Bundle recently released its most expensive restaurants in the country–expect to dole out upwards of $550 for two when eating in some of the top dining destinations.

Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry tops off the list with an average of $957. It’ll make you appreciate that slice of Ray’s from your 2 bedroom apartment that’s really a studio you rent with three other people.

So while you may have to dole out a whole paycheck to eat there, this cooking lesson is compliments of the chef.

The Hideout Bar is a frequent tour stop in Chicago, and with the increasing cross-pollination of food and music, bartender Martha Bayne saw a philanthropic opportunity to make some cash and break up the monotony of wintry midweek nights.

The Soup & Bread series started in January 2009 and runs every Wednesday during the winter months. Some serious talents have offered their skills, including Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, Doug “Hot Doug” Sohn, and Paul Kahan, plus occasional contributions from local musicians, artists and writers.

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit a range of food pantries and hunger relief organization in Chicago. It also spawned a U.S. cook book tour to raise awareness and money for charity.

Oxford Collapse would be a shoo-in.

Andrew W.K. is taking his party to the streets. To mark the 10th anniversary of his album I Get Wet, the “Party Hard” musician (and FOX commentator) will perform the entire album during his spring U.S. and U.K. tour that also includes a stop at Austin’s SXSW. Check his site for dates and ticket information.

Below, Andrew recalls the last time he visited Austin. A weird place indeed.

Move over hardcore narcotics and fake Gucci bags–you may see truffles being peddled in the streets soon. Truffles are heralded as a rare delicacy in the culinary world, with prices averaging $6,000-$10,000 per pound! The value of this mysterious ingredient requires the use of a specially trained pig or dog to seek out its distinct aroma.

Grub Street recently covered the dark side of the truffle trade after an expose aired on CBS.

The evidence is clear–you best keep that truffle hidden out in them streets or it may get took by some truffled-out sous chef or black market dealer. T.R.E.A.M.

Watching what you eat is a top priority when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, but maintaining those goals can be a huge pain in the ass with the tedious policing you have to do.

Not to fear–Huffington Post has 11 food resolutions that won’t leave you crying in a bathtub fiending for a doughnut. Attainable food goals such as using a whole bird or reading ingredient labels are examples of things everyone should be doing. There’s nothing militant or drastic about the list, which makes it very approachable and even fun, with resolutions like hosting a dinner party.

Not sure how to read a food label? Here’s a 101.

Charlie Trotter is throwing in the towel on his famed Chicago institution for fine dining. Trotter’s is legendary in having paved the way for upscale dining, introducing “ever-changing multi-course menus, ingredients sourced from around the world and hyper-attentive service.” Trotter’s has also spawned some seriously talented chefs, including Grant Achatz of Alinea, the restaurant awarded 3 Michelin stars last year.

In an exclusive interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Charlie Trotter stated that grad school and traveling with his family are the main reasons in his decision to close later this year in August. No need to fret though–his casual eatery Trotter’s to Go will remain open.

Das Racist‘s Victor Vazquez, aka Kool A.D., has released a new solo mixtape available for download, The Palm Wine Drinkard. Currently in the middle of an international tour, the trio hits Australia later this month for select dates, including Big Day Out.

Wanna know where they get their lyrical chops from? The guys explain.