The Best of the West Hits Town

Deejay/producer Miguel Migs stops through Griffin Lounge for his "Get Salted Tour" Thursday.


He's known for his brooding good looks and ethereal signature sound that works best when laid down over aggressive house music. So it wasn't a surprise when San Fran native Miguel Migs became the poster boy for the Naked Music label at its height of popularity in the late 1990s/early 2000s.

You've likely heard one of Migs' deep soul-influenced remixes thumping in the club, from Britney Spears, Macy Gray and Lionel Richie, produced under Naked Music as well as his current venture, Salted Music.

You'll get a chance to see what all the fuss is about when Migs headlines the Get Salted Tour at Griffin Lounge 9pm-2am Thursday. Just Joey, John Curley and Funky Couture also spin. $5 until midnight; $10 after.

And the beat goes on . . . all weekend long:

THURSDAY

Summer's not over, damnit! So get out your frilliest frocks and slickest slacks for the first-ever Common Threads World Cookout at Fulton's On The River. The event raises money for after-school cooking programs for disadvantaged children, and will include a walk-around tasting from chefs Stephanie Izard (Top Chef Season 4; The Drunken Goat), Paul Virant (Vie), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Rodelio Abilgot (Sunda), Radhika Desai (Top Chef Season 5), Gale Gand (TRU), James Gottwald Rockit Bar & Grill, Giuseppe Tentori (Boka), Toni Roberts (C-House), Jonathan Fox (La Madia), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Dominique Tougne (Bistro 110), Greg Biggers (Fulton’s on the River), Sarah Grueneberg (Cafe Spiaggia), Robert Andrea (Jake Melnick’s), Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse), and Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier (Café de Architectes). Oh yeah, there's an open bar. 6:30-9:30pm. $75.

The Art of Martini sounds like a fun, interactive party that should get people talking to one another again. Guests will learn how to make five signature martinis as they socialize. It's also a fundraiser for one guy's entrance into the Chicago Marathon, so that's all good too. 6-9pm at Three Peas Art Lounge. $35.

Bar Novo—a slick lounge with an "interactive chef’s station"—quietly opens today at the Renaissance Hotel. We're looking forward to the hand-crafted cocktails, signature local beers and extensive wine list.

Indulge in an evening of "Greek Chic" at A Night in the Kouzina, happening at River East Art Center. The chef-driven event includes tastings from George Bumbaris (Prairie Grass Cafe), Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA), David Schneider (Taxim) and Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven). Benefits the National Hellenic Museum. 6-9pm. $85.



House-made push-ups created by Sofitel Executive Pastry Chef Suzanne Imaz will be one of the treats at the "Common Threads World Cookout." (Photo: Sofitel Chicago)


FRIDAY

The 24th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest culminates with a performance by Modern Day Romeos. The event occurs at Federal Plaza at Dearborn and Adams, which is right down the street from Berghoff itself. 5-9pm. Free.

SATURDAY

Yet another Chicago Gourmet Dine Around participant is Japonais, which is offering an awesome prix-fixe, three-course menu that comes with one glass of wine. $50. After your meal, head down to the sexy lower-level lounge where a deejay spins eclectic beats until 1:30am.

SUNDAY

Gemini Bistro starts brunch service today, and we cannot wait to get our hands on the Stuffed Vanilla Brioche French Toast (drizzled with mascarpone cheese and sweet cherry jam), Cap Cod Lobster Roll, and Brunch Punch, with fresh orange, fresh pineapple, grenadine and a dark rum floater.

Samba Hour happens 4-7pm every Sunday through Thursday at Sushi Samba rio. You'll get small tasty $2, $3 and $4 bites like soy glazed edamame, spicy crunchy tuna roll, Japanese chicken wings and crispy yellowtail taquitos.

MONDAY

And get ready for the first-ever Flat Top Grill to serve breakfast. Located in the downtown Sullivan Center, it'll feature the same concept of filling a bowl with ingredients that the grill cooks prepare. Omelettes, egg scrambles, pancakes and French toast are offered as a base for the main breakfast dish, with fresh food line offerings fruit, chocolate chips, and an assortment of vegetables, cheeses and meats.