The Rumor Mill

Chicago’s Old Town Social is Coming
Chef-restaurateur Jared van Camp made his mark in Chicago with inventive takes on stick-to-your-ribs fare at Old Town Social (think spicy duck wings, pork- belly Reubens, from-scratch charcuterie). Now he’s planning to bring the concept — complete with an oyster bar, “sporting parlor,” and cocktail program — to Boston. Oddly enough, our version will­­ apparently be called Olde Town Social. Because nothing says “America’s birthplace” quite like an extra E.

NYC’S Fatty Crab Might Be Coming
In a 2011 interview with the blog Feast NY, Fatty Crab chef-owner Zak Pelaccio hinted that he’s looking to bring his modern Asian fare to Boston. His steamed pork buns and duck with pickled greens, minus the Acela fare? Sign us up.

Cupcake Colonization is Imminent
We’re kind of over cupcakes, but it seems like this dessert trend will simply never die. Expect to see Boston locations of New York City chains Crumbs and Magnolia in the coming year, as well as outposts of Chicago-based Sprinkles and DC’s Georgetown Cupcakes.

Chris Parsons May Finally Revive Catch
When he closed his Winchester restaurant Parsons Table last year, chef-owner Chris Parsons said it was so he could resurrect his upscale seafood spot Catch in either Boston or Cambridge. Here’s hoping 2012 is the year.

Chef Tiffani Faison has a Few More Tricks up her Sleeve
Faison put Workshop, the upscale dining concept she was developing, on hold so she could open Sweet Cheeks in the Fenway. But the project appears far from dead. A little digging reveals that she trademarked that name along with another, Mercantile. An adjoining lounge, perhaps? We’ll have to wait and see.