Annual Dessert Crawl, Stephanie Izard & More!

I'm glued to the television every time Top Chef Just Desserts is in marathon mode.

And the only thing keeping me from losing my mind because I cannot get my hands on any of those desserts is knowing that Andersonville's annual Dessert Crawl happens this fall.

This time, the sugary soiree has three routes (CANDY CANE, GUMDROP and LOLLIPOP), which means you spend $20 ($25 day of event) to check out a number of decadent bites. For example, Hamburger Mary's is doing fried brownies and Twinkies; Taste of Heaven is serving up pumpkin crumble bars; and In Fine Spirits' whipping up mini pumpkin pies with IFS Bourbon Cream.

Sam Zell Does It Again!

Zell photo via Businessweek.

Here's a question I need desperately answered:

Who do I need to bribe to get an invitation to Sam Zell's birthday blowout next year?!

The real estate mogul threw his infamous bash Saturday at a sprawling warehouse at 30th and Pulaski streets, and I have no idea who the 800 guests were, but I can tell you that James Taylor performed for an hour. Equally impressive is the chef lineup that read like a who's who on Chicago's culinary scene.

Michelin's 'Bib Gourmand' Released Soon

(Photo: Michelin Guides)

For some reason, 312DD was included on the media distribution list for the Michelin Guide New York City 2012 Bib Gourmand announcement. Odd. It was released Wednesday, by the way.

I took that opportunity—of course—to ask them when they were going to make an announcement about the Michelin Guide Chicago 2012 Bib Gourmand recipients. They said Wednesday, Nov. 9.

To refresh your memories, Bib Gourmand selections are restaurants serving two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included). According to Michelin, "While the Michelin stars remain the most celebrated designation in the Michelin Guide, Bib Gourmand is a highly desired distinction among restaurateurs. "

Dine & Drink For Pink

Do your part to help support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by participating in the Lynn Sage Foundation's annual In Good Taste campaign.

You can choose from a list of more than 100 of Chicagoland's most-buzzed about restaurants, and donate at least $1 on your check. The promotion happens throughout October and you can see the entire list of participants here.

Here's what is also going down in October in support of breast cancer awareness:

Hot Restaurateur's 'Gastro' Diner Location Revealed

Brendan Sodikoff

When I was first given the scoop on Brendan Sodikoff's hot upcoming "gastro" diner concept, I was told it was going to be named Ox Diner.

But now that's all changed, according to an Ultimate Insider, who was also the reliable source who gave me the exclusives on Sodikoff's Gilt Bar, Maude's Liquor Bar and Doughnut Vault.

Competition Finally For Doughnut Vault

Table Fifty-Two's new pop-up Sweets Stand opens this weekend with doughnuts and more. (Photos: Table Fifty-Two)

River North's runaway sugar-high hit Doughnut Vault has had a few copycats since opening earlier this year as a daily morning pop-up next to Gilt Bar, but no one has come even close to its deliciousness.

But Table Fifty-Two pastry chef Celeste "CeCe" Campise may finally give them some competition with her very own pastry pop-up just outside of Art Smith's superb Southern-focused eatery.

Sept. 29 Is 'Chef Priscila Satkoff Day'

Priscila Satkoff of Salpicon! in Old Town. (Photo: Salpicon!)

She's set to be inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chef's Hall of Fame on Nov. 16, and now Priscila Satkoff has been given her very own special day.

The chef/owner of Old Town's iconic Salpicon! has been granted Chef Priscila Satkoff Day by Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Sept. 29.

Love Over Mac 'n' Cheese?!

Signature Mac 'n' Cheese dishes from Southern. (Photo: Southern Mac & Cheese Store)

Maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to help two mac 'n' cheese lovin' folks get a love connection going on.

A female diner visited the just-opened Southern Mac & Cheese Store last week, saw a guy she wanted to get to know better and posted an ad in the Missed Connections section of Craig's List: