iCream still on ice . . . until further notice

Just tried to stop by iCream for a cool-out treat, and yes, it's still closed until they can fix those hi-tech, liquid-nitrogen, ice-cream machines.

Voice mail says: "We will re-open as soon as it's humanly possible."

Y'all must've worn that place out on its first weekend!

Backstreet Boys love Berry Chill

Berry Chill founder Michael Farah (second from right) surrounded by Backstreet Boys Howie Dorough (from left), Brian Litrell and A.J. McLean. (Photo: Berry Chill)


Should we add the Backstreet Boys to the long list of fans of Berry Chill, the River North froyo fave?!

Founder Michael Farah seems to think so, as he brought the Boys a round of the healthy sweet treats, following a special performance Monday at the Draft FCB offices in Streeterville.

Who knows who you'll spot . . .

Actress Rachel McAdams recently checked out Le Colonial for lunch while in town filming "The Time Traveler's Wife."


. . . at lunch today. Guests recently dining on the terrace at exotic Gold Coast eatery Le Colonial were lucky enough to be seated next to movie star Rachel McAdams, who's in town filming "The Time Traveler's Wife" with co-star Eric Bana. She was only seen sipping martinis, but that terrace is an ideal spot to indulge in the price-conscious business lunch menu for $22.50. Order a first-course item like the Cha Gio (Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp, pork and mushrooms) or Banh Cuon (steamed Vietnamese ravioli with chicken and mushrooms), and follow that up with the popular Ga Xao Cari (sautéed diced chicken with eggplant, mango, string beans & cashew nuts in a curry sauce). The meal also comes with coffee. 11am-2pm.

Other deals happening today:

Between Café and Lounge in Wicker Park launches Benefit Social Tuesdays, a series of events held tonight, Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. You'll be treated to complimentary, small global sharing plates by Executive Chef Radhika "Rad" Desai, half-price bottles of wine and specialty culinary cocktails. A number of silent auction items and raffle prizes on hand include tickets to the Gorilla Tango Theater; opening night to the Goodman Theater with Chicago Dramatists’ Resident Playwright Rebecca Gilman; tickets to Collaboraction’s show, "Heroes and Villains;" and autographed items from boxer Oscar de la Hoya and actor Freddie Rodriguez. 6-9pm. The suggested donation at the door benefits the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Head to the launch of Chicago-based website Third Coast Preppy on Citizen Bar's rooftop patio. The party includes cocktails, appetizers and "exclusive" shopping deals from local neckwear company Bird Dog Bay, shirts from Salmon Cove and needlepoint belts from Tucker Blair. 5:30-8pm. The $5 donation benefits the Junior League of Chicago.

It's the second day of the Democratic National Convention and Juicy Wine Co. observes with its ode to Sen. Barack Obama. Every Tuesday, guests pay half-price on all American wines (by the bottle and glass), plus they're offering the ObamaBurger, a char-grilled mound of Kobe beef piled with Benton's hickory-smoked country bacon, gooey Wisconsin cheddar, caramalized onions and a "secret" South Side sauce. Guests are encouraged to enjoy them on the back deck or in the upper-level lounge.