Tim Lacey Lands at Ada Street

(Photo: Tim Lacey)

Former Drawing Room mixologist Tim Lacey had been laying low for quite awhile, so I was mad excited to find out Thursday that he's signed onto a hot new project.

Ada Street, owned by David Morton and Michael Kornick (DMK Burger Bar, Fishbar), is set to open later this month, and Lacey started working as head mixologist Wednesday.

Put A Little Love in Your Libation!

Acadia bartender Michael Simon puts a unique spin on classic cocktails that are perfect for a romantic night out. (Photo: Acadia)

I already hooked you up on what you should be doing if you're single on Valentine's Day.

But if you're lucky enough to be part of a pair—and you're both cocktail enthusiasts—check out my latest roundup of exciting elixirs to indulge on the most romantic night of the year. If these don't put you in the mood for amore, you're on your own!

The Return of White Star?!

An astute reader sent 312DD this photo of the brand-new signage and building permit for White Star (223 W. Ontario St.) in River North.

If the name and address look familiar. . . yep, it's one of the same and apparently the notorious night spot of the late-1990s/early 2000s is trying to make a comeback.

UPDATE: The new White Star is not affiliated with original owners, Ala Carte Entertainment.

For Single Guys & Gals . . .

. . . the good folks over at Mercadito/Double A have come up with an old-school way of "hooking up" on Valentine's Day.

They're encouraging diners to play an adult version of note passing, except these notes come with tequila shots. All you need to do is send the love note (see above image from Mercadito) to the object of your affection via the server.

Who knows what will happen next . . .

First-Ever Food Truck Meet-Up at Auto Show

Details are still being finalized, but the Chicago Auto Show is set to host its first-ever Food Truck Meet-Up.

What took them so long to do this?!

Organizers exclusively tell 312DD that the lineup of participating local trucks is still under wraps, but you know I will get those details ASAP.

Logan Square Gets Sweet New Saloon

Photo of Scofflaw partner Danny Shapiro via Chicago Reader.

Cocktail enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that yet another cool watering hole is coming to Logan Square.

Former 'tenders from the likes of Bonny's, Simone's, and The Whistler quietly purchased the old Streetside Cafe in December and are transforming it into Scofflaw, according to the Chicago Reader.

It's set to re-open late February or early March and the Reader got the scoop on the menu, which was given to them by partner Danny Shapiro (formerly of The Whistler):

Banchet Winners Announced For 'Best Chef,' 'Best Mixologist' & More

Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster and Sepia's Josh Pearson.

It was a big night Friday for Chicago's restaurant community as the annual Grand Chefs Gala took place at the Fairmont Hotel.

Benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the event attracted many of the city's heaviest hitters for the prestigious Banchet Awards, which rewards top talent on the local dining scene.

In addition to the awards ceremony, restaurateurs Jimmy Bannos and Scott Harris were presented with the Founders Award. That achievement honors those who have significantly affected lives in a charitable or humanitarian way. Bannos and Harris also own The Purple Pig, which took home the Peoples' Choice award.

Here are the Banchet nominees and winners (which are indicated by **):

It's All About Brunch on 'G-Spot' Debut Show

Frontier Executive Chef Brian Jupiter delivers a solid, Southern-inspired brunch every weekend with dishes like Bananas Foster French Toast. (Photo: Frontier)

Soul 106.3 FM's The G-Spot featuring music industry legend George Daniels (of George's Music Room) and radio vet Caryn Lee debuted Sunday with 312DD as a featured guest.

We dished on some of the best brunches in Chicago, spotlighting Frontier in Noble Square and Wicker Park's Bangers & Lace.

Frontier was even generous enough to drop by the station during the show with a few fantastic items, driving my point home. We chowed down on powdered beignets with a rum apple dipping sauce; smothered steak with red-eye gravy, Anson Mills grits and Over Easy eggs; and blue crab Benedict with roasted tomatoes, cayenne Hollandaise and toasted English muffin.