The Latest From Old Town Social Team

Old Town Social Executive Chef Jared Van Camp (Photo: Old Town Social)

More info is finally trickling out about the Old Town Social team taking over the old Marche space at 833 W. Randolph St.—which 312DD was the first to tell you about last summer.

Apparently, there's still no name for the venue, but we can tell you that they're calling their concept "rock 'n' roll bohemian chic fused with 'sprezzatura,'" or a studied spontaneity.

OK.

Mario Batali Ate His Way Through Town

Eccentric New York celeb chef Mario Batali was in town over the weekend for the Home and Housewares Show, and he took advantage of the opportunity and chowed down every chance he got.

Lucky for us, he documented his grubfest on Twitter, and here are some of his best moments:

'GATG' Gets a Little Sister!

(Photo: Chuck Hodes for Bravo)

Sunday night we told you exclusively about Brendan Sodikoff's forthcoming Ox Diner, set to open late summer in the West Loop.

Now, super duper chef Stephanie Izard—who'll compete on "Top Chef All Stars" on Wednesday—has revealed to Eater plans to open the Little Goat diner in the fall.

Get Ready For Brendan Sodikoff's Ox Diner

Photo via Flickr

It's been a busy year for Brendan Sodikoff, and it's only March!

In early January he opened the instant French hit Maude's Liquor Bar in the West Loop. Up next is Doughnut Vault, which is set to open soon in his first restaurant, Gilt Bar.

Now comes word from Sodikoff about his fourth project, which will also hit the West Loop.

Starting Week Off On Great Note!

Bridget Albert, Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits. (Photo: Bridget Albert)

This is the type of news that should put a smile on everyone's face:

Bridget Albert—the star mixologist who helped usher in the current cocktail revolution in Chicago—has just been named official mixologist for Redbook.

Look for her original, market-fresh recipes in the magazine's new lifestyle section that will be viewed by more than three million readers.

Albert's rockin' recipe for The Buckcherry is the type of yummy stuff she'll be serving up in upcoming months:

Bad News For Lady Gregory . . .

Kyle McHugh of Lady Gregory (Photo: Kyle McHugh)

Just as excitement hit for the upcoming Lady Gregory project set to open in Andersonville in April, it was hit with some very bad luck Thursday.

According to an Ultimate Insider, a fire raced through the venue destroying the entire bar and dining room.

"It won't open for a few months now," he said.

Lady G.'s beverage director Kyle McHugh checked out the scene Friday morning and had this to say: "Just visited the fire scene. It's bad. Brand new hand-made bar, new coolers, taps - gone. Thankful kitchen and all in basement ok."

We'll keep you posted on its progress . . .

Free Burgers at M Burger!

M Burger's signature double-stack burger. (Photo: M Burger)

This is the kind of news we LOVE.

To celebrates its first birthday, the original M Burger in Streeterville will generously give you a gift.

Freebies . . . on Friday . . .

It's "Oyster Fest" at Tavern on Rush through March 13.

Low on cash, but got an appetite for the good life?! Every Friday, 312DD features the best bargain bets around town:

Don't you always feel less guilty about pigging out after a great workout?! Burn some calories first at the brand-new 6pm Friday spin class at Go Cycle, then chill out with a great deal at next-door neighbor Old Town Social. Pick up a certificate at the studio for a comp glass of Prosecco or pint of Three Floyds Pride beer as well as a half-price appetizer. Fridays only; first-time Go Cycle students get first class free.