Debbi Peek Now At Southern Wine & Spirits

Mixologist Debbi Peek. (Photo: The Bristol)

Balena/The Bristol's magnificent, award-winning bartender Debbi Peek has moved on to take on the role as Southern Wine & Spirit's new Illinois mixologist.

In her fabulous new position, she will "continue the message of community, education and fresh cocktails."

The Annual 'Bloody Mary Fest' & More . . .

It's a Chicago thing.

Seriously, the Bloody Mary can be traced back to the Windy City because the New York bartender who invented it in a Paris pub had the hots for a girl named Mary.

And because of that, you'll find more versions of the famed crimson cocktail here than anywhere else. That's what inspired some folks out in Highwood to create the Bloody Mary Fest, which takes place 10am-5pm Sunday in Highwood's downtown festival area.

Mmmmmm, '100 Days of Tarts' at NoMI!

One of NoMI's signature tarts featuring berries from Seedling Farms. (Photo: NoMI Kitchen)

Just think of the possibilities . . .

Market-fresh strawberries ... peaches ... cherries ... apples and more. Nothing says summer more than a tasty little tart topped with a heaping scoop of house-made ice cream.

The thought of these possibilities was so exciting for NoMI Kitchen pastry chef Meg Galus that she decided to celebrate with a 100 Days of Tarts campaign, featuring signature sweets throughout the season. It kicks off June 18 and concludes Sept. 25.

Galus has been working on this project since winter, so look for some of her creations to be based on movie titles ("Clockwork Orange"), classic desserts (Bananas Foster) and summer's best bounty. You, dear reader, can also get in on the action by helping her name these tarts as well as offer suggestions for additional ingredients to make them extra special. Each month, through September, one lucky winner will get the tart of the month for two, paired with wine in NoMI's lounge or garden.

How does it work?!

These Girls Are On Fire!

Kristine Subido of Pecking Order in Uptown. (Photo: Pecking Order)

Time Out Chicago recently featured a sweet little essay on how more women are embracing Chicago's vibrant dining culture. This is especially cool because it's not another story about how we're soooo obsessed with shoes, handbags and lipgloss.

And as ladies who lunch transform into dimes who drink and dine, we're certain they'll support a fresh trio of female-owned restaurants opening this summer—from Kristine Subido's Filipino-focused Pecking Order to Alpana Singh's globally influenced The Boarding House.

The Aviary's Signature Stout is on its Way

I cannot wait to see the price tag on the black truffle beer called The Forager that The Aviary is working on now with Denmark-based brewery Mikkeller.

There's no word yet on when it'll be available at the famed gastronomy molecular cocktail lounge, but we'll be the first to tell you . . .

A Crosstown Classic . . . With Cupcakes?!

Magnolia Bakery's first-ever Crosstown Classic cupcakes represent the White Sox and Cubs. (Photo: Magnolia Bakery)

The biggest debate this time of year is whether the Cubs or White Sox represent Chicago best.

And this time around, New York transplant Magnolia Bakery wants to put it to rest by holding the first-ever Crosstown Classic—with cupcake flavors representing both teams.

Give Dad What He Really Wants . . .

McGee's "Classic Car Brunch." (Photo: Freddy Love)

How come Dad always gets the short end of the stick when it comes to his big day?!

Wack-ass ties. Cologne that smells more like shoe polish. And frou-frou brunches fit for a queen, not a king.

Not this year. Instead, give him what he really wants and take him to an event like the annual Classic Car Brunch at McGee's Tavern.

In its seventh year, CCB occurs on Father's Day and showcases the retro rides of his wildest dreams. Look for classic cars to line Webster Avenue at Sheffield all afternoon. There's a bonus if you've got a muscle car to flex yourself: Park it and you'll get brunch for free. 10am-3pm Sunday.

Leave the corny Father's Day stuff to Mr. Brady. Poppa won't preach if you treat him to even more cool happenings at ChicagoShopping.com.

Cheers: It's Global Negroni Week!

Barrel-aged Negroni photo via starchefs.com.

I was doubled over with excitement because of National Lobster Day until I found out that it is also Global Negroni Week.

This is serious business if you're like me and have a secret love affair with both gin and Campari.

A few sweet places where you should consider checking out the classic Italian aperitif: