Quote of the Week: 'The Fifty/50 is offering—gulp—50 percent off your bill if your house has been foreclosed on'

That's Chicago Mag's nightlife writer Sarah Preston doling out advice on where to go if you're really down in the dumps about the economy in her Nightspotting 2.0 column.

Sign of the times, baby.

You knew it was coming: Joe the Plumber Cocktail!

Early Times Kentucky Whisky's take on Joe the Plumber. (Photo: Early Times Kentucky Whisky)


I almost fell out of my seat when this arrived in my inbox this afternoon:

"This is an unevenly distributed cocktail, just like Joe doesn’t want our money evenly distributed."

Early Times’ Toast to Joe the Plumber

3 ounces red plum juice
1.5 ounces Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Squeeze of lime

Pour the red plum first into a rocks glass with ice, then the Early Times Kentucky Whisky; squeeze lime.

I double dog dare you to order one tonight!

Socialize.

British sensation Estelle, who had the summer hit "American Boy," performs at Enclave on Friday.


Whether you've been cooped up in the office all week or just need to blow off some steam, it's time to . . . socialize:

THURSDAY

Get it started with Bright Pink's party at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.) for a fashion show featuring Robert Rodriguez's fabulous fall line. His celeb clientele (Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman) loves him, and so will you. 6-8pm. No cover, but call 312-694-4072 to attend. (Donations to Bright Pink, a breast cancer awareness organization, are also appreciated.)

Oyster-Fest II occurs at Fiddlehead Cafe, where you'll get to slurp the marvelous mollusks in several forms. Get 'em poached in champagne, buttermilk fried with spicy aioli or any other way you want. Fiddlehead's also pairing them with wine, and there's no set price. Reservations required; regular menu also available. 5-10pm.

You've only got two more days (including today!) to get your hands on David Burke's Primehouse's dry-aged hamburger—which is at a special $5 (regularly $15). That's only available during lunch. And if you come back later tonight, head to its adjacent Jbar for Sounds Good Thursdays with DJ Jesse de la Pena spinning all that's good in soul, R&B and Latin. Arrive before 8pm for comped appetizers, and drink specials will be available all night. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Shop for a good cause over at Chasalla (106 E. Oak St.), which is raising funds for the Center on Halsted, which serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community. Guests get 10 percent off all purchases, plus there's an informal fashion show, live music, and complimentary champagne and white wine. 8-10pm. No cover, but RSVP to chasalla@zapwater.com for admission.

And more fashion's on tap at Lumen, which celebrates up-and-coming local designers from The Fashion Incubator. Party is hosted by Steven Rosengard ("Project Runway"), and benefits the Chicago Chapter of Dress for Success. Cocktail reception by 42 Below. 6:30-9:30pm. $25 for Y.E.S!/Dress for Success members and $30 for non-members.

FRIDAY

The Hip Sip launches tonight at Ristorante We, in the W Chicago - City Center. For the inaugural event, they're doing a "Golden Era" theme harking back to the 1960s with vintage music as well as cocktails and cuisine. Female guests will also get the chance to doll up with a makeup consultation. 6-8:30pm. $25 (without goody bag); $35 (with goody bag).

You and everyone else were jamming to "American Boy," the head-nodding summer song from British sensation Estelle. Tonight, you'll get to hear her sing it live at Enclave; DJ Kevin Scott spins. 9pm-2am. Cover varies.

SATURDAY

Chic Roscoe Village wine-focused eatery Volo hosts its annual fall wine-tasting party. The afternoon affair takes place indoors as well as on the heated cabana patio (weather permitting). They'll be pouring a cool selection of unusual finds paired with small plates prepared by Executive Chef Stephen Dunne. 3:30-5:30pm. $20.

Masquerade with Mary Kay—a daylong event raising awarness of domestic violence for the Break The Cycle Organization and Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation—culminates with a party at Victor Hotel. Also, live performances by Ty Soule and A.T. Jones. Get there early for the cocktail reception (7-9pm, $30), and stay later to dance till you drop. $5 after 9pm.

SUNDAY

Our obsession with all things pork continues: This time it's at Fifty/50, which launches its Bad Boys of Brunch this weekend. Highlights include Let there be BACON, with endless strips of crisp, thick slices on your plate, and Hangover Helper, a signature Bloody Mary created with fresh tomato juice, black bean, corn-infused vodka, and garnished with a strip of bacon.