Our opinion of Anthony Bourdain shifted over the course of two hours on Saturday night. more ›

In case you haven't heard (and as we mentioned in our inaugural podcast earlier today), the long-awaited Chicago episode of "No Reservations" airs 9 p.m. tonight on Travel Channel. This means that, in addition to seeing the already obnoxious lines at Hot Doug's grow even longer by lunchtime tomorrow, the BOURDAIN Midas touch could also convince some folk to get off their duffs and actually head out south for a mother-in-law at Fat Johnnie's, smoked chub at Calumet Fisheries, or the best chili in the city at Ramova Grill (the full rundown of what made the cut during filming is here). more ›

It is our extreme pleasure and privilege to present to you, Ever Present Reader, a new audio outlet for Chicagoist. This podcast series has been in the pipeline for a long time, and now it's ready to be birthed unto the world, pink and naked and here for your entertainment. We'll be providing you a new podcast each Monday to start your week off with Chicagocentric information that probably isn't being covered on local radio and TV. more ›

Phil Vettel writes that Anthony Bourdain is filming at moto today and will be at Matchbox and Silver Palm (768-770 N. Milwaukee) from 8-10 p.m. this evening. Make us flip a coin between stalking BOURDAIN and watching "One Tree Hill" reruns. [The Stew] more ›

• From the "DUH!" Files: Apparently fast food meals aren't good for kids. The Center for Science in the Public Interest released a report this week that concluded that kids meals at fast food chains exceed the 430 calories-per-meal limit. Among the worst offenders, Chili's makes the list twice with kids meals at or over 1000 calories each. [via MenuPages Chicago]
• "Rock Star Chef City" alert: BOURDAIN is in town through next week finally filming for the No Reservations Chicago episode. He's got the venerable Louisa Chu in tow, who'll be escorting him to Calumet Fisheries, Burt's Place in Morton Grove and L2O, among other places. We're so stalking this weekend. [Food Chain]
• Lori Barrett writes about cold soups. [Drive Thru]
• An argument for frozen fish [Washington Post, via]