Tuesday, April 1, 2008

No more BYOB at favorite sushi spot

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So part of Coast Sushi's appeal is the fact that you can BYOB (even though it's $1 a bottle, including beer!). But apparently they've been angling to get in on the serving of the liquor business for awhile because they finally applied for a license today. SO get there while you can with your best bottles of sake and sparkling wine because the jig will be up soon.

They're likely to get one first for the South Loop location (1700 S. Michigan Ave., 312-662-1700), then work on getting another for the original spot in Bucktown (2045 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-5775).

As usual, stay tuned.

A speakeasy sports bar?! Uhmmm, OK!

Methinks this is going to be ridiculous. This is Wrigleyville for crying out loud—not Wicker Park.

Gibson's Steakhouse finally breaks ground in Miami

My Ultimate Insider who gave me this scoop back in January tells me that Gold Coast favorite Gibson's Steakhouse (1028 N. Rush St., 312-266-8999) has finally decided on a space for its third location, which is going to be in Miami. We'll keep you updated on when this project wraps up, which will likely be in late fall or early '09.

Desserts go designer in Lincoln Park

Couture Crepe Cafe (2568 N. Clark St.) quietly opened in mid-March in Lincoln Park. And so far Yelpers are really feeling it:

"I tried this place out over the weekend and got a crepe with nutella and strawberries. I thought it was great! It wasn't overly sweet and yet it was filling. It tasted very 'natural' and I didn't feel like I just ate a couple of donuts."—Priya

"The atmosphere of the restaurant is pretty cool. Definitely 'couture' compared to neighboring establishments, they have these great tables with magazines that serve as the decor but you can also read them too. Staff was friendly and attentive."—Ms. C

"The chef queried my preferences and we settled for a sweet honey mascarpone and cherries crepe suzette and a small cappuccino. The crepe was small enough to eat by myself, but large enough to be shared with one other person and still hit the spot. It was fantastic, a bit sweet for my taste, but highly recommendable nonetheless."—Ricardo

'WhiskeyFest' takes over this week

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OK, all you single-malt and single-grain whiskey lovers. This is your week.

While the eighth-annual WhiskeyFest happening at the Hyatt (151 E. Wacker Dr.) is sold out for April 4, I’ve come across a number of events happening all week long that you can still attend.

Head over to Sam’s Wines & Spirits (1720 N. Marcey St., 312-664-4394) for a Johnnie Walker tasting. Guests will get to sample Red Label, Black Label, Green Label, Gold Label and new to Illinois—Johnnie Walker Swing. You’ll also get to know the history behind the product. 5-8pm. Free tonight.

At Socca (3301 N. Clark St., 773-248-1155), whiskey lovers will be treated to a VIP experience with a Singleton of Glendullan single malt tasting. It’s only available in limited consumption in the U.S., so drink up as the trendy restaurant pairs it with complimentary appetizers. 7-10pm. Free tonight.

You’ll probably want to get to Chief O'Neill's Irish Pub (3471 N. Elston Ave., 773-583-3066) early Wednesday for the Distiller's Editions of the Classic Malts Selection Seminar. Several experts will lead formal whiskey seminars, then guests may indulge in complimentary food, spirits and live music. 8-10:30pm. Free.

A Gentlemen’s Night Out also happens Wednesday at the River East Arts Center (435 E. Illinois St.). Jack Daniel’s sponsors this exclusive event with a special appearance by “America’s Sexiest Bartender 2007” Stefaney Lewis. $10 donation benefits Ignite the Spirit. Ladies are welcome too! 6:30-10pm. RSVP here.

Also happening Wednesday is a Bulleit Bourbon event at West Lakeview Liquors (2156 W. Addison St., 773-525-1916) when brand ambassador Brenda Wojcik samples this very popular small-batch bourbon coming out of Kentucky. 6-9pm. Free.

And on Thursday, you’ll want to make a move to Delilah’s (2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771) to sip on $3 Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey as Mod Chicago deejays Eric & John spin Mod, soul, Garage and Psyche. 10pm-2am. Free.