Update on Jerry Suqi spot(s)

Just got a confirmation that Chick Pea is gonna be the name for Jerry Suqi's new spot in West Town.

But there's more!

He's simultaneously working on another project in Logan Square with well-known designer Frank Adorno (Narcisse, La Pomme Rouge, The Filthy Libertine). The soon-to-be-named contemporary American restaurant will be located at 3059 W. Logan Blvd., scheduled to open fall/winter, and focus on a seasonal menu through local and organic growers. Of course, it will also be very nightlife-oriented with authentic artwork, live music and deejays.

Drawing Room mixologist enjoys sweet victory

The Drawing Room's Charles Joly beat some stiff competition to win a bartenders' contest for 42 Below Vodka.


Some of Chicago's top mixologists competed in 42 Below Vodka's Cocktail World Cup Tuesday, but only one came out on top.

Charles Joly of The Drawing Room went head to head with stars from some of my favorite bars, including Nacional 27, Martini Park, The Violet Hour, Sepia, Japonais, NoMI and Swig, in front of a crowd on Citizen Bar's deck.

Though I wasn't a judge, I sat close enough to the stage to sneak tastes of some of their cocktails and was pretty impressed with this honey-flavored spirit from New Zealand. Their mission was to create a signature cocktail for the company, and Joly's winning 42 Bees Martini—made with fresh ginger puree and accompanied by a friend dressed as a bumblebee holding cue cards—stood out from all the rest.

His prize?! A free trip to New Zealand to compete against bartenders from all over the world. Good luck!

Today is National Cheesecake Day

It's rich as hell, but oh so delicious. Why not have a gooey slice today to celebrate its special day?!

Eli's Bakery Cafe, however, wants you to wait one more day to celebrate, as they're giving away free slices of their signature cheesecake at the Wright College Farmer's Market on Thursday. That happens 11am-2pm at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.

Here's where to go today:

I'm going to miss C'est si Bon when it leaves its Harper Court home in December. But for now I'd better get over there for their house specialty dessert: the Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

David Burke's Primehouse made waves when it first opened for the signature Cheesecake Lollipop Tree, comprised of six miniature treats. Faves include the Pink Lady Cheesecake Pop (dipped in pistachio crunchies, ground pistachios, sun-dried cherries and covered in white chocolate) and Top Hat Cheesecake Pop (milk chocolate coating dipped in dark chocolate crunchies and ground Score Bars).



David Burke's Pink Lady Cheesecake Pops is one of several flavors from the Cheesecake Lollipop Tree.


Sweet Mandy B's in Lincoln Park offers so many cupcakes that your head will spin. One of my absolute delights is when they put the creamiest cheesecake frosting on the tiny chocolate or vanilla cakes.

And make your way to one of the various locations of Sweet Occasions for home-style blueberry or strawberry cheesecake. We'd love it if they'd create a cheesecake-flavored ice cream, but for now we're happy just pairing those pastries with the non-fat blueberry twirl yogurt or the Boysenberry gelato.