312DD Gets 'Honorable Mention' in Chicago Reader 'Best Food Blog' Poll!

This came as a total surprise!

312DD snagged an honorable mention in the Chicago Reader Best Food Blog poll.

We lost to Eater Chicago, which is cool, because under editor Ari Bendersky's leadership, they've been doing a damn fine job. Congrats, Eater and Ari!

Props also go out to our pals at LTHForum.com (even though some of those cats on their message boards cannot stand 312DD, but I don't give a *$(*&^%$#@#$%^!!!) as well as Sky Full of Bacon, who also got honorable mentions!

Bubbly's on Eater Chicago this weekend, y'all!

Chicago Mag's Beer Release at Map Room

Keg photo via americantomdotcom.blogspot.com

Whoa.

It looks like every industry insider in the city's going to The Gage Monday for the first-ever, pop-up, underground party.

And since the guest list is full, I took the initiative to scout out yet another bangin' bash for you to check out if you miss out.

Boogie Down Brunches Include Bottle Service

Mercadito's "Disco Brunch" includes your very own Bloody Mary bottle service. (Photo: Mercadito Chicago)

Every now and then you need a jolt to the regular routine—and we're not talking about an extra cup of coffee.

We're talking about brunch. Some folks get a thrill out of waiting in line for an hour or two at the latest brunch joint. Others drool over the prospect of pancakes stacked high and drowned in sauces and syrup. But right now, especially during the warm months, we're all about the "disco brunch" concept, which is pretty popular in Miami and New York.

They're lively, with party atmospheres, so if you've got a rowdy group of friends or family who'd get the stink eye at more civilized brunches at the Four Seasons or even Wishbone, these might be your best bet.

Mercadito, in fact, encourages loud, rowdy groups because they're easily drowned out by the deejay spinning contemporary and old-school tunes.

Paris Club’s Sexy New Rooftop Lounge

Paris Club rooftop photo courtesy of Urban Daddy Chicago/Francis Son

Our friends over at Urban Daddy Chicago give us a first look at Paris Club's Studio Paris, the rooftop lounge opening tonight:

"Find the stairs behind the first-floor DJ booth, and climb them to enter what amounts to your average artists’ garret: studio lights, a retractable glass roof, potted palms, walls made of grass, roving in-house paparazzi, a DJ and buckets of champagne everywhere—everything you require to get into your creative head space."

And speaking of UD, the editors are up to no good Thursday night with a whiskey-drinking party down the street from Paris Club at Hubbard Inn.

Whoa. Watch What You Tweet!

Chef Phillip Foss and his Meatyballs Mobile truck. (Photo: The Pickled Tongue)

Meatyballs Mobile's Phillip Foss finally opens up about why he really got fired last year as exec chef at Lockwood.

Thank goodness his career didn't go up in smoke!

Celebrate Summer with Hot New Alfresco Spots

The spacious outdoor patio at South Branch in the Loop. (Photo: South Branch)

Today is the first official day of summer, which means it is time to get outside to drink and dine—if you haven't already indulged.

If you're at a loss, check out some of my picks for best new spots of 2011 at DiningChicago.com, including the Gold Coast's Cantina 46, Ukrainian Village's Roots Handmade Pizza and the Loop's South Branch.

'Food Lovers' Guide To Chicago' Debuts

(Photo: Globe Pequot Press)

Here's yet another dining guide for those of you who cannot get enough of what's going on with Chicago's ever-expanding scene.

Penned by seasoned journalist Jennifer Olvera, Food Lovers' Guide to Chicago checks into more than 800 restaurants, farmers' markets, food festivals, specialty food stores, watering holes and more, giving you an insider's view.

Quay Opens in Former De La Costa Space

Quay Restaurant & Bar is set to open in the space formerly occupied by De La Costa in mid-July. (Photo: De La Costa)

Last summer, I got word from an Ultimate Insider about a new project going into the old De La Costa space.

Now it's finally happening as Quay Restaurant & Bar is set to open in the long-abandoned venue in July.