Why Zagat Loves Chicago!

Tim Zagat, founder of the Zagat mobile guidebooks. (Photo: Getty Images)


I know how we feel about Chicago, but it's nice to be validated every now and then by an outsider that we're a world-class city when it comes to dining.

New York native Tim Zagat, who founded his eponymous mobile guidebooks in 1979 with his wife, Nina, has been coming to Chicago for more than 40 years. For him, it never gets old because there's always something new to discover on each trip.

Worth Honking About . . .

(Photo: Goose Island)


The field for local microbreweries is jam packed, so it made sense for the pioneering Goose Island Brewery to take its craft to the next level.

They're doing mega collaborations with some very high-profile chefs in town by offering custom-designed beer on tap at each restaurant.

C-House, on the first level of the Affinia Hotel, is the latest to jump on board with its own brew, and they're celebrating its debut with a launch event on July 8.

Randolph Wine Cellars Shutters; Makes Way For New Concept

Just got word Randolph Wine Cellars is shutting down July 31 to make way for a new concept this fall.

No clues on what that concept will be yet, but owner Brenda Fotopoulos calls it "a concept the likes of which Chicago has never seen before."

What's Hot: The King of Pop, Pride Weekend . . .

Last year's "Back Lot Bash" drew more than 2,500 post-Pride revelers.


The celebration of the GLBT community has been going on all month, but it culminates in Chicago Sunday with the annual Pride Parade, taking place in Lakeview.

Now, you can't have Pride without the parties, so thankfully events are happening all over town, including the seventh-annual Back Lot Bash that occurs Saturday and Sunday in Andersonville.

Finally! A Good Reason to Stand in Line!

M Burger's signature double-stack burger. (Photo: M Burger)


This delicious bite just dropped in my inbox:

"Apple is providing M Burgers, fries, shakes and lemonades to the folks standing in line for the iPhone release tomorrow (June 24)."

Will someone save my place in line right NOW?!!!!

Chicago Restos To Help Gulf Coast

Two major events coming up soon to help those affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill . . .

Donate a minimum of $50 to Greater New Orleans Foundation's Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund or The Barataria Estuary Foundation by July 25 (goal is to get 250 donations of $50 or more) to get an invite to a reception hosted by some of the hottest restaurants in Chicago.

Chicago Q Takes Over Old Tsunami Space

312DD broke the news in February that Art Smith's partner in Table Fifty-Two was planning something big in the old Tsunami space in the Gold Coast.

And now, Chicago Magazine's Dish has more news on what's to come:

Some Things I'm Obsessed With This Week . . .

Ryan Poli, executive chef at Perennial. (Photo: Perennial)


A number of local star chefs showcased signature bites made from sustainable seafood during Supreme Lobster's first-ever Summer Solstice Soiree Monday aboard the Columbia Yacht Club.

And while most dishes were outstanding (I don't even want to talk about how many times I went back for seconds!), it was Ryan Poli's ingenious seafood taco that totally blew me away.