One Big Week For Local Pastry Chefs!

The Bristol's Pastry Chef Amanda Rockman. (Photo: Amanda Rockman)

It's great to see pastry chefs finally getting a sweet taste of success in the city.

First, The Bristol's Amanda Rockman is set to be on the second season of Top Chef: Just Desserts. It premieres August 24 on Bravo, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Also, Eater Chicago reports that Stephanie Prida's leaving the two-starred ria for three-starred L20.

We're #1 When It Comes To Hot Dog Stands

Hot Doug's photo via Complex

It's good to know that if you're craving pizza, hot dogs, burgers or tacos, there's no shortage of spots around town.

TheDailyMeal.com broke down the stats on how Chicago ranks with other major cities in a recent survey. By the way, we're #1 when it comes to hot dog stands!

Paella Chef Showdown at Mercat a la Planxa!

Mercat's Chef de Cuisine Cory Morris and Blackstone Hotel Executive Chef Eric Liebtag. (Photos: Mercat a la Planxa)

I don't think I can contain myself.

First we found out about the Quick Fire Competition Series with star chefs from Perennial Virant (Paul Virant) and The Bristol (Chris Pandel) going head to head with barbecue.

And today comes word that two more local chefs are going at it. This time it's with paella, and it's going down at 6pm August 25 at Mercat a la Planxa.

Cheers! Today Is National Daiquiri Day . . .

A picture perfect Daiquiri via BeingLatino.wordpress.com.

It's been rumored that the Daiquiri originated in the small town of Daiquiri on the east coast of Cuba.

Oak Park native Ernest Hemingway brought the cocktail to infamy during his travels there in the 1930s, and on some classic menus you'll even find the Hemingway Daiquiri. It's made of White Rum, Lime, Grapefruit, Maraschino Liqueur and Cane Syrup.

Most spots around town serve the frozen variety, but there are a few establishments serving the Daiquiri in the classic tradition. And as July 19 is observed as National Daiquiri Day, here's where to go to celebrate:

St. Louis Bar Stars Take Over Drawing Room

TJ Vytlacil of St. Louis' Blood and Sand will guest bartend at The Drawing Room this weekend. (Photo: Blood and Sand)

Damn near every mixologist from Chicago is heading out this week for Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Think of it as a weeklong blowout bash for bartenders, but they're also learning tricks of the trade while they're there.

But what does that mean for us cocktail enthusiasts who are left behind?! Do we have to (gasp!) figure out how to make our own drinks or settle for wine and beer until they're back?

The Drawing Room is at least one cocktail lounge that's considered its fans before allowing master mixologist Charles Joly and his super staff to take off for the Big Easy.

Joly is letting a crew of guys from St. Louis take over in his absence. TJ Vytlacil and Adam Frager from the forthcoming Blood and Sand as well as Chad George from Demun Oyster Bar have created a delicious drink list.

"We're lucky to have great Midwest representatives take the helm for the weekend!" says Joly, who was confident leaving the award-winning cocktail lounge in their hands.

I think I will be all over Love Burns, which sounds like a good balance between bitter and sweet with Don Q Anejo, raw simple syrup, the after-dinner digestif Barolo Chinato and grapefruit bitters from the Bitter Truth.

Here's what else to expect:

Head-To-Head BBQ Contest of Top Chefs

Paul Virant (left) and Chris Pandel. (Photos: Boka Restaurant Group)

This is something you'd better act fast on because it'll sell out quick!

Perennial Virant' Paul Virant and Chris Pandel of The Bristol (and Balena) are set for a BBQ challenge to end all BBQ challenges.

If you act quickly, you'll be part of the crowd that gets to pick the winner between these two culinary stars. From 6-7pm July 25 at Perennial, 100 guests will get to hang out on the patio and watch the competitors as they grill three products: an "unknown" protein provided by Dietzler Farms, as well as two additional items. From these ingredients, each chef must create/execute an impromptu recipe and tasting portions for the crowd.

The event also includes a complimentary cocktail made by mixologist Matty Eggleston. Get the free tickets by calling the restaurant.

What Is The Foodarazzi?!

Photo of Amanda Puck via The Foodarazzi

Local cool girl about town Amanda Puck launched a food-oriented blog officially last Friday where she stalks some of the juiciest bites in the city.

The Foodarazzi actually comes as no surprise (and what took her so effing long?!) because Amanda was the original host of the award-winning restaurant review show, Check, Please!

She's also been known for quite awhile to post some pretty enticing photos of her foodie adventures on Facebook. It doesn't matter if it's at a friend's house for a laid-back BBQ or a 22-course feast at the Four Seasons, if she likes the food, she's gonna take photos.

It's 'Hot Dog Week' at Bull & Bear . . .

So this is odd.

You've gotta make reservations for hot dogs at Bull & Bear.

The River North sports lounge is doing its second-annual Hot Dog Week (it's also National Hot Dog Month), so they're doing a different one each day today through Friday.

Here's what to expect: