Mixology contest that's been going on since the spring. Charles Joly (The Drawing Room) takes on Zach Friedlander (Relax Lounge) in a freestyle cocktail competition at Landmark. You get to be the judge! Complimentary appetizers. 6:30-7:30pm. Free.

And finally, we cannot begin to tell you how excited we are about N'Dambi coming to town. The sultry Neo-Soul star will perform songs from Pink Elephant—just released earlier in the month—at Rumba on Wednesday. Steve "Miggedy" Maestro spins soul, R&B and hip-hop. 8pm-2am. $12.

Stage Bites: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

Usman Alley as Macedonio Guerra in "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" at Victory Gardens. (Photo: Victory Gardens)


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:


Cotton Patch Gospel at Provision Theater. You've only got a few weeks to check out this award-winning musical set to bluegrass. Through Nov. 8. Get tickets here.

Kohan Japanese Restaurant. You'll find an extensive list of sushi specialties, so best bet is to order the Omakase Boat ($34) for two, which comes with the chef's choice of five pieces of premium nigiri, seven pieces sashimi and a signature Caterpillar roll. Also: $5 martinis and cocktails Friday and Saturday; $3 12 oz Japanese beer Sunday.

Tufano's Vernon Park Tap: Got a big group? Tell 'em you're dining "family style" at this classic mom-and-pop Italian eatery and your bill will likely be less than $25 per person. Cash only.


The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater. Hip-hop, racial identity and pro wrestling clash in this dazzling performance closing on Nov. 1. Also, winner of the 2009 Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award. Get tickets here.

Gemini Bistro: In an area full of super casual options, Jason Paskewitz's semi-upscale newcomer comes as a nice surprise. Neighborhood favorites in this months-old spot include the duck confit nachos ($11), a creamy risotto (get generous half order for $10) and organic chicken with crispy skin for $17. It's four blocks away, so luckily they offer valet service.

Smoke Shack: Located only a block from the theater, this BYO BBQ joint is definitely worth the walk (especially if you're driving and don't want to move your car). It's open until 5am on weekends, so you don't have to rush right over immediately after the show. Your best bet is to order Taste of Smoke Shack ($15.75), which comes with two St. Louis ribs, two baby back ribs, 1/2 pulled pork, 1/2 brisket and Argentine chorizo with chimichurri.

Soiree: Get half off on appetizers (including grilled calamari, sauteed shrimp, eggrolls, sausage and peppers), as well as $3 beer and $5 cocktail specials every Friday and Saturday. Deejays spin on weekends.


Salem! The Musical at Annoyance Theatre. The bewitching musical set in the Puritan town of Salem in 1692 is ideal for your pre-Halloween celebration. Oct. 23 and 30. Get tickets here.

Demera: Dine messob, the traditional Ethiopian communal dining experience, in order to sample several items from the menu, including lamb, beef, chicken and salmon. Choose from vegetarian messob ($25.95 for six portions for two); meat massob ($28.95 for six portions for two); or family style so four to five people can chow down for only $14.50 per person.

Fat Cat: Fridays wouldn't be the same without at least one fish fry, right?! They're doing an all-you-can-eat deal that comes with Icelandic cod dipped in Rogue Dead Guy Ale beer batter and served with a baked potato or hand-cut fries and slaw. $11.95.

Fiesta Mexicana: Most items are under $10 at this Uptown fave, but we especially love the idea of Super Tacos in a double tortilla. Choose from chunks of pan-fried pork, grilled skirt steak, or steamed pot roast with guacamole and pico de gallo.

What You Did Not See on the Season Premiere of 'Check, Please!'

Blue 13's staff: Publicist Stu Mitchell (from left), manager Paul Martinez, executive chef/owner Chris Curren and owner Dan Marunowski. (Photo: Chris Curren)


One of the guest reviewers on the season nine premiere of Check, Please! flipped out so much over the food at edgy River North newcomer Blue 13 that the crew had to stop filming.

According to sources, the crew had to halt the segment because the reviewer's account was very explicitly detailed about the effect his meal had on him. Apparently, said our source, "The mac 'n' cheese was so good that as soon as dinner was over, he went back to the car with his then girlfriend (now fiancée) and banged her brains out."

Once they got him to tone down his comments, the cameras rolled again.

But what's in this mac 'n' cheese, you ask, that got ol' boy so worked up?! Owner Dan Marunowski says maybe it has to do with the white truffle oil that exec chef Chris Curren's dripping over the entree.

"We have a huge popularity from the mac 'n' cheese," said Marunowski, "but this is the first time I've seen it have this effect on someone."

If this mac 'n' cheese is that good—and leads to a guy putting a ring on it—the staff at Blue 13 needs to bottle it up and sell it!

Watch the "G"-rated version of the Blue 13 review here.

Waverly Inn Chef In; Pops for Champagne Chef Out

John DeLucie, executive chef/partner at NYC's Waverly Inn, appears at a booksigning event at Rockit Bar & Grill Oct. 22. (Photo: John DeLucie)


You probably heard about that $55 white truffle mac 'n' cheese made infamous at New York's Waverly Inn, and here's your chance to sample it for free!

Chef/partner John DeLucie will be in town Oct. 22 signing copies of his bestseller, The Hunger, at Rockit Bar & Grill.

The book is a behind-the-scenes look into his experiences cooking at Greenwich Village’s notorious paparazzi-stalked dining destination. In addition to cocktails comped by small batch bourbon whiskey Basil Hayden, guests will get to nosh on some of DeLucie’s most famous bites, including mini pot pies, cheese tarts with onion marmalade, and of course the signature mac 'n' cheese.

The party's 7-9pm and all you have to do to get in is email VIP@rockitranch.com.

In local chef news, Pops for Champagne exec chef Andrew Brochu (whose background includes cooking at Alinea) is out as of Wednesday, according to an Ultimate Insider. The new fall menu he just introduced will remain the same, now engineered by his sous chef.

And finally, The Drunken Goat's chef/owner Stephanie Izard takes a trip down to Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign, Ill., to taste some amazing goat cheese!

Weekend Cannot Get Any Sweeter Than This . . .

Saturday is Sweetest Day. Do you have plans yet?!

If not, allow 312DD to pub some of our favorite spots when it comes to a little romance. Plus, if you're feeling a little philanthropic, these restos as well as 100 more are participating in the In Good Taste: A Breast Cancer Research Initiative sponsored by the Lynn Sage Foundation. One dollar from each check benefits the worthy organization.

Gold Coast gem Le Colonial offers an amazing prix fixe menu Saturday for $50 per person. You'll get an appetizer, entrée, dessert and glass of cava.

Also, we love the Thali Platter at exotic Uptown eatery Marigold Indian Restaurant. It comes with three tasting portions of curries paired with naan and basmati rice. We highly recommend the succulent Lamb Vindaloo and Murg Makhni (boneless spiced chicken simmered in tomato cream sauce).

And those looking for late-night cocktails should head to Perennial's picturesque corner lounge in Lincoln Park. Just sink into one of the many colorful sofas and indulge in a tasty B2, made with Basil's Hayden bourbon, basil-infused simple syrup and a touch of orange bitters.

Single or going steady . . . there's plenty to do this weekend . . . .

THURSDAY

A little Spanish flavor goes a long way at Eivissa, where you can enjoy half-price tapas (4-6pm), $5 caipirinhas and $3 mojitos every Thursday. Bonus: Live Latin band, too! 4pm-2am.

Chaise Lounge just introduced its regional cocktail series, so you'll be able to savor a number of seasonal sippers this fall. Every Tuesday and Thursday they're doing $5 drink specials made from housemade syrups, sweeteners and sour mixes.

Jerrod Melman—the colorful co-owner of HUB 51—kicks off his three-day birthday bash tonight with deejays JEM and NYC's finest KISS. Local spin star DANTE the DON works the tables Friday, and DJ KONSEPT performs Saturday. No cover, but reservations are strongly recommended at SUB51@leye.com. 9pm-2am.

Learn more about biodynamic wines during a tasting at Webster Wine Bar. Ales Kristancic and Giusto Occhipinti will be pouring rare, artisinal wines (red, white and sparkling) and speaking about their respective domaines: MOVIA, in Slovenia, and COS, in Sicily. 9pm. $35.

Late-meal seekers should love the new deal over at Tocco. They're offering half price on all pizzas and $5 martinis every Thursday at 10pm. We hear the ones to get are the signature Margherita, vegetarian (with mozzarella and fresh veggies) and prosciutto e funghi.


New York's DJ KISS spins at HUB 51 Thursday for owner Jerrod Melman's birthday. (Photo: DJ KISS)


FRIDAY

Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival returns to Bucktown—where it belongs. The three-day fest kicks off with an opening party tonight at Blu Coral Sushi for free appetizers and $2 domestic/$3 imported beer in the lounge. $20 for a weekend pass.

Deals galore happening over at 44th Ward Dinner Party, which is doing half price on appetizers, soups and salads through Sunday. Also, bingo!

SUNDAY

Those heading over to Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival should first hit up Francesca’s Forno for brunch. You'll find a number of breakfast classics tweaked with Italian accents, including Truffled Egg Toast, a house-cured pancetta with coddled yolk, fontina cheese and mixed greens from northern Italy. The Italian-born chef, Massimo Salatino, has managed to include favorite dishes from every region in Italy. 10am-3pm.

MONDAY

Today kicks off Rioja Wine Week, and Nacional 27 gets in the mix with a number of events happening through Oct. 24. They're doing paella pairings (Suckling Pig and Roast Organic Chicken Paella!), vibrant rioja-based sangrias, wine flights and other deals throughout the week.

And also happening through Oct. 24 is Sofitel’s Vietnamese Week at Cafe des Architectes. It's to celebrate the launch of Sofitel Legend and the premier property, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, in Vietnam. The three-course dinner menu ($35; $45 with wine pairings) includes traditional fare like Saigonese chicken salad, hue prawns on lemongrass and beef cooked seven different styles—an old Vietnamese recipe used previously to cook tiger meat. Le Bar will also have a Vietnamese appetizer.

Bandoleros, Former BIN 36 Chef Involved in Pasha

The Bandoleros are partners in new Randolph Street restaurant Pasha. (Photo: Pasha)


We're expecting big things from Randolph Street newcomer and globally inspired eatery Pasha, now that Daniel Marquis, a former chef at BIN 36, Bistro 110 and Sushi Samba rio is on board.

Set to open Oct. 22 (with grand opening events through Oct. 25), Pasha's owned in part by Latin band Bandoleros and manager Ron Levine, who will certainly keep the scene lively on the regular.

$1,250 gets you closer to the Mole Master . . .

Frontera Grill's Rick Bayless


Just last week, we ran into a guy at RL who was a deadringer for Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco), which reminded me that I needed to write something about this cool event kicking off next week:

The 86 Hunger dinner series brings together Food Depository supporters and some high-profile local chefs to end hungry in our community.

The event kicks off Oct. 21 with a special VIP experience with Bayless—which starts in his magnificent Bucktown garden. The $1,250 package also includes transportation to Frontera Grill, where guests will get to watch the master in his test kitchen and dine in the private room. From 5-9pm you'll get to nosh from a multi-course tasting menu of signature Mexican bites.

If that pricetag's too steep, join Jackie Shen's party at Red Light 6-10pm Oct. 26, where she'll host a family-style dinner of tasty Asian delights. It ends with one of the best desserts we've seen in a long time: her semi-sweet chocolate bag with chocolate mousse, fresh berries and raspberry sauce. $150.

On Oct. 28, new Custom House exec chef Aaron Deal plans to wow guests with a seasonal menu of hearty fare such as a decadent pumpkin lobster bisque, stone crab and an all-natural beef entree. 6-10pm. $150.

Long-time philanthropists Susan and Drew Goss do their part at neighborhood gem West Town Tavern, with homey dishes like country ham-wrapped turkey breast paired with cheddar corn grits and red eye gravy. Also, everything's paired with wine and signature cocktails. 5:30-9:30pm Nov. 8. $150.

At BOKA's event, taking place Nov. 10, Giuseppe Tentori plans to do four amazing courses, including a braised short rib with grilled carrot sauce and crispy polenta. 6-10pm. $150.

And Restaurant Michael, the only suburban spot on the list, offers an interactive experience in its Winnetka home. Guests will get to choose from a number of dishes from chef Michael Lachowicz's five-course menu, but we're totally feeling the breast of Guinea hen stuffed with savory bread pudding. Paired with cocktails. That's 6-10pm Nov. 18. $150.