OMG. I'm starting to get just as excited as the folks over in Lincoln Square for the January arrival of Cinner's Chili Parlour & Cocktail Lounge (4757 N. Talman Ave.).
Got my hands on the menu, and if you're a true chili fan, then this is the place for you. Cinner's specialty will be Cincinnati-style chili, with the tasty sauce spilling over a bed of spaghetti. Depending on how many toppings you want, you can get your chili 3-way, 4-way or 5-way, with shredded mild cheddar cheese, onions and red beans.
And for something a little different, try the Cinners Muff (four warm muffins with chili and diced onions baked in the center), Cinful Fries (a giant platter of fries topped with chili and shredded cheddar cheese) or Phoney Coney (a steamed bun with chili, diced onions, mustard and shredded cheddar cheese).
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Fat Cat still leading Nightlife Poll
Uptown's Fat Cat (4840 N. Broadway, 773-506-3100) continues to lead the Nightlife Poll for Best New Bar of 2007. Looks like the retro-style pub has a strong following because they're certainly coming out to vote!
Agree? Disagree? Cast your vote at the bottom of the page. 16 more days to go . . .
Taste offers a 'taste' of super-premium tequilas tonight
If you were wondering whatever happened to Eric Aubriot (Aubriot, Hotel 71's Fuse), we found out. He's landed at Taste Food & Wine (1506 W. Jarvis Ave., 773-761-3663) in Rogers Park where he's a partner in this gourmet cheese, wine and liquor shop.
Every Monday at 6:30pm, they're offering wine tastings paired with various cheeses. But tonight they're stepping out with a super-premium tequila tasting event.
Partida—known for its handcrafted tequilas from Mexico that come from blue agave plants grown 7-10 years—will be sampling four different tequilas tonight from 6-8pm. Partida has only been in the country for three years, according to Partida Ambassador Alex Fowler, and 16 months in Chicago.
For shoppers, Fowler's serving up Blanco (boasting a soft floral aroma and blended with hints of citrus, fresh herbs and tropical fruit), Resposado (aged for six months in Jack Daniels barrels; a rich finish topped off with scents of vanilla, hazelnut and almond), Añejo (aged for 18 months in Jack Daniels barrels; soft honey fruited tones blended with flavors of banana, chocolate and sweet pear) and Elegante Extra Añejo (aged for 38 months; uses the very best Partida estate-grown blue agave, carefully selected by estate owner Enrique Partida himself).
He'll also be sampling margaritas made from the super-premium tequila. Oh, and if you can't make it to Taste in Rogers Park, Fowler is also a bartender every Saturday at Wicker Park's Moonshine (1824 W. Division St., 773-278-3735), where he'll be happy to make one for you that's strong and long.
Every Monday at 6:30pm, they're offering wine tastings paired with various cheeses. But tonight they're stepping out with a super-premium tequila tasting event.
Partida—known for its handcrafted tequilas from Mexico that come from blue agave plants grown 7-10 years—will be sampling four different tequilas tonight from 6-8pm. Partida has only been in the country for three years, according to Partida Ambassador Alex Fowler, and 16 months in Chicago.
For shoppers, Fowler's serving up Blanco (boasting a soft floral aroma and blended with hints of citrus, fresh herbs and tropical fruit), Resposado (aged for six months in Jack Daniels barrels; a rich finish topped off with scents of vanilla, hazelnut and almond), Añejo (aged for 18 months in Jack Daniels barrels; soft honey fruited tones blended with flavors of banana, chocolate and sweet pear) and Elegante Extra Añejo (aged for 38 months; uses the very best Partida estate-grown blue agave, carefully selected by estate owner Enrique Partida himself).
He'll also be sampling margaritas made from the super-premium tequila. Oh, and if you can't make it to Taste in Rogers Park, Fowler is also a bartender every Saturday at Wicker Park's Moonshine (1824 W. Division St., 773-278-3735), where he'll be happy to make one for you that's strong and long.
What the critics are saying . . .
. . . about:
Blu 47 (4655 S. King Dr., 773-536-6000). "I'm not dissing the dinner menu when I say that Sunday brunch might be the best time to visit Blu 47. The $19.95 buffet is a bargain, a fine array of Southern comfort food that includes white grits and cheese grits (take the white grits; the cheese grits are gummy), chicken wings, biscuits with honey, catfish nuggets, pork sausage patties and one or two entrees such as gumbo or smothered pork chops. Omelets and waffles are made to order, and there's a cereal station for youngsters. The food is simple, down-home and good. The price includes a complimentary mimosa. It's a tough deal to beat."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune)
Bonsoiree Cafe & Delicacies (2728 W. Armitage Ave., 773-486-7511). "The contemporary American menu showcases clean, streamlined, seasonal flavors. The autumn menu introduces an appetizer of cured pork belly with star anise, fig sauce, and polenta and a main course of duck breast with acorn squash puree, fried parsnips, and a white balsamic gastrique."—Martha Bayne (Chicago Reader)
Ja' Grill (1008 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-5375). "The menu is tight. The place is small. But there is a good deal of character and creativity in both. The highest-priced dish on the menu is the whole snapper, which runs $20 but includes (as do all entrees) rice and peas ("peas" in Jamaican cuisine are actually kidney beans), steamed cabbage and carrots, plantains and bread. (Ja' Grill offers preparations -- chicken, shrimp -- that involve curry, but I didn't try any of them.)"—Pat Bruno (Chicago Sun-Times)
Tavern at the Park (130 E. Randolph St., 312-552-0070). "Perhaps the finest dish is braised beef short ribs, slow-roasted tenderness soaking up a concentrated red wine demi-glace ($22). I don't know why they gave me a knife. A side of whipped potato casserole ($5) is buttery and creamy."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business)
Blu 47 (4655 S. King Dr., 773-536-6000). "I'm not dissing the dinner menu when I say that Sunday brunch might be the best time to visit Blu 47. The $19.95 buffet is a bargain, a fine array of Southern comfort food that includes white grits and cheese grits (take the white grits; the cheese grits are gummy), chicken wings, biscuits with honey, catfish nuggets, pork sausage patties and one or two entrees such as gumbo or smothered pork chops. Omelets and waffles are made to order, and there's a cereal station for youngsters. The food is simple, down-home and good. The price includes a complimentary mimosa. It's a tough deal to beat."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune)
Bonsoiree Cafe & Delicacies (2728 W. Armitage Ave., 773-486-7511). "The contemporary American menu showcases clean, streamlined, seasonal flavors. The autumn menu introduces an appetizer of cured pork belly with star anise, fig sauce, and polenta and a main course of duck breast with acorn squash puree, fried parsnips, and a white balsamic gastrique."—Martha Bayne (Chicago Reader)
Ja' Grill (1008 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-5375). "The menu is tight. The place is small. But there is a good deal of character and creativity in both. The highest-priced dish on the menu is the whole snapper, which runs $20 but includes (as do all entrees) rice and peas ("peas" in Jamaican cuisine are actually kidney beans), steamed cabbage and carrots, plantains and bread. (Ja' Grill offers preparations -- chicken, shrimp -- that involve curry, but I didn't try any of them.)"—Pat Bruno (Chicago Sun-Times)
Tavern at the Park (130 E. Randolph St., 312-552-0070). "Perhaps the finest dish is braised beef short ribs, slow-roasted tenderness soaking up a concentrated red wine demi-glace ($22). I don't know why they gave me a knife. A side of whipped potato casserole ($5) is buttery and creamy."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Connoisseur grand opening, holiday bashes and so much more . . .
The scene at Connoisseur during one of its tasting parties
I have no idea why it’s so busy this weekend, but it’s enough to keep everyone happy:
Connoisseur Wine Co. The grand-opening weekend is finally here for this tiny, yet stylish River West wine lounge with a mobile martini bar (bartender shakes up signature chocolate and green tea cocktails tableside), shareable Creole-inspired plates and some of the best underground deejays in town. Confirmed spin stars include ?, Lee Farmer, DJ I.N.C., Joe Glover, Madrid and World. Guests who RSVP receive gift bags, complimentary champagne, wine and tastings from the menu. Dec. 14-16. 1041 W. Grand Ave., 312-738-3055.
Joe’s. The 5th annual Kandy Kane Ball happens on Dec. 15 as this sports bar is transformed into a winter wonderland for a holiday atmosphere. Guests are requested to bring unwrapped toys (none with batteries) and kids’ hats, jackets and gloves, with all donations going to Chicago’s children’s charities. Party starts at 9pm, and for $20 you get an open bar and appetizers. 940 W. Weed St., 312-337-3486.
Krem. The fabulous Lincoln Park lounge celebrates its first-year anniversary with a party benefiting Toys For Tots. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for admission. Also, to celebrate the anniversary—and new renovations to the VIP and main rooms—they’re pouring complimentary Champagne and passing appetizers 9-10:30pm. Dec. 14. Also, come back on Dec. 15 for the Holiday Sweater event during their hot Sunday-night industry party. 1750 N. Clark St., 312-932-1750.
Plan B. Also, dig into those old boxes (you know you’ve got ‘em!) for the ugliest sweater for The Sweater that Stole Christmas Bar Crawl. Strut with no style when it kicks off at this new Wicker Park lounge (1635 N. Milwaukee Ave.) at 2pm, then hits Cans (1640 N. Damen Ave.), Northside Bar and Grill (1635 N. Damen Ave.) and Pint (1547 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Guests will then return to Plan B for a private You Made It reception until 8pm where local deejays will spin the usual beats. Drink specials include Leinenkugel drafts for $2 and Imperia vodka drinks for $4 at Plan B; $2 beer and vodka mixed drinks for $4 at Cans; Kalamazoo Bell’s amber ale beer for $4 and Southern Comfort and lime shots for $5 at Northside; and Point Pale Ale beer for $2.50 and Shiner beer pints for $4 at Pint. $20 donation; all proceeds benefit Inner Voice, Inc., a Wicker Park-based non-profit organization that assists Chicago’s homeless community. Dec. 15.
Rednofive. Two fashion events happen this weekend: Friday’s Holiday Fashion Fantasy includes shopping, a runway show, comp admission and appetizers by Chaise Lounge. 8pm-midnight. And Saturday—back by popular demand—they’re hosting the Glam Live and Mario Ink Body Painted Fire and Ice Fashion Show at midnight. It’s the perfect chance to order Redno’s Champagne Bouquet—designed by Rednofive and Moet—that’s a trio of champagne splits from Moët and Chandon, Impérial Rosé, Nectar Impérial and White Star. The bouquet comes with special champagne flutes shaped like the petals of a flower and have been a very popular item with female guests for $75. 440 N. Halsted St., 312-421-1239.
Salud. And Lip Service Productions hosts a jolly Downtown Divas X-Mas Soiree. The Thanksgiving party they had over at Jillys will be pale in comparison. From 8-9pm, you’ll get complimentary holiday cocktails. Party happens Dec. 13 (tonight!). Free. 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-235-5577.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Quote of the week . . .
“It’s an American bistro, which means we have no rules at all,” said Perennial partner Kevin Boehm about his new Lincoln Park restaurant set to open in March 2008. “It’s warm and friendly and prices are affordable.”
A select few local restaurant writers were invited Wednesday to get the first “hard-hat” tour of the venue (1800 N. Lincoln Ave.), which is bare bones now, but Boehm's partner Rob Katz assured us that it’s on schedule to open on time.
The restaurant/lounge takes over the entire first floor of boutique hotel Park View, which will open simultaneously. The team of Boehm and Katz are best known for Boka (1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070) and Landmark (1633 N. Halsted St., 312-587-1600), but the ambitious Perennial will be the most eye-catching of the trio. Colors throughout the venue will range from dramatic seagrass tomato to festive bursts of turquoise, pink and gold. Imposing birch branches will spring from behind banquettes, while the dining room ceiling will be draped in cloth, giving the effect of a circus atmosphere. And two lounges, one private, the other public, will be ideal to chill out in with small-plate offerings near the fireplace.
And speaking of small plates, Executive Chef Guiseppe Tentori plans to buck the current trend to offer mostly robust, seasonal dishes. And with Perennial’s perfect position directly across the street from Green City Market, expect him to use local and organic produce whenever possible.
Also on the horizon is Natalino’s (1523 W. Chicago Ave.), a pretty Italian storefront in West Town that’s right near Flo, West Town Tavern and Habana Libre. It’s simply designed in deep hard wood and clean lines, and should do really well considering that there’s really no Italian restaurants in the area. No opening date yet, but by the looks of it, they’re probably shooting for January.
A select few local restaurant writers were invited Wednesday to get the first “hard-hat” tour of the venue (1800 N. Lincoln Ave.), which is bare bones now, but Boehm's partner Rob Katz assured us that it’s on schedule to open on time.
The restaurant/lounge takes over the entire first floor of boutique hotel Park View, which will open simultaneously. The team of Boehm and Katz are best known for Boka (1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070) and Landmark (1633 N. Halsted St., 312-587-1600), but the ambitious Perennial will be the most eye-catching of the trio. Colors throughout the venue will range from dramatic seagrass tomato to festive bursts of turquoise, pink and gold. Imposing birch branches will spring from behind banquettes, while the dining room ceiling will be draped in cloth, giving the effect of a circus atmosphere. And two lounges, one private, the other public, will be ideal to chill out in with small-plate offerings near the fireplace.
And speaking of small plates, Executive Chef Guiseppe Tentori plans to buck the current trend to offer mostly robust, seasonal dishes. And with Perennial’s perfect position directly across the street from Green City Market, expect him to use local and organic produce whenever possible.
Also on the horizon is Natalino’s (1523 W. Chicago Ave.), a pretty Italian storefront in West Town that’s right near Flo, West Town Tavern and Habana Libre. It’s simply designed in deep hard wood and clean lines, and should do really well considering that there’s really no Italian restaurants in the area. No opening date yet, but by the looks of it, they’re probably shooting for January.
I'm not one to gossip, but . . .
Hunky "The Hills" star Brody Jenner makes an appearance at Enclave this weekend, and possibly Crobar too?
Now this is too much of a coincidence!
On the season finale of "The Hills" on Monday, star Lauren Conrad kissed her former "boyfriend" and co-star Brody Jenner. Now somehow both of them have wound up in Chicago this weekend to host separate events.
Conrad is the guest of honor for the 19th Annual Holiday for Hope Fundraiser Friday at Crobar (1543 N. Kingsbury, 312-266-1900). The reality starlet will be there all night, and they're requesting that guests bring an unwrapped, new toy for the kids in exchange for free entry. The U.S. Marines will be on hand to collect all toys. Doors open at 9pm.
And on Saturday—ahem—Brody Jenner hosts a model search event for Archangel at Enclave (220 W. Chicago Ave., 312-654-0234). Doors also open at 9pm, and RSVP to rsvp@enclavechicago.com.
Let the drama begin!
(Thanks, Emily!)
This just in . . .
Pop legends Duran Duran hit Underground (56 W. Illinois St., 312-644-7600) Friday, Dec. 14 for the official after party of their new CD, Red Carpet Massacre. RSVP at enlist@theundergroundchicago.com for guest list ASAP. Doors open at 10pm, but don't expect them to get there anytime before midnight.
Hope Simon Le Bon is on his best behavior this time around; the last time I saw him at a club (Narcisse, RIP), he was acting like he was "Hungry Like The Wolf."
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