Schwa reopening?

A Craigslist ad was posted yesterday by rock star chef Michael Carlson, whose edgy Wicker Park eatery Schwa closed early last month. Could it be possible that he's angling for a reopening? According to Dish: "Schwa opened in August 2005 and served its last meal on October 5th, a private blowout for several of the world-class chefs in town for Charlie Trotter’s 20th anniversary dinner on Sunday night.(Trotter took the chefs to Schwa, unaware that it would be Schwa’s final night, says Trotter’s spokesperson, Katy Burstein.)."

So after all that hoopla, is Carlson trying to reopen by year's end?

Here's the ad below:

"serious culinary canidates

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Reply to: acehardware12@yahoo.com
Date: 2007-11-27, 8:26AM CST

Chef Michael Carlson & Schwa Restaurant is looking for professional, hard working, and creative chefs who are interested in all facets of the restaurant. Must have good refrences and be ready to make a commitment. Please attach resumes to a quick email telling us a little about yourself. acehardware12@yahoo.com"

An excuse to get buzzed

Seems like everyone's having champagne tastings these days, but duh! it's that time of year.

Now comes The Tasting Room (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1212) with a bubbly bash offering more than 30 of your favorites (and some stuff you've never heard of).

Tonight, you'll get to sample superstars Krug and Ruinart, great grower Champagnes like Jose Dhondt and Andre Clouet, as well as a wide array of sparkling wines from around the globe.

Also, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres in their city view lounge, and all wines featured will be discounted tonight at the adjoining Randolph Wine Cellars. 6-8pm. $50.

The next big thing?!

I've never heard of Kinky Notti, but this soul band is already making waves across the country for its unique sound. And if you want to catch them before they really blow up, they're headlining a show tonight at Blu 47 (4655 S. King Dr., 773-536-6000).

Also performing during this "Southern flair meets Northern flavor" event are the Free Agents Brand Band from New Orleans, Emotion Brown out of Dallas, Von from Dallas and local crooners Verbal Balance.

Blu 47's usually understated interior will be transformed to reflect the energy, with live mural art collaborations, dance performances, cuisine and culture. Tonight 8pm-midnight. Free.

Comp manis and massages tonight

Every time this event comes around I've already got something lined up, but perhaps you can make it:

Tsuki Japanese Restaurant and Lounge (1441-1443 W. Fullerton, 773-883-8722) is truly bringing it with a very special event for ladies' only: free manicures, massages and $5 martini specials. Guests can also take advantage of their a la carte dinner specials before or after their services. RSVP is required to info@tsuki.us. Tonight 7-10pm.

And now for something completely different

Ukie Village night spot Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave., 312-226-7600) is always offbeat—especially during the week—so this screening of Mário Peixoto's “Limite,” a rare Brazilian masterpiece of the 1930s, is hardly a surprise.

“Limite” is considered a preeminent work of the Brazilian silent era, and was the first and only film by Mário Peixoto—who was reportedly only 18 years old when he began to direct it. It's achieved mythological status as an influential though seldom seen experimental classic. The story of three castaways, “Limite” makes fragmentary connections relating to themes of love, betrayal and entrapment. It was also screened by the Edinburg Film Festival 2007 as a launchpad for Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Foundation, which aims to highlight and restore lost classics.

Tonight's screening of "Limite" will be preceded and followed by a selection of rare Brazilian music from the 1930s-1950s from the collection of DJ Joe Bryl. Music will range from folkloric, ritualistic and ceremonial to Brazilian forms of big bands, jazz and samba. Also, during the silent screening, music will be performed live by Poi Dog Pondering. Tonight at 7:30 (film starts at 8:30). $7.

Kanye the restaurateur?

From Stella's Column today:

"KANYE WEST, the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop superstar who is deep in grief over the passing of his beloved mom, Donda West, is still planning to open a chain of Fatburger eateries around the Chicago area -- one of which will soon debut in Hyde Park. He is among a few celebs such as Queen Latifah, rapper/producer Pharrell Williams, the Cincinnati Bengals' Willie Anderson and Montel Williams who are all partnering with Fatburger chairman Andy Wiederhorn. There are 91 restaurants in the popular hamburger chain that is based on the West Coast."

And speaking of West Coast outposts on the South Side, the "coming soon" signage is still up on Martin Luther King Drive in Bronzeville for a Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles. It was supposed to open last June, so what exactly is going on over there?!

'Love, Luxe, Life'

. . . is the name of the fabulous event happening tomorrow evening at the 28 Shop at Macy’s (111 N. State St.). From 5 to 8pm, you'll get to preview luxury designer collections in jewelry, watches and fragrances with music, appetizers and complimentary gift wrapping and discounts on select items. RSVP to 800-329-8667 by this afternoon because the list for this free event will fill up.

Deal of the day . . .

La Bouillabaisse "La Sardine" comes with shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, scallops, monkfish and lobster in a saffron broth.


Now, the prices over at French sensation Le Sardine (111 N. Carpenter St., 312-421-2800) are pretty moderate already--with no entrees exceeding $22 (for the braised lamb shank)--so consider the three-course, prix-fixe menu at $25 a treat.

It’s offered every Tuesday, and changes occasionally, but I’m sure on a chilly day like this they’re probably offering signature dishes like La Bouillabaisse "La Sardine," which comes with shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, scallops, monkfish and lobster in a toasty saffron broth. It’s certain to warm you down to your bones, especially if you pair it with a nice bottle of the newly released Beaujolais.