Smart Bar Dissed By Complex Magazine

The dance floor action at Smart Bar. (Photo: Smart Bar)

What a strange little article to recently appear in Complex.

It featured what they consider to be the 25 Douchiest Bars in Chicago, weirdly placing legendary dance club Smart Bar on the list at #3.

Here's what they wrote:

Freebie Alert: Cafe Selmarie!

Cafe Selmarie's Strawberry Roulade (Photo: Cafe Selmarie)

This is pretty exciting, especially for those who get off early on Fridays:

Lincoln Square's Cafe Selmarie is giving away free dessert to those who stop in between 4 and 6pm for dinner.

The spot is legendary for its bakery, so consider this an amazing deal!

How to Get a Drink at a Busy Bar . . .

The last time we visited the bar at Sable Kitchen & Bar, it was about five people deep. It was a Saturday night, with about five guys 'tending, and everyone wanted one of their signature, hand-crafted cocktails.

We, of course, had no problem waiting, but some folks were impatient as hell. That's why I'm pretty excited that I came across this article from Art of Manliness on "how to get a drink at a busy bar."

Best advice:

• Always, always, tip.

• Know what you’re going to order before you start yelling for service.

• Don’t stand at the server station.

Cheers!

Clandestino Chef Unveils New Gourmet Sandwich Menu

In March, 312DD told you exclusively about Efrain Cuevas' quest to open a gourmet sandwich shop in the downtown area.

As you can see, the chef/owner of Clandestino Supper Club is well on his way to something quite spectacular with items made from all-natural ingredients as well as sauces and flatbreads made from scratch. In addition to gourmet paninis and gluten-free wraps, he's planning a menu of focaccia pizzas, smoothies and fresh salads.

No word still on a name or location, but he promises to reveal all soon . . .

April 6 Is National Caramel Popcorn Day

Salted Caramel's signature Bacon Bourbon Caramel Corn. (Photo: Salted Caramel)

This is one "holiday" you don't wanna pass up, so we're glad our friends at Foodimentary were on top of it.

One of the best spots to indulge in this favorite food is at the brand-new Salted Caramel shop, which just opened in Andersonville.

West Town Getting Exciting New Restaurant?!

(Photo: 312 Dining Diva)

The venue formerly occupied by Natalino's at 1523 W. Chicago Ave. is getting a new tenant this spring.

Eater Chicago had a few more details a couple weeks back, but not much else either.

We'll let you know more as soon as there's an update, but we're certainly going to miss their risotto . . .

A Recipe For . . .

. . . Crab Fondue.

Attempted to get into Old Town Pour House last weekend, but with the line down the street, there was no way we were waiting 35 to 45 minutes.

Soooo, we hit up chef Paul Katz (who works for parent company Bottleneck Management), who gave us a recipe for one of the more popular appetizers on the menu, the Crab Fondue.

This will suffice for now, but we still need to get in there to see what all the fuss is all about!

Here's the recipe:

Bottomless Mimosa Brunches Will Have You Bouncing Around Like The Easter Bunny

Mimosas photo via lianasbananas.com.

Remember when Easter used to be all about you, with the Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets and new Easter dress clothes?!

You can somewhat return to the good ole days with this roundup of bottomless mimosa brunches happening on Easter Sunday: