$5 Burker Week Returns to Primehouse!

Primehouse's 40-day, dry-aged signature burger is only available for $5 for a limited time. (Photo: David Burke's Primehouse)


I know exactly where I'll be next week.

Primehouse brings back its ridiculously cheap promo for the Burker—a 40-day, dry-aged burger that comes with a multitude of tasty toppings.

Exec Chef Rick Gresh offers the limited-edition burger for $5 (regularly $12) only once or twice a year. For an additional $5, you can hook it up with a number of "ultimate toppings," including housemade ketchup, red onion pickles, caramelized onions and smoked bacon. Or, make it a Big Poppa Burker with decadent toppers like lobster slaw, Oscar (crab, asparagus and hollandaise), "angry" shrimp or a fried egg.

He's also added a $5 BBQ chicken burger to the menu, plus the more adventurous diner can chow down on the pastrami or shrimp & chorizo burger ($7 and $9 respectively).

Burker Week goes down Nov. 9-13 during lunch only. Reservations strongly recommended.

Nightlife Kingpin, Master Sommelier Make Crain's 40 Under 40 List

Fernando Beteta, master sommelier/wine director at NoMI (Photo: NoMI)


Matt Eisler, president of Empire Holding Co. (Angels & Kings, Nightwood, Empire Liquors, Bar DeVille), was the only restaurateur/nightclub owner to make Crain's prestigious annual 40 Under 40 list.

Check out his profile here.


And NoMI's Fernando Beteta—the only wine professional on the list—caught the mag's attention for his "keen sense of smell and finely honed palate . . . and also his diverse background that propelled him to be named earlier this year to the Court of Master Sommeliers, of which there are only 171 members worldwide."

His profile can be found here.

Pinot Days are Back!

Just the thought of sampling amazing wines for four straight hours gets us excited.

Pinot Days—the city's largest pinot wine festival—returns to Navy Pier and you don't want to miss it.

Expect more than 50 pinot producers to be on hand, pouring more than 300 different vinos to hundreds of enthusiasts. Plus, you'll even get to taste the newly released 2007 vintage, which is being called the best in decades. You'll also get to meet the winemakers and winery owners, so everything you've ever wanted to know about wine will finally be answered. Some of the exhibitors include local gems BIN 36 and Juicy Wine Co., who've created their own signature pinots.

And yay! 312DD readers get a discount! You'll get 10 percent off when you enter the code DININGDIVAC09 when ordering tickets here.

Pinot Days is 1-5pm Nov. 14. $50.

Stage Bites: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

"Young Frankenstein: The Musical!" is on stage at Cadillac Palace Theater through Dec. 13. (Photo: Paul Kolnik)


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

1512 West Studebaker Place at Prop Thtr. Brain Surgeon Theater's production explores how 11 desperate tenants during the Great Depression refused to leave their home on Studebaker. Through Nov. 22 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays). Get tickets here.

Little Bucharest Bistro. The vivacious late-night eatery offers traditional Romanian fare and live accordion. You'll also find share-able plates of charcuterie, flatbreads, herbed fries and a baked crab paprikash spinach dip served with garlic pita. Open until 2am on weekends.

Kuma’s Corner. What the hell are BBQ pork fries?! It's no surprise that you'll find them on this rockin' bar's menu, which is best known for its kick-ass burgers. Also, make sure you get a heaping of the make-your-own mac and cheese, and drop in your fave ingredients. Choose frrom bacon, prosciutto, andouille, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and sweet corn.


The dining room at Mercadito, new Latin offering in River North. (Photo: Mercadito)


Gavin Rossdale at House of Blues. Former lead guitarist of Bush—who's also known as hubby of the fabulous Gwen Stefani—is set to headline this show also featuring local rockers The Lovehammers. Nov. 5 at 5pm. Get tickets here. Rossdale also hosts a swingin' post-party at Underground.

a mano. We love the wood-oven pizzas here, and every Thursday they're $5 all day. Best of show: fennel sausage, buffalo mozzarella or wild mushrooms (which comes with hazelnuts and truffle oil).

Mercadito. The taco tasting menu unsurprisingly is the most popular offering at this festive Mexican restaurant and lounge. Feast on four mini tacos, and choose from rosemary marinated organic skirt steak, beer-battered Mahi Mahi, herb-marinated chicken or the extra-yummy black bean hash.


Young Frankenstein at Cadillac Palace Theater. Halloween 's spirit lives on (it's alive!) through this monstrous musical based on the classic film, with new Broadway numbers Transylvania Mania, He Vas My Boyfriend and Puttin' on the Ritz. Nov. 3-Dec 13 (Tuesdays-Sundays). Get tickets here.

312 Chicago. How easy is this?! The classic Italian restaurant's adjacent to the theater, so you won't have to rush. They've even created two special pre-fixe menus ($25 or $35) to make your choices drama free. If you're not into pre-fixe, we'll make it even easier for you: Order the risotto of the day. It's definitely a winner!

Berry Chill. Before you hit up the show, hit up the froyo fave on LaSalle Street for a two-for-one deal when you mention 312DD. Choose from bowls of frozen yogurt, or the signature BC Blast and BC Blender.

Bartenders Who Rock!

Todd Appel of Crimson Lounge. (Photo: Clubline)


Season Two of On The Rocks—a mixologist competition in the spirit of Top Chef—debuts Nov. 7 on NBC right after Saturday Night Live.

I know none of you guys are home at that time, but this year try to DVR it because two of Chicago's very own will be shaking things up.

Jennifer Contraveos (Mercadito) and Todd Appel (Crimson Lounge) will be two of eight participants competing for the title of America's Top Bartender and a $100,000 prize.

Shot on location in Las Vegas, the contestants are judged through a series of challenges that test their skills, knowledge and talent behind the bar.

You can also check out videos of Jennifer and Todd.

Do you love it?!

The Facial Hair Affair at Blue 13

Week one of Blue 13 chef Chris Curren's ever-growing beard (Photo: Chris Curren)


What started as a dare has transformed into a full-on hairy situation as Blue 13 executive chef/partner Chris Curren's letting his beard grow and grow and grow.

But the hard-rockin', tatted-up chef's doing it for a good cause, as a tribute to his late Uncle Rick, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer earlier this year. The restaurant has partnered with the American Cancer Society to raise money for research during the next three months.

Curren is growing his beard as part of The Facial Hair Affair, and he'll post photos of his progress here.

You can also stop by the resto and check him out in person. Tuesday through Tuesday, they're giving away a Tweet Treat to followers (which could be a free cocktail or half-off on apps like the infamous mac n cheese); also half-priced bottles of wine on Tuesdays; and Sundays are reserved for the $20 family-style dinner.

Cannot wait to see what he looks like next week!

Who Gon Check Me, Boo?!

Whether you dress up as a Real Housewives of Atlanta character or one of the many recently deceased celebrities from the summer of '09 for Halloween, I'm sure you're going to look absolutely dreadful—which is a good thing.

If you get your costume together early enough on Saturday, join the festivities for the first-ever Wicker Park Halloween Prowl, beginning at noon.

The Collaboraction Theatre Co. kicks off the madness at the Polish Triangle (Ashland, Milwaukee and Division) with a theatrical procession of dancers, actors, musicians, vampires and mummies, who'll travel to businesses throughout the area.

Of course, it's free, and you can even bring the kids to this one!

Looking for the best nighttime fright fests?! You know I've got you covered:

THURSDAY

If you're single and ready to mingle, grab your buddies and head over to Sheffield's for the annual pumpkin carving party. All you have to do is show up because they're supplying the pumpkins for free! Do your best work now because Sheffield's will be displaying them throughout the bar. Starts at 5pm tonight through Saturday. Free.

FRIDAY

This is definitely a treat for the adults! The team from Twisted Oak Winery makes an appearance at the University Village LUSH for a special release party for River of Skulls, a limited-edition Syrah blend. In addition to the tasting, you'll get snacks, rubber chickens and staffers dressed up in pirate costumes. 6-9pm. $40, but RSVP recommended.

The Soooooooul Train Halloween costume party goes down at Shrine, and you don't want to miss out. NYC's Mick Boogie spins enough funky fare to keep you on the dance floor all night. 9pm-2am. Get $10 advance tickets here.

SATURDAY

Division Ale House's going all out with a Halloween-themed brunch for Saturday only. You'll get to choose from pumpkin-and-pecan pancakes, Mummy Dogs with "vampire" dip, or spicy ketchup, plus a special Witches Brew cocktail made from Captain Morgan rum, Chambord and Midori. Also, $7 build-your-own Bloody Marys, breakfast risotto and Grand Marnier French toast. 11am-2:30pm.

If you think the North Halsted Street Halloween Parade is out of control, maybe you should check out the 29th annual Halloween Tavern Tour this year on the Gold Coast. The madness begins at noon at Streeters, then travels to a bunch of bars in the neighborhood, including Blue Agave. Free (drinks on you).

Experience Sunda's first-ever Dim Sum in the Dark, as guests will be treated to a selection of dim sum items in a sophisticated, darkened, candle-lit room. Share-able items (all for $8.88) include crab pot stickers, Har Gow (shrimp-filled dumplings), BBQ duck legs, steamed Chilean sea bass and five spice chicken wings. The regular menu will be offered as well.

Get ready for a 3-D Creature Feature-themed bash at Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club as it's transformed into an eerie eatery. All guests will get comp 3-D glasses and popcorn (garlic, blood red caramel corn and spiced pumpkin) to watch a number of frightening films on five jumbo screens. Of course, they're also doing drink and dinner specials, plus a costume contest (312DD's a judge!) with a grand prize of $500 in cash. 5:30pm-3am. No cover.

Underground's theme this year is The Coven, with characters from classic and contemporary vampire tales. The setting will be transformed into a coven of blood-feeding faves. Deejays Jordan V’ampire and Jugular Rose spin. 9pm-5am. $20.

All those dead celebrities I was talking about earlier will show up at the Haunted Hollywood Halloween Party at Roof. Staffers will be dressed up as fallen stars, and they're encouraging you as well because there's a $1,000 prize for best costume. Matty Harris spins; Screen on the sixth floor will feature classic horror movies all night. 9pm-3am. No cover.

MONDAY

And if you're still up for more hangin', this week's Pops for Champagne Shift Drinks party is one not to be missed. Guest mixologists Steven Cole (Violet Hour) and Charles Joly (The Drawing Room) will sling the magic, plus Nacional 27's Adam Seger will also be in the house sampling his just-released Hum liqueur in a few signature cocktails. 8pm-2am. No cover.

You Cannot Win Them All . . .

Piccolo owner Phil McFarland's not exactly mourning the sudden shuttering of his short-lived Italian gelato and deli digs in Ukrainian Village.

"That just wasn't our core business and it showed," he told 312DD. "We put a good foot forward, but ultimately are better off focusing on some of our other operations."

Believe us, he's not exaggerating. In addition to hosting a number of high-profile beer events this fall at his Wicker Park Small Bar location, he's opening a third in Lincoln Park by the end of November (the second busy one's in Logan Square), plus even "bigger and better things in the works."

So all is not lost. We love to hear some good coming out of an unfortunate situation.