I told y'all it was gonna sell out!

Word just came down that the Stephanie Izard dinner at the Drawing Room is sold out.

It sold out in 15 minutes! That's right, but because the owners don't want to turn away the fans, they've added a special post-VIP cocktail reception. Stephanie will be preparing two "culinary" cocktails using seasonal ingredients. It's $40 and starts at 9pm June 15.

graham elliot, others coming your way

graham elliot's Cheddar-apple risotto (with braised onion, green apple, Wisconsin bacon and Cheez-its) is one of the entrees on the menu. (Photo: graham elliot)


Today's the big opening day for graham elliot in River North. Chicago's first "bistronomic" restaurant is owned by former Avenues chef Graham Elliot Bowles.

Moderately priced Italian eatery Piccolo Sogno is expected to open on July 16, according to chef/owner Tony Priolo, who was the former exec chef at Coco Pazzo.

And we're sending out good vibrations for the June debut of Logan Bar and Grill in Logan Square. It's the latest project by the owners of Northside and Black Beetle.

Tempt yourself . . .

Pina Colada, Persephone and Mango Peach Poptails (Photo: DeLaCosta)


. . . with a tasty treat in the form of a refreshing cocktail:

Today's the perfect day to indulge in one of DeLaCosta's new Poptails, a cool combo of a cocktail and popsicle. Choose between Pina Colada (DLC's pineapple infused vodka, pineapple juice, lime and Coco lopez popsicle), Persephone (Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, Pama pomegranate liquer, blood orange puree, cava and a pomegrante popsicle) or Mango Peach (Bacardi Peach red rum, mango puree, orange juice, lime juice and a peach popsicle).

Or celebrate the end of the Democratic primaries with this ode to U.S. Senator Barack Obama. Plan B Bar + Kitchen has created the Ciroc Obama (Ciroc, splash of Chambord and lemonade with a grape sugar rim) that's certain to be a winner all summer long.

Get to Lincoln Park's cozy lower-level lounge Matisse for $2 sangrias, $6 taco plates and a chance to sit down on the intimate patio. It's a great spot for a date, but also for groups looking to avoid the madness up in Wrigleyville's watering holes.

And every Tuesday is Return of the Cocktail Party at Martini Park. Come early (5-8pm) for the delicious passed hors d'oeuvres and specially priced signature cocktails ($5-$7) like the Berry Fizzy Lemonade (Effen Berry Vodka, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and a Rock Star float, garnished with a lemon wheel) or Grapefruit Caipirinha (Ketel Citron, muddled grapefruit, lime, and simple syrup, garnished with a lime wheel). Stick around for the live music. Tonight, the Flat Cats perform at 7pm.