The Great Smoque Out, DJ Kiss returns

DJ Kiss performs Friday at Le Passage. (Photo: DJ Kiss)


There's so much great stuff going on this weekend that I'm almost at a loss for words:

THURSDAY

I'm hearing buzz that Rodney Alex's Great Smoque Out event is completely sold out at his Juicy Wine Co. (1658 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-492-6620). But who knows . . . he might have pity and let in a few more people. He's teamed up with Smoque BBQ (3800 N. Pulaski Rd., 773-545-7427) in Portage Park and K Vintners of Walla Walla, Wash., who will be pairing some select vino—including Boom Boom Syrah and Holy Cow Chardonnay—with the ‘cue. And you’ve just gotta have those beats with the eats: DJ L.A. Jesus spins his favorite tracks. 7-9pm. $25.

Be one of the first to experience revolutionary new River North steakhouse ZED451 (739 N. Clark St., 888-493-3451), where the culinary team not only prepares the cuisine, but also serves it tableside. ZED451 hosts this event benefiting Imerman Angels, an outstanding one-on-one cancer support service based in Chicago. A 30-year-old cancer survivor will speak, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the evening go to Imerman Angels. 5:30-9:30pm. $50.

Familiarize yourself with more than 300 wines from Portugal. More than 30 of the country’s main producers, such as Casa de Santa Vitoria, PV and Symington Family Estates, will be on hand to showcase extraordinary Ports as well as red, white and rosé wines. Suggested donation for the event is $30, which benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a non-profit food distribution and training center. 5:30-8pm. Hotel Allegro: 171 W. Randolph St., 800-871-9012, ext. 24552.

Need something harder than wine? Sign up for Mixology 101, where you'll get to explore the basics of making great cocktails at home, including techniques, ingredients and flavor profiles. Program will be led by Sonja Kassebaum of North Shore Distillery and Angie Jackson of Ultimate Elixirs. 6:30-8pm. Sam's Wine & Spirits: 50 E. Roosevelt Rd., 312-663-9463. $10.

"Iron Chef" judge Mario Rizzotti leads a Food & Wine Pairing at the Lincoln Park Sam's Wine & Spirits (1925 N. Clybourn Ave., 800-777-9137). Guests will have the opportunity to sample gourmet goodies, learn how to prepare Spanish tapas, cook traditional Mexican dishes and more. Of course, all will be paired with various vino. 5-8pm. $20.

The party continues during Manor Thursdays, hosted by nightlife impresario Tony Macey. DJ White Shadow spins his favorite hits, and if you get there between 10-11pm, you can indulge in complimentary Snow Queen vodka cocktails. RSVP to info@manorchicago.com with "Thursdays" in the subject line, to be placed on the guest list. Manor: 642 N. Clark St., 312-475-1390.

FRIDAY

Phaiz (673 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-226-9070) hosts its sixth installation, Route3Box324, an autobiographical journey of Suzanne Cummings, who represents flowers as art, along with aprons as accessories by Chorma Designs and Backbone Fashions. Deejay Norwejohn spins; comp cocktails. 7-11pm. Free.

DJ Kiss will seduce you with her sounds, just like she did for celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Puff Daddy and OutKast’s Big Boi—who all personally requested her presence to play for their private parties. But this tempting turntablist is not just another pretty face, even though she was named a “Woman on the Verge” by playboy.com. Come see what all the fuss is about when she cranks out mashups, hip-hop and soul during a late-night set at Le Passage (937 N. Rush St., 312-255-0022). Bottle service recommended; she’s on the turntables 1-4am. $20.