Who's on Top in '08?!

Vertigo Sky Lounge, atop the dana hotel, was one of the hottest new bars to open in 2008. (Photo: Vertigo Sky Lounge)


We had fun this year. I mean a whole lotta fun.

We partied our asses off—as the whole world watched—at various hot spots when a new president was elected right here in our fair city.

We kicked it hard all summer in some of the best outdoor venues we've ever had, including C-View, Vertigo and Zed451.

We mocked the Eat & Drink Club, a vicious pack of freeloaders hitting every open bar in town they could sniff out.

And we saw several triumphant comebacks, particularly from Crescendo and Trader Vic's (opens Dec. 15!).

So, it's that time of year again; time for you to pick your favorite new venues in the second-annual nightlife/dining poll: Who's on Top in '08?!

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and vote (If you don't see your favorite, then feel free to post in the comments section)! And because we're here in the infamous Windy City, vote often!

The fake journalist party crasher guide

Notorious local "party crasher" Jerry Berliant (Photo: Denver Post)


Y'all know how I feel about the Eat & Drink Club, and now AM New York has done a story on how to crash media parties. (I linked to Gawker because the comments are priceless.)

WTF.

Denied!

Eat & Drink Club member "Richard" attempted to talk his way into the Dana Hotel opening party. (Photo: Anonymous)


You know, some people just cannot leave well enough alone.

The Eat & Drink Club struck again, this time running about 10 or 15 deep! The object of their desire was the opening of the Dana Hotel & Spa, which hosted a fabulous party featuring some of the freshest sushi I've ever had from its Asian-focused eatery ajasteak that's set to open on Monday.

As always, they made up names, fast-talked employees, tried sneaking through a side door and brushed past the gatekeepers in an attempt to get into the party. Somehow they were all corraled and kicked the hell out.

From the tipster on "Richard:"

"He made an effort that night. And he, too, went around to a side door only to be escorted out moments later.

Tactic - the pointing really emphasizes how much he SHOULD BE ON THAT LIST."

Priceless.

The definition of a 'party crasher'

I've received a barrage of emails regarding my continuing coverage of outing the city's most notorious "party crashers." Some were funny, some egged me on and a few were . . . well, let's just say they were pretty disturbing.

Anyway, there was one particular note that left me scratching my head:

"How can you call them party crashers when these events you're writing about that they're supposedly crashing are free? It's not like they're paid ticket events. This doesn't make any sense!"

OK. Now, that email made NO sense. Party crashers, Eat & Drink Club or whatever you want to call them are getting their chops busted because when they come to these events they USE FAKE NAMES and LIE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO in order to get in. If you have to make up shit, then there's a problem. It's that simple, damnit!

Eat & Drink Club strikes again!

The red arrow points to "Greg Walsh," the newest member of the "Eat & Drink Club." (Photo: Anonymous)


If you thought the notorious Jerry "The Party Crasher" Berliant was bad, get a load of this cat—the newest inductee of the Eat & Drink Club—who's been pushing his way into nightclub and restaurant openings lately:

From a tipster:

"Here's someone who goes by the name 'Greg Walsh' and says he's from NBC-5. Never has a business card on him and pushes HARD to get into events. NBC-5 never heard of him. Actually says 'Yeah, my cameras should be here a bit later' to try and get in."

What is really going on with these people?!

Do you know this dude?!

Anyone have an idea of who this cat is?! I see him out all the time, and so did the tipster who sent in this shot and wrote:

"I've never actually dealt with (him) at the door (fortunately or unfortunately), I've just seen them once they're in. Grrrr."

If anyone knows the identity of the newest member of The Eat & Drink Club, kindly let us know!

Gracias!

And as always, please send tips on who you think should join the newest crew in town!

Post your favorite party crasher

A member of "The Eat & Drink Club" settles in at the opening of ZED451. (Photo: Anonymous)


SOME INTERESTING dialogue came about (via email and phone) as a result of "notorious" party crasher Jerry Berliant, who was escorted out of the Trump Hotel's opening reception last night.

So here's the deal. 312 Dining Diva is going to do a public service for all the restaurants and bars who have to put up with these types whenever they hold special events. Send me your photos of members of "The Eat & Drink Club" and I'll post them, so everyone knows who the party-lovin' people are!

Notes on the inaugural member in the above photo sent in by a tipster: "She came to the ZED opening on Friday (after trying at least 4 names) - finally called a friend who was on list and got her to confirm she was her guest.... but at least we made her wait for a good 20 minutes or so.

THEN... she showed up on Monday at ZED for concierge night!
That's when I snapped the photo."

Party crasher finally gets the boot

Notorious "party crasher" Jerry Berliant (Photo: Denver Post)


FROM today's Stella's Column in the Chicago Sun-Times:

"THE NOTORIOUS PARTY-CRASHER Jerry Berliant was thrown out by Donald Trump's bodyguards after The Donald pointed to Berliant and said 'He's a crasher' at the new Trump Tower reception last night. The bodyguards got Berliant's coat and escorted him to the street."

It's about damn time! There should be photos circulating of this loser—and the dozens like him—who think it's cool to crash restaurant and bar openings for free food and drinks.

Honestly, I would've paid big bucks to see those guards kick his ass out!

UPDATE: From the publicist, Wagstaff Worldwide, who hosted the festivities: "We also got a picture of a woman (in a red dress) that frequently crashes our parties and she was escorted out too."

Ha! Their days are numbered!