Juicy Wine Co. Sold!

Just got word from an Ultimate Insider that West Town wine spot Juicy Wine Co. has been sold.

This story is developing and 312DD will have more info as it comes in, but right now we know that it will remain open.

Co-owned by the innovative Rodney Alex, who threw some of the most ingenious parties to attract wine-loving hipsters (most memorably Tasting of Terror Halloween Bash, The Breakfast Club and The Dirty Bird Bubble Bath), Juicy in its original incarnation will certainly be missed!

UPDATE: Time Out Chicago got Alex on record on why he's selling the biz.

Kit Kat Throws 'Avatar'-Themed Oscars Party!

We're actually excited about this!

The Academy Awards—as well as the Red Carpet and Oscars viewing parties—have become painfully predictable, so thank God we've got the whole "Avatar" theme to shake things up this year.

It would be a little awkward to go to a "Precious," "Inglourious Basterds" or "Up in the Air" themed bash, but we'll welcome the behemoth blue Na’vi any day!

Lakeview's Kit Kat hosts the party, which means its usually lounge-like dining room and bar will be transformed into the mysteriously beautiful planet of Pandora.

Guests will walk a blue carpet (first 50 guests get a gift bag filled with blue boas and Hpnotiq giveaways), and Kit Kat Diva Aurora Sexton will be decked out as the exotic warrior princess Neytiri.

Of course, being Kit Kat, there will be live performances in drag, plus a drink special. The Avatar Princess martini comes with Effen vodka, Hpnotiq liqueur, a splash of pineapple juice and adorned with rock candy and a blue glow stick for $5.

Plus, the awards will be shown on seven oversize projection screens throughout the venue. Pay attention because one lucky person will have a chance to win a grand prize worth $500 (prize includes "Avatar" PlayStation 3 video game and a Swarovski crystal-bedazzled Hpnotiq bottle).

Doors open at 5:30pm March 7; awards begin at 7pm. No cover.

Wine Director Leaving NoMI

Fernando Betata, Master Sommelier at NoMI (Photo: NoMI)


The Chicago Tribune's Bill Daley reports that Master Sommelier Fernando Betata, who serves as wine director for NoMI, will leave his post later this week.

The Guatemalan native is "moving on to pursue a new opportunity," which he hasn't disclosed yet . . .

Celebrities Invest in New Harry Caray's

James Denton of "Desperate Housewives" fame is one of several celebrity investors in the new Harry Caray's on Navy Pier.


What sets the new Harry Caray's Tavern apart from the others?!

This outpost boasts serious star power, says the Chicago Tribune.

Thirty investors include Hollywood elite like James Denton ("Desperate Housewives") and Jeremy Piven ("Entourage") as well as former and current pro athletes Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Ryne Sandberg and Ernie Banks (Chicago Cubs).

It opens March 1 on Navy Pier.

Bring on the Beads . . .

Five fabulous fetes you don't want to miss on Fat Tuesday:

Dunlays on Clark: The party starts at 4:30pm at the Lincoln Park location for this lively neighborhood spot. They're bringing in a Zydeco band that'll complement a special menu of shrimp Po' Boys, crispy catfish bites, Cajun shrimp & crawfish risotto, and chicken and waffles. Also, $5 Hurricanes and $4 Albita beer. No cover.

House of Blues: Switchfoot and Windy City Rev Ups are the bands shaking up the stage at the bash hosted by Zatarain's. Also, get ready for heaving plates of Mardi Gras favorites like jambalaya, a red beans and rice party dip and Creole-style chicken wings. Party starts at 6pm. $10.

Lagniappe Creole Cajun Joynt: Expect shenanigans at this popular South Side eatery with a Mardi Gras theme 24/7. The Phil Fornett Jazz Group performs; a buffet will have all the jambalaya you can eat. 6-10pm. $20.

Moonshine: Get signature Creole and Cajun dishes at the always bustling Wicker Park bar, but we're more excited about Cajun karaoke kicking off at 9pm. To get you on stage, they're doing $5 Hurricanes. Added to the menu are authentic Muffaletta sandwiches as well as shrimp and Andouille sausage gumbo. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Rock Bottom Restaurant: And you might as well call in sick tomorrow if you're heading over to this bash kicking off at 11am. They've just released the Big Easy Ale ($3), plus you can suck down bottomless Hurricanes at $4 each. Soak up the booze with discounted apps until 6pm. 11am-2am. No cover.