Tiki Theme on Its Way Back?!

I've been pretty bummed ever since Polynesian-themed Trader Vic's shuttered last year, so I was thrilled to find out from Time Out Chicago that the Melman brood has decided to add a tiki-themed component to their upcoming project.

The spawn of Lettuce Entertain You Entertainment Chairman Rich Melman has teamed up with master mixologist Paul McGee (formerly of The Whistler) to open Country & Western-themed Bub City (a once popular Lettuce spot that was on Weed Street). According to TOC, they'll dedicate the lower level to a massive tiki tavern:

"It will be housed in a 4,000-square-foot space that is being built out below Bub City, but unlike SUB 51 and Studio Paris, the lower/upper-level club components to HUB 51 and Paris Club, the as-yet-unnamed tiki bar will be a completely different concept with its own entrance. Also, SUB and Studio Paris 'are nightclubs,' (partner) RJ Melman says. '(Bub City and the tiki bar) are not nightclubs.'"

The project's slated to open later this summer, but if you need a tiki fix now, man, do I have the party for you:

5 Chicagoans Up For F&W 'Best New Pastry Chef'

So this is pretty cool.

For the first time ever, Food & Wine is searching for the Best New Pastry Chef in the country.

The best part about it is that the readers get to choose from an awesome list of contenders, including five fabulous Chicago chefs in the Central Region competition:

Time For Last-Minute Valentine's Day Plans!

No pressure at all, but do you realize that Valentine's Day is only several days away?!

To get you in that right frame of mind on where to dine, I stopped by The G-Spot Radio Show to offer my Top 5 picks for most romantic restaurants in the city.

I also brought along some lovey dovey treats, including heart-shaped pizzas from Giordano's and loads of stuff from Magnolia Bakery. We were pretty big fans of the heart-shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies!

Get Gourmet Mac 'n' Cheese at the Auto Show

The Nissan-wrapped Southern Mac 'n' Cheese Truck set to appear at the Chicago Auto Show. (Photo via www.nissannvchicago.com)

I finally got a few more details on the First-Ever Food Truck Meet-Up at the Chicago Auto Show, happening 6-7:30pm Feb. 16 in McCormick Place Lot B. Apparently the Slide Ride, the woman-owned mobile truck serving miniature sandwiches and burgers, is participating.

And even more exciting news is that Nissan has teamed up with The Southern Mac & Cheese Truck to bring food to those inside of the show:

Here Comes Another Steakhouse Chain

The old Esquire Theater on Oak Street has been vacant for far too long, so it's good to know that something's finally going to occupy that massive space.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, which also operates Sullivan's Steakhouse, is set to open there in December.

Adam Seger On His Way to the Oscars?!

Adam Seger's Red Carpet Fizz cocktail. (Photo: Tuan Bui)

It's no secret that master mixologist Adam Seger rubs elbows with the likes of Oprah, as he was commissioned to create signature cocktails for her celebrity-studded wrap party last year. So this latest news shouldn't come as a surprise.

This time around, he just might be on his way to the Academy Awards—with your help. Viola Davis, Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt are all stumping for votes to snag Oscars, and Seger's politicking for his cocktail to be named the signature drink of the legendary Governor's Ball.

"My Red Carpet Fizz cocktail has been submitted for The Governor's Ball, and will be considered based on taste and presentation (which I am very proud of) and social media buzz," Seger tells 312DD.

The cocktail is simply beautiful, featuring Moët Imperial, HUM Botanical Spirit and a single rose petal. It would also serve as an ideal Valentine's Day drink, and Seger has generously provided the recipe below:

Super Bowl Booze & Bites For Every Appetite

The Burger Bar's Tailgate Burger of bratwurst burger, Gruyere cheese, homemade sauerkraut, Goose Island Mild Winter-Braised Sheboygan Brat and spicy mustard on a buttered pretzel bun. (Photo: The Burger Bar)

Super Bowl XLVI goes down Feb. 5, and to get you ready, 312DD stopped by The U's You & Me This Morning with some of the best booze and bites you can get around town.

See the video right here for the 411 on the Hot Chocolate Bar at NoMI, mac 'n' cheese flight at Gaslight and Moonshine's first-ever Slider Bowl.

Want more options?! Here are some additional cool deals around town:

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.