Mmmmmm, fries

Chowhounders weigh in on Chicago's best french fries.

Hot Doug's duck fat fries, the shoestring fries at Hugo's Frog Bar and Mon Ami Gabi's generous portions of potato bites were just a few of the faves.

Get ready for a mighty BIG weekend

The "Mr. Big" cocktail is only available at Blue Water Grill. (Photo: Blue Water Grill)


OK, y'all have officially gone Sex and the City: The Movie crazy!

Never have I seen so many parties in anticipation of one little movie. In fact, it's like it's not even a movie anymore; it's an event. But there's so many other goings-on happening this weekend that I've decided to post all the SATCTM madness here so that you don't have to go anywhere else:

WEDNESDAY

Tonight's the last night for you to bring your crew to Nailed in the City, a ladies’ night event at Sheffield’s. They’re showing re-runs of the much-loved series, plus giving away free tix to the movie. Guests will be able to indulge in $8 manicures from Nail Fetish (525 N. Ashland Ave.) as well as other treatments. Also, go for the $5 Lemon Drop, Cosmos and other martinis. Free admission.

Do you want a taste of Mr Big?! You'll get it in the form of The Big cocktail—served only at Blue Water Grill. The thing is, you'll need three girlfriends to help you take it on, as it's served in an oversized martini glass with a scoop of raspberry liquor sorbet, vodka and St. Germain. It's $40 and comes with four extra-long pink bendy straws. The special cocktail will be on the menu for awhile.

THURSDAY

The Cosmos will be flowing at Guise/Chic as stylish guys and gals get ready to overdose on SATCTM. The series, of course, will be playing on monitors all over the store as guests get ready with blowouts, shopping and more. There's also 20 percent off on all purchases and free scotch for the dudes! Party happens 6-9pm when you RSVP to rsvp@guisechic.com.

You can also get your shopping on at Kenneth Cole (540 N. Michigan Ave.), which will be hosting a special party all day long with 20 percent off on all purchases. They'll be giving out comp beverages all day, and after 5pm you'll get the cocktails. After shopping, head to the after-party at Jbar, where you'll be able to win a dinner for two at David Burke's Primehouse or a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes.

The Think Pink! event is all about delicious, refreshing rosés. WineStyles Belmont will be sampling Pinot Noir based rosé, Cabernet based rosé and others for your tasting pleasure. 6-8pm. Free.

And speaking of pink, you don't want to miss the Pink Carpet Party to Fight Breast Cancer happening at Flirty Girl Fitness. The dazzling party includes signature flirtinis, pink feather boas, aerialists performing on pink silk ropes high above the crowd, jaw dropping synchronized pole dancing routines and more. Hosted by NBC-5's Ginger Zee with celebrity deejay Spinderella (of Salt N Pepa fame!) on the turntables and a performance by Chico Debarge. 9pm. For more info, call 902-877-5669.

Enclave gets into the mix with an after-party for the Chicago SATCTM premiere. Guests will indulge in massage stations, free astrology readings, dessert and various raffle prizes, including Cosmo gift bags and a $1,000 gift certificate to the Jimmy Choo boutique. Get your complimentary mojitos if you RSVP to 312-654-0234 and arrive before 11pm. Free.

FRIDAY

Nacional 27's mad mixologist Adam Seger has designed a specialty Cosmo menu in honor of the ladies—as well as to kick off the restaurant's new summer early lounge hours. Every Friday, the hot Latin spot opens at 3pm with complimentary passed tapas and ceviches until 5. You'll also get to enjoy The Charlotte (Skyy Citrus, homemade hibiscus infusion, lime), The Carrie aka 'Le Smoking Cosmo' (fresh-squeezed cranberry Cosmo made with Grey Goose, finished with dry ice), The Miranda (house-fresh squeezed cranberry Cosmo with Skyy Infusions citrus vodka, Grand Marnier, fresh lime) and The Samantha (Belvedere, splash of fresh cranberry juice, Grand Marnier Centennaire, essence of red roses, splash of Domaine Chandon Brut, rose petal float).

If you'd rather do you own little foxy foursome fete, head to upscale Exhale spa and let them create your very own Sex and the City Package. It's valid May 30-June 15 and for parties of four or more. Your treat will include a Mindbody class (Core Fusion, Core Energy Flow or yoga), choice of TRUE facial (60-min) or Deep Flow massage (60-min), a catered lunch by Ra Sushi and a gift bag. $160 per person. 945 N. State St., 312-753-6500.

The Models & Motals party occurs at Victor Hotel, featuring a special runway show by Italian designer Dismero, comp SATCTM-inspired cocktails, goodie bags and more. 9-11pm. RSVP to lbredfeldt@gmail.com for VIP admission.

There's no place like Ohm when it comes to sexiness, and they're taking it up a notch with cocktails inspired by the characters during the weekly Girls' Night Out event. Get your peeps together for sips like The Carrie (Cosmo: Skyy 90 X-Rated), The Charlotte (Zen Mojito: Zen green tea liqueur Flor De Cana mint rum), The Samantha (Midori Cabo Margarita: Cabo Wabo tequila, Midori, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice) and The Miranda (Jean Marc XO vodka, X-Rated, Midori, coconut juice, pineapple juice). And for the guys: Mr. Big (Bowmore: whiskey, Apple Pucker).


NEXT WEEK!

OK, if you're not burned out on 'Sex' by next week, here's one more: There's a SATC marathon happening at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club. Next Thursday—from 5:30pm-2am—they're showing back-to-back episodes on five jumbo screens to celebrate the series' 10-year anniversary, which is on June 6. The Divas will perform throughout the evening, and guests may enjoy $5 Absolut Hunk martinis (regularly $10) as well as themed menu specials by chef Matt Stovey. In addition, from May 30 to June 13, guests are invited to bring in SATCTM ticket stubs to receive an Absolut Hunk martini for $5. Other menu specials include The City (Manhattan-style clam chowder), Manolos (spicy shrimp, scallop, and tuna ceviche with crispy tortilla strips served in a martini glass) and Mr. Big (New york strip steak with a maple bourbon glaze served with bacon and fingerling potato hash).