Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Chicago's Secret Party Loft . . .

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A recent Mr. Topstep party at the "Monster Loft."


Gawker ran a story Tuesday about a New York restaurant industry vet whose Manhattan apartment is the hottest spot in town.

His parties attract the likes of high-profile types ranging from rock stars like Mick Jagger to socialites and media insiders from the New York Post, NBC and New York Times.

Naturally something so cool made me wonder if we had something like that going on in Chicago, so I put the word out on Twitter.

Immediately, a guy who goes by the Twitter handle [@redacted] reached out to tell me about his all-night fêtes, which apparently happen often.

"(I'm only gonna give) you the tip of the iceberg," he says, yet he gave me enough information to make me want to attend the next one.

According to the promoter, his last party cost $10,000, attracted at least 500 people, and featured a bottomless open bar and trampoline in the middle of the room.

If you don't believe me, peep the video here of the massive space before the party and the pictures here of one of their previous events.

Just one question: Where is my invite?!

'Jimmy D' Returns to 'Millionaire Matchmaker!'

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Citizen Bar owner Jimmy D’Ambrosio will appear on Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker." (Photo: Citizen Bar)


What we love best about Patti Stanger, the producer and irascible star of Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker," is that she'll put you in your place no matter who you think you are.

One of the people who found out just how bad ass Stanger is was Chicago's own Jimmy "Jimmy D" D’Ambrosio, who appeared on an episode last season.

The cocky, 31-year-old high roller made his fortune as owner of Citizen Bar, Suite Lounge and Wet Nightclub as well as a high-profile career as a professional poker player, so he's used to getting his way. But that wasn't the case when he went head to head with the outspoken Stanger when he seriously messed up on a date.

For some reason, he's returning to take the heat for a second time. Who knows, maybe this guy's a masochist because he certainly got his b*lls ripped out last season. Catch him as the episode runs at 9pm March 2 on Bravo.

He's also hosting a viewing party the night the episode airs at Citizen, so you'll be able to rub elbows with this swingin' single. Or did he get lucky this time around?!

The party starts at 8pm; themed cocktails include The Millionaire Martini, Patti Pop and Matchmaker Koolaid. No cover.

UPDATE: Here's the video from last season:

How Sweet is This?!

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Hot Chocolate's Mindy Segal. (Photo: Mindy Segal)


Stella's Column reports that über celeb pastry chef Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate) will appear on "Martha Stewart" this week:

"CHICAGO'S MINDY Segal, pastry chef and owner of Hot Chocolate Restaurant and Dessert Bar on North Damen Avenue, will be on 'The Martha Stewart Show' on WMAQ-Channel 5 at 11 a.m. Thursday. Stewart's 'Female Chef Show; will showcase some of America's best women chefs and their favorite dishes. Mindy will make her popular banana brioche monkey bread with butterscotch and almond brittle. Kudos to Martha for recognizing Chicago's food gurus. Last week, the Hyatt Hotels' top pastry chef, Alain Roby, was on."

Very cool for Mindy!