It's cold outside, but it's hot in ...

Sonotheque hosts a "Brazilian New Year's Eve" similar to this one in South America.


THURSDAY

Blue 13: Edgy River North eatery features half-price wines and a $35 three-course prix-fixe menu Tuesday-Thursday. Order anything (lobster pizza excluded), but we must have the Truffled Mac 'n' Cheese (with free-range Amish chicken), Steak and Egg on Acid (grilled beef tenderloin, sunnyside up quail egg) and "Drunken" Short Rib (Guinness braised!) right about now.

Rockit Bar & Grill: Elvis would've been 73 today, and to celebrate, get all shook up with The King (thick-cut French toast, peanut butter, bananas, whipped cream, topped with toasted peanuts) for $12. Rockit's serving it all day long.

Sonotheque: The monthly Braziliance party does a New Year's Eve in Rio theme, with Joe Bryl spinning exotic beats and specialty South American-themed cocktails like the Braziliance, which is a twist on the classic mojito with Maker's Mark. 9pm-2am. Free before 10pm; $5 after.



Celebrate Elvis' 73rd birthday today with "The King," only at Rockit Bar & Grill. (Photo: Rockit Bar & Grill)


FRIDAY

Eno at the Fairmont: Big Willies can peel off $$$ for a tasting of the rare 1935 Barros White Colheita that's $90 for a one ounce tasting portion or $850 per bottle. If you go, 312DD will be happy to be your guest. 4-11pm.

Five Star Bar and Grill: Scotch fans can indulge in comped specialty Chivas 18 cocktails, or get their drinks neat or on the rocks. The rep will hit this hard rockin' West Town tavern 8:30-10:30pm. No cover.

Le Passage: The monthly Economic Stimulus Package Party happens tonight with comped drinks 10-11:30pm. RSVP to LPinfo@lepassage.com for free admission; stay for deejays spinning all the latest beats till 4am.

Park Grill: Did you have a hard time getting back in the groove this week?! If you're in the Loop, head to Millennium Park for another Chivas 18 event with signature scotch cocktails. 6-8pm. No cover.

SATURDAY

Red & White: The minimalist Wicker Park wine shop hosts its weekly tasting with four different vinos from Cream Wine Co. 2-5pm. Free.

The Violet Hour: For the New Year, the trend-setting saloon has added new cocktails, including The Velvet Fog (Wild Turkey 101 rye, Punt e Mes, dark crème de cacao and Nux Alpina Walnut liqueur) and The Lady Clover (Beefeater, lemon, blackberry syrup, egg white and Peychaud's bitters). 9pm-2am. No cover.

SUNDAY

Moonshine: The under-the-radar neighborhood favorite offers one of the best brunches in Wicker Park: $7 Bloody Mary bar; $3 drafts; $10 pitchers of Miller Lite; $9.95 homestyle fried chicken. And don't worry about dragging your ass out of bed early. It's served all day long.