Aretha Franklin says it with flowers

SEEN ON THE SCENE: Clearly, Aretha Franklin loved dining at the RL restaurant recently. The popular eatery’s staff were truly touched to receive a big bouquet of yellow roses from the Queen of Soul, with the above note attached, telling the folks at Ralph Lauren’s Chicago restaurant , “We always enjoy RL. The food and reception as always, First Class. Love the liver & onions. All the best, Aretha Franklin. See you soon. … Also coming back to RL for a second time within the week was Rod Stewart and his wife, Penny. … After Monday’s Cubs game, Javier Baez slipping into Giordano’s on Rush. …TV home improvement pro Ty Pennington went to Le Colonial on Rush for a late lunch Monday — very appreciative the restaurant served him, even though their kitchen had closed. … Recent sightings at Tavern on Rush have included the Bears’ Jimmy Clausen and Tim Jennings, and separately ex-Bear Steve McMichael and comedian Ahmed Ahmed of “Sullivan & Son.” … Jim Belushi and a bunch of buddies were spotted dining at Hubbard Inn. … Speaking of H.I., co-owner Chris Bader — who is also an aspiring comedian — is appearing at the Laugh Factory inside the Tropicana Hotel in Vegas this week, following up on his recent gig at the Chicago Laugh Factory. … Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans stopped by Sprinkles Cupcakes on Walton Tuesday — picking up a dozen red velvet cupcakes, along with some other varieties, so the NBA player could get his sugar rush before the Team USA practice Friday. … Looking ahead: Actor and Chicago native Colin Egglesfield (“Rizzoli & Isles”) will be filling in as guest co-host for Melissa Forman on “You & Me in the Morning” on WCIU-Channel 26 Thursday. One of the show’s guests Thursday will be Joel Murray, back home for his Canal Shores Invitational, taking place Monday at the course where the Murray boys grew up playing golf. … For Sunday’s upcoming opening of Giordano’s new Glenview location at the Shops of Heatherfield on North Waukegan Road, the star attraction will be former Bulls and NBA great Scottie Pippen.