'Top Chef Master' Cooks For Charity

"Top Chef Master" Marcus Samuelsson (left) and Spiaggia Executive Chef Tony Mantuano.


They competed against one another on last season's "Top Chef Masters," with one taking home the title.

Now, Marcus Samuelsson—reigning "Top Chef Master"—teams up with Spiaggia's brilliant executive chef Tony Mantuano for a sit-down, homestyle dinner inspired by their respective cookbooks, New American Table and Wine Bar Food.

Foodie Fun Beyond 'Chicago Gourmet'

No tickets to "Chicago Gourmet?" Moonshine's annual "Rib-a-Que" is a great foodie alternative this weekend. (Photo: Moonshine)


Chicago Gourmet's completely sold out (unless you still plan to do the Dine Around deal), but no worries because there's so many more fabulous, foodie-type events happening this weekend:

Our Very Own 'Top Chef All Star!'

Bravo TV just announced the lineup for the first-ever "Top Chef All Stars" competition, which pits past top contestants against one another.

Among the cheftestants is Chicago's own Dale Levitski, who made it to the finals in season three of the show in 2007.

No Big Surprises Here . . .

Mixologist Paul McGee (center) with staff celebrating something at The Whistler. (Photo: The Whistler)


GQ gives major props to The Whistler and Violet Hour, naming them to its annual The 25 Best Cocktail Bars in America list in the October issue.

On Violet Hour:

Encase Yourself in This Shirt

(Photo: Hot Doug's)


This new tee may not help you skip to the front of the hour-long line at Hot Doug's, but at least you'll look good standing in it.

Owner Doug Sohn has just debuted a new online store, featuring four custom t-shirts only available on the site. Look for even more designs and apparel (hello, hoodies?!) to be available some time this fall.

Cibo Matto Chef Goes to 'Hell' . . .

Cibo Matto sous chef Rusty Kook (Photo: FOX/"Hell's Kitchen")


. . . as in "Hell's Kitchen," the profanity-laced cooking reality show made infamous by Master Chef Gordon Ramsey.

That'll be cibo matto sous chef Rusty Kook (Kook the cook?!), who's up next to endure Ramsey's wrath when the new season premieres at 7pm Wednesday.

When the Diner is NOT Right . . .

Here's a ridiculously hilarious story from Anthony Todd, who writes for online 'zine Chicagoist, of dissatisfied diners who didn't do their research before heading out to particular restos:

Sock It To Me, Baby!

This is one of those rare occasions when I cannot wait for the weekend to end.

No, I haven't lost my mind, but I think you'll get on board knowing that Monday, Sept. 20 is National Punch Day.