?uestlove Behind The Decks At UG

Fresh off multi-Grammy noms for How I Got Over (Def Jam), The Roots perform at House of Blues Saturday.

But if you're like me, and sick of the attitudes and drama over at the live music River North venue, wait a few hours and head to Underground for the official after party.

Our 'Top Chef All Star' Is Still Cooking . . .

(Photo: Bravo)


Whew.

Sprout Executive Chef Dale Levitski made it through the first episode of Bravo's Top Chef All Stars, and man was it a nail-biter!

Here's a recap of what went down Wednesday, but we were particularly interested in Levitski's point of view of the premiere episode:

Culinary Cutie Hits The Catwalk

Chef Ryan Poli of Perennial. (Photo: Perennial)


I promised I wouldn't make any "Zoolander" jokes, so here goes:

Perennial's very social Executive Chef Ryan Poli leaves his kitchen for one night only to walk the catwalk at Underground Thursday.

The Beginning . . . And The End . . .

The first season of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" ends on Dec. 5, which is also the 77th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. (Photo: HBO)


. . . of Prohibition comes to a head on its 77th anniversary Dec. 5. That's when the first season of HBO's highly acclaimed 1920s era series "Boardwalk Empire" ends on what's expected to be an explosive cliffhanger until next season.

There will certainly be parties to fete both occasions, such as the one happening at Faith & Whiskey. It kicks off at 6:30pm Dec. 3, with a Prohibition-themed video power hour at 8, which showcases video clips of "Boardwalk Empire," "The Untouchables," "Miller's Crossing," "Legends Of The Fall" and "The Public Enemy."

The Prohibition Repeal Party is hosted by Canadian Club and includes tastings of Canadian Club Sherry Cask, Canadian Club Classic and Club Canadian Club. Revelers—who are encouraged to dress in period clothing—will also be able to toast with $5 Canadian Club shots and cocktails.

Root On Our Very Own 'All Star Top Chef'

Awesome Sprout Executive Chef Dale Levitski is the only local culinary star competing on Bravo's "Top Chef All Stars" when it debuts Wednesday.

In season three, the mad talented cheftestant came in second place, so this is another chance for him to claim the big prize against some of the series' heaviest hitters of all time.

And Now For Your Listening Pleasure . . .

DJ Madrid spins every Thursday at Le Colonial. (Photo: Madrid)


We're officially in the thick of it . . . the holiday season, that is.

To keep you in great spirits, Le Colonial's super star spinmaster Madrid has put together this awesome holiday mix for your listening pleasure.

It's filled with classics mashed up with contemporary hits, so if you're looking to jam out during dinner or over drinks with friends, you might want to put this on.

Happy Holidays!

Celebs, Chefs Serve Kids Pre-Holiday Dinner

Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije serving an early Thanksgiving dinner Tuesday to some very excited kids. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)


I wonder who was most excited about the pre-Thanksgiving dinner served Tuesday to the 150 resident kids at the Mercy Homes on the West Side:

The kids themselves . . . executives and the culinary team from Trump Chicago's Sixteen restaurant . . . or some very high-profile local celebs?!

We're gonna go with the celebs—who consisted of first season "The Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic, motivational speaker Chris Gardner (the movie, "Pursuit of Happyness," was based on his life), Chicago Bears' tight end Greg Olson, running back Matt Forte and defensive tackle Israel Idonije—who eagerly jumped in to serve the kids as soon as they arrived.

Fade To Black . . .

. . . on Wednesday.

That's the most awesome-est party night of the year, officially kicking the holiday season in full swing: