Monday, March 3, 2008

The No. 1 place to meet eligible men . . .

. . . is the Apple Store, according to this article that cites Cosmo magazine as its source.

In the same vein, and so we're not pushing Apple, single gals can check out The Studio—Experience by Microsoft, a new entertainment lounge inside Hotel Sax (333 N. Dearborn St., 312-245-0333).

Just a thought, ladies.

Uh, oh: A Bar Beef!

Wow. Just wow.

I've been receiving a shitload of emails today about who's throwing the REAL Boom Boom Room tonight. And while the original Monday night house party continues on at Green Dolphin Street (and they're also proclaiming to be celebrating 17 years in 2008), a new event called Beats, Bass & Rhythm, which is hosted by its former promoters Music 101, is launching tonight at Vision (640 N. Dearborn St., 312-266-1944). Got that?! OK.

Now, what's also interesting is that long-time nightlife promoters Pure Future have jumped aboard the original and have signed on some heavyweight deejays to perform at future parties happening at Green Dolphin Street (2200 N. Ashland Ave., 773-395-0066), including Kerri Chandler (3/10), Louie Vega (3/17) and Mark Grant (3/31). What will also probably keep this event on top is the fact that they've brought back original Red Dog residents (where Boom Boom Room started!) Lego and Michael Serafini.

This should be interesting; but we definitely needed something exciting to happen to house music here!

More to adore

Lotties (1925 W. Cortland St., 773-489-0738) owner Mark Domitrovich is finally onto his next big project.

He's set to debut The Pony (1638 W. Belmont Ave.) by the end of the month in Lakeview. He's totally regutted the old Gunther Murphy's space for an updated concept that includes chocolate-brown leather booths, a stunning 38-foot copper-plated bar and a top level for private parties. Customers won't miss any sports action as flat-screen TVs will be at each booth; and menu highlights include an extra-large grilled cheese that serves up to four people; Meatloaf Stack (with mash potatoes, meatloaf, veggies, and topped with gravy and onion strings) and a handmade Cowboy Burger with a giardenera seasoning.

Spy Bar returns this spring

Underground after-hours nightclub Spy Bar (646 N. Franklin St., 312-337-2191) was true to its word when it said it would be closing for "remodeling" in early January. Look for it to reopen sometime in April with an entirely new theme. Developing . . .

BIG props for LE LAN

Last week, Brian Duncan of Bin 36 (339 N. Dearborn St., 312-755-9463) was named Chicago Wine Director of the Year by Gourmet magazine.

Now comes word that another River North gem, LE LAN (749 N. Clark St., 312-280-9100), has just been selected to receive Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Award of Unique Distinction for 2007.

The New Asian-focused eatery was one of a select number of restaurants in North America, out of thousands of applicants, to be honored with this level of recognition.

Make it a merry Monday

Photobucket

Tonight's a great night to get out and about, with Music 101's brand-new Beats, Bass & Rhythm, plus a bunch of wine-oriented events:

Filthy Libertine (1615 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-654-1782) hosts its weekly Shift Drink Mondays, which has quickly become the Monday night event to hit—especially if you're in the hospitality industry. Each Monday, the slick new lounge hosts a local chef and tonight it's Elisa Narrow, pastry chef of Custom House (500 S. Dearborn St., 312-523-0200). She'll be behind the bar serving a signature cocktail. Also, take advantage of the complimentary amuse, half-price desserts, $1 cans of PBRs and $2 shots of Makers Mark (for everyone wearing chef clogs). 7pm-until.

Monday Night Flights occurs at one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph St., 312-850-0303). Exec Chef Martial Noguier pairs wines with a special tasting menu for only $35. It's a great option for a date or your pals, with Noguier offering a seasonally driven, six-bite tasting menu to accompany the six wines poured. The flights are meant to evoke the experience of a vineyard tasting room. Each 30-minute session (6, 7 and 8pm) emphasizes wine education and exploration, with each featured wine available after the event for $10 a glass.

Jazz and Juice returns to Bin Wine Cafe (1559 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-486-2233), the more casual outpost of Bin 36 (339 N Dearborn St., 312-755-9463). The Josh Burke Quartet performs jazz and funk as guests nosh on cheese and sip several selections of vino. 7-9pm. $25.

Half Priced Mondays happens at the Tasting Room (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1313), where guests get to relax with vino in a chilled-out setting. Every glass of wine, including champagne and dessert wines, are half off listed prices.

And A TUTORIAL in BUBBLY: Champagne and Sparkling Wine is a two-part session at Lush (2232 W. Roscoe Ave., 773-281-8888) in Roscoe Village. "Sparkling Wine," the first session, takes place 7-8pm, while the "Champagne" event occurs from 8:30 to 9pm. $30 for one session; $50 for both. Space extremely limited.