Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

The $9.95 "Just Bring Me Lunch!" deal is new at Pizzeria Via Stato. (Photo: Pizzeria Via Stato)

Low on cash, but got an appetite for the good life?! Every Friday, 312DD features the best bargain bets around town:

Wild Card Deals are back and bigger than ever every Sunday at Cafe Selmarie through the winter. That means you draw a card from your server for different discounts, including half price on beer or wine; free desserts or half off on a second entree.

The Bedford, Southern Mac Truck Team Up

(Photo: Mark Steuer)

As we continue to wait for chef Mark Steuer to open The Bedford in the Wicker Park 'hood, here's something to keep us occupied in the meantime.

Apparently, he's teamed up with The Southern's mac 'n' cheese truck to give us a preview of what to expect when his resto opens in April.

Feast Your Eyes . . .

. . . on the world's most expensive patty melt!

Just when I had thought I'd seen it all, David Burke's Primehouse Executive Chef Rick Gresh has created the most luxurious sandwich sold in Chicago.

Chicago's Got Burger Fever!

(Photo: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)

Holy Moly Hamburgers!

This is the scene outside the Streeterville location for M Burger right NOW as folks wait outside patiently for the deal of the day.

Thursday is the venue's first-year anniversary and they're celebrating by offering every guest a free burger—of any size or price—with a purchase.

There's still time to get down there. It goes on until 7pm . . .

Everyone's Italian This St. Paddy's Day . . .

While the Irish will be bedazzled in green come March 17, the Italians will also be feting a very important milestone on that day: the 150th anniversary of Italy.

As part of the local festivities, 18 local restos will get the Ospitalità Italiana Seal – Italian Retaurants in the World—an honor recognizing their authenticity and culinary contributions to Italian culture—during a special dinner at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (1431 W. Taylor St.).

It's not an easy task to get the honor. To qualify, each restaurant must employ at least one staff member who can speak to guests in Italian; the menus must be written in proper Italian; at least 20 percent of wines offered must be DOP-certified (Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or "Protected Denomination of Origin"); and the head chef must meet requirements of experience and proficiency in Italian cooking.

Emeril Crowns Twin Anchors An 'Original'

Emeril Lagasse on Wednesday taping "The Originals" at Twin Anchors.

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet.

Famed chef and television personality Emeril Lagasse was in town Wednesday afternoon taping his new restaurant-focused show for The Cooking Channel.

You'll Stay Skinny With These Boozy Sippers!

Clockwise from top: Le Colonial's Guava Bellini, Ha Long Fizz, Mekong Sunset and Le Coco Tropique. (Photo: Le Colonial)

So, I've pretty much made it clear that my "go to" cocktail is a classic Champagne Cocktail—a drink that every bartender should have memorized.

I love them so much, but the problem is that after three or four or five of them, you've almost surpassed your caloric intake for the day. That's why I've been lucky enough to be introduced to my favorite new cocktails at Le Colonial's sexy Gold Coast upstairs lounge.

The Latest From Old Town Social Team

Old Town Social Executive Chef Jared Van Camp (Photo: Old Town Social)

More info is finally trickling out about the Old Town Social team taking over the old Marche space at 833 W. Randolph St.—which 312DD was the first to tell you about last summer.

Apparently, there's still no name for the venue, but we can tell you that they're calling their concept "rock 'n' roll bohemian chic fused with 'sprezzatura,'" or a studied spontaneity.

OK.