Rap Stars Serenade Kanye West on His B-Day

Lupe Fiasco (left) and Common at Buca di Beppo Tuesday. (Photo: Barry Brecheisen-WireImage/Getty)


The Rush Street location for Buca di Beppo played host Tuesday to not one, not two, but three major hip-hop stars as Kayne West celebrated his 33rd birthday.

The mega star was serenaded by Lupe Fiasco and Common, who led students from the Kanye West Foundation in singing "Happy Birthday."

First-Ever Hotel Thrillist Takes Over Miami

Red The Steakhouse chef/partner Peter Vauthy (left) and Gotham's John Suley before Hotel Thrillist's first-ever BBQ Showdown. (Photo: Justin Namon)


Once again it's a crappy, cold and rainy day in Chicago, so I took the opportunity to reminiscence over a fabulous trip to Miami last weekend.

The two-night party hosted by Thrillist took over the spectacular Fontainebleau, transforming it into the first-ever Hotel Thrillist.

More than 150 social influencers, media types, VIPs and lucky sweepstakes winners from across the country indulged in a number of cool events, ranging from mixology and deejaying lessons to beach yoga and an afternoon cocktail pool party.

Dine Out for Gulf Coast!

The Publican is one of four Chicago restaurants participating in "Dine Out for Gulf Coast." (Photo: Bob Briskey Photography)


It's really a horrible situation down on the Gulf Coast after the massive BP oil spill, and many families are suffering.

A number of high-profile chefs and restaurants across the country have joined forces for Dine Out for Gulf Coast, which will benefit the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund.

Following are the Chicago restaurants participating June 10-12:

Let The (Festival) Games Begin!

Do Division Street Fest revelers at SmallBar. (Photo: REP3)


When it comes to the neighborhood street festival, no city beats Chicago. Each event offers its own distinct personality of the neighborhood's residents and businesses, particularly the restaurants and bars.

Take, for example, Do Division Street Fest, which goes down this weekend on 10 solid blocks in Wicker Park.

Anthony Martin Replaces Rick Tramonto at TRU

TRU Executive Chef/partner Anthony Martin (Photo: TRU)


THIS just dropped in the inbox:

"We are excited to announce that Chef Anthony Martin, who joined the Tru team in 2008 after working with Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas, is now the executive chef/partner of Tru Restaurant. Chef Rick Tramonto is moving on from Tru and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises to follow other culinary pursuits. Our other founding member, Executive Pastry Chef Gale Gand, will remain a partner at Tru.

Zapatista Outpost Set to Open in Lincoln Park

South Loop location for Zapatista. (Photo: Zapatista)


An Ultimate Insider exclusively tells 312DD that the stylish Mexican flair and fare of Zapatista is set to move into the space recently vacated by Emilios Tapas at Clark and Fullerton.

The Lincoln Park location marks the third (also in South Loop and Northbrook) and plans are underway to open by late summer.

'Chicagoans Against Graham Elliot' DELETED!

(Photo: Graham Elliot)


The Chicagoans Against Graham Elliot Facebook page that 312DD was the first to write about Friday has been deleted!

Big Jones Has Best Fried Chicken in Chicago?!

Yes, according to the June issue of Bon Appetit, which placed it high on its list for Top 10 Best Places for Fried Chicken in the country: