Sweets 'n' suds!

Those looking for unconventional Valentine's Day deals should check out Urban Daddy's roundup of beer and chocolate pairings.

Our picks?! We're digging on Mexican fave Negra Modelo paired with chocolate mousse at Chocolate Grape and the five-course feast teaming up East Coast brewery Dogfish Head with dishes like braised brisket with cocoa bibs at In Fine Spirits Lounge.

Certain to make everyone happy!

Polls now open . . .

. . . for the Chicago Reader's annual Best of Chicago issue. Be sure to get your votes in for the Food & Drink category here.

What they're saying on Facebook . . .

Steven Lee (left), wine director for Sixteen, with the acclaimed Schwa owner/chef Michael Carlson. (Photo: Steven Lee)


Rodney Alex (Partner/Juicy Wine Co.): "Wondering will his voice hold up for rock band tonite (Wednesday) at juicy."

Jesse De La Pena (Deejay): Looking forward to a double dose of Cuatro this week (Weds After Work) & the First Friday Party.. Plus Debonair (Weds after 11pm) all no cover.. 21+.

Gregory Hall (Owner/Brewmaster Goose Island Pubs): "Headed to NYC for gastropub tour."

Steven Lee (Wine Director/Sixteen): "Just finished up at Hot Doug's. Foie gras, truffle and encased meat, yum."

Matthew Mccahill (GM/Crimson Lounge): "Sorry but Friday with SamRon at Crimson is SOLD OUT."

David Sabatis (Deejay): "Getting some Open Bar @ Brando's on Thurs night."

A Bliss-ful bash for the sweet tooth

(Photo: Sugar Bliss)


Thank The Local Tourist for extending your Valentine's Day, with a Chef's Table event that's all about the sweets on Feb. 17.

It's happening at Sugar Bliss, where owner Teresa Ging will dole out homestyle cupcake creations paired with port and dessert wines. And we hear that you'll also get to sample her already-famous "frosting" shots. Yum yummy!

7-9pm Feb. 17. $25 (the last one sold out almost immediately, so get on it!)

Sola chef on her way to Burger Bash

If you're lucky enough to have tickets to the annual Amstel Light Burger Bash happening at South Beach Food and Wine Festival Feb. 19-22, good for you.

But if you're stuck here like the rest of us, have no fear.

Sola chef Carol Wallack is featuring her juicy Wagyu burger that same weekend at the restaurant. The burger, which comes with cambazola cheese, house-made bacon, caramelized onions and arugula all squeezed between a soft pretzel roll, is what she'll be serving in the Burger Bash competition judged by TV personality Rachael Ray.

Doesn't it look delicious:



Get it Feb. 19-22.

What they're saying on Facebook . . .

Deejay Madrid Perry is hosting a Valentine's Day event at Sushi Samba. (Photo: Robzoom)


Le Colonial: "Preparing the menu for WEDNESDAY DATE night! $20/person...."

Bob McDermott (owner/Beer Bistro): "Adding 6 more draft lines."

Elizabeth Palmer (Wine Director/Carnivale): "Taking her fiancé to Blackbird for dinner."

Madrid Perry (Deejay): “Working on The Unconventional Valentine Masquerade of the season.....C'est Dommage at Sushi Samba.”

Azimio Rashad a.k.a. "Z" (Mixologist): "Gonna be slinging drinks at Manor tonight. Who's coming?"

Sweets & Savories: "Join everyone at Sweets & Savories (on Feb. 11) for the filming of 'Sweets & Savories Burger' segment on 190 North!"

Jon Young (Managing Partner/Volo): "French Wine Dinner baby. Oui Oui to mind-blowingly good wines and a sublime menu - can't wait!"

On its way ...

A tipster sends in this photo of the third Goddess & Grocer, scheduled to launch in Lincoln Park.

He writes: "Doesn't look open yet but they just put the awning up today."

So any day now?!

After this airs tonight . . .

. . . you won't be able to get a reso at L.2O, Laurent Gras' sensational seafood restaurant that's featured on bad boy chef Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations."

Drive Thru liveblogs the episode, which should be added entertainment.