One Guy Really Loves That Chicken . . .

You may remember Daniel Kibblesmith as the quirky and nerdy Chicago bachelor from Groupon featured recently on an episode of Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker.

His latest stunt makes me wonder if he is indeed a bonified millionaire because if he is, why is he writing an open letter to Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits to sponsor his birthday party on Sunday?!

Here's what he wrote, in a nutshell:

Two Chicago Bartenders Vie For $5K Prize

Jason Cevallos of The Office at The Aviary. (Photo: Jason Cevallos)

BIG props also go out to mixologists Jason Cevallos (The Office, Folklore) and Matthew Tiddes (McCormick & Schmick's), who made it to the finals of the Angostura Bitters North American Cocktail Challenge.

The talented 'tenders are set to compete next Tuesday during a private event at Victor Hotel for a $5,000 grand prize, trip to Trinidad and the chance to rep North America in the Angostura Bitters Global Cocktail Challenge.

Cevallos is shaking up Horchata and Peach, while Tiddes is doing
Ron Bailarin and The Conquistador.

Here's what their competitors plan to whip up:

Congrats Are In Order . . .

Mexican-focused restaurateur Rick Bayless.

Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill/Topolobampo/Xoco) is the only local chef to make the cut in FOOD & WINE Best of the Best Cookbook Recipes Vol. 14 ($32.95).

His Fiesta At Rick's, which was co-written by his wife, Deann Groen Bayless, was one of 25 books selected. The collection includes never-before-published recipes from additional top chefs and authors, dozens of wine pairings from Food & Wine's experts, and stunning color photographs.

Here's the entire list of all 25 best cookbooks of the year:

The 'Rib-a-Que Smokeout' Winners!

Socca chef/owner Roger Herring won the expert judges' vote at the "Rib-a-Que Smokeout" Saturday. (Photos: Moonshine)

Hundreds of meat lovers braved the chill on Saturday for the fourth-annual Rib-a-Que Smokeout at Moonshine as amateur chefs went up against the pros for bragging rights of who makes the best BBQ.

There were 16 competitors in all, but in the end, SmallBar won the "people's choice" award, while Socca beat all contenders, according to a panel of celebrity media judges. Both winners took home a Gilded Grill and $350 in cash.

Annual Dessert Crawl, Stephanie Izard & More!

I'm glued to the television every time Top Chef Just Desserts is in marathon mode.

And the only thing keeping me from losing my mind because I cannot get my hands on any of those desserts is knowing that Andersonville's annual Dessert Crawl happens this fall.

This time, the sugary soiree has three routes (CANDY CANE, GUMDROP and LOLLIPOP), which means you spend $20 ($25 day of event) to check out a number of decadent bites. For example, Hamburger Mary's is doing fried brownies and Twinkies; Taste of Heaven is serving up pumpkin crumble bars; and In Fine Spirits' whipping up mini pumpkin pies with IFS Bourbon Cream.

Sam Zell Does It Again!

Zell photo via Businessweek.

Here's a question I need desperately answered:

Who do I need to bribe to get an invitation to Sam Zell's birthday blowout next year?!

The real estate mogul threw his infamous bash Saturday at a sprawling warehouse at 30th and Pulaski streets, and I have no idea who the 800 guests were, but I can tell you that James Taylor performed for an hour. Equally impressive is the chef lineup that read like a who's who on Chicago's culinary scene.

Michelin's 'Bib Gourmand' Released Soon

(Photo: Michelin Guides)

For some reason, 312DD was included on the media distribution list for the Michelin Guide New York City 2012 Bib Gourmand announcement. Odd. It was released Wednesday, by the way.

I took that opportunity—of course—to ask them when they were going to make an announcement about the Michelin Guide Chicago 2012 Bib Gourmand recipients. They said Wednesday, Nov. 9.

To refresh your memories, Bib Gourmand selections are restaurants serving two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included). According to Michelin, "While the Michelin stars remain the most celebrated designation in the Michelin Guide, Bib Gourmand is a highly desired distinction among restaurateurs. "

Dine & Drink For Pink

Do your part to help support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the Lynn Sage Foundation's annual In Good Taste campaign.

You can choose from a list of more than 100 of Chicagoland's most-buzzed about restaurants, and donate at least $1 on your check. The promotion happens throughout October and you can see the entire list of participants here.

Here's what is also going down in October in support of breast cancer awareness: