I told y'all it was gonna sell out!

Word just came down that the Stephanie Izard dinner at the Drawing Room is sold out.

It sold out in 15 minutes! That's right, but because the owners don't want to turn away the fans, they've added a special post-VIP cocktail reception. Stephanie will be preparing two "culinary" cocktails using seasonal ingredients. It's $40 and starts at 9pm June 15.

graham elliot, others coming your way

graham elliot's Cheddar-apple risotto (with braised onion, green apple, Wisconsin bacon and Cheez-its) is one of the entrees on the menu. (Photo: graham elliot)


Today's the big opening day for graham elliot in River North. Chicago's first "bistronomic" restaurant is owned by former Avenues chef Graham Elliot Bowles.

Moderately priced Italian eatery Piccolo Sogno is expected to open on July 16, according to chef/owner Tony Priolo, who was the former exec chef at Coco Pazzo.

And we're sending out good vibrations for the June debut of Logan Bar and Grill in Logan Square. It's the latest project by the owners of Northside and Black Beetle.

Tempt yourself . . .

Pina Colada, Persephone and Mango Peach Poptails (Photo: DeLaCosta)


. . . with a tasty treat in the form of a refreshing cocktail:

Today's the perfect day to indulge in one of DeLaCosta's new Poptails, a cool combo of a cocktail and popsicle. Choose between Pina Colada (DLC's pineapple infused vodka, pineapple juice, lime and Coco lopez popsicle), Persephone (Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, Pama pomegranate liquer, blood orange puree, cava and a pomegrante popsicle) or Mango Peach (Bacardi Peach red rum, mango puree, orange juice, lime juice and a peach popsicle).

Or celebrate the end of the Democratic primaries with this ode to U.S. Senator Barack Obama. Plan B Bar + Kitchen has created the Ciroc Obama (Ciroc, splash of Chambord and lemonade with a grape sugar rim) that's certain to be a winner all summer long.

Get to Lincoln Park's cozy lower-level lounge Matisse for $2 sangrias, $6 taco plates and a chance to sit down on the intimate patio. It's a great spot for a date, but also for groups looking to avoid the madness up in Wrigleyville's watering holes.

And every Tuesday is Return of the Cocktail Party at Martini Park. Come early (5-8pm) for the delicious passed hors d'oeuvres and specially priced signature cocktails ($5-$7) like the Berry Fizzy Lemonade (Effen Berry Vodka, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and a Rock Star float, garnished with a lemon wheel) or Grapefruit Caipirinha (Ketel Citron, muddled grapefruit, lime, and simple syrup, garnished with a lime wheel). Stick around for the live music. Tonight, the Flat Cats perform at 7pm.

More info on the Fall Out Boy's bar

Newlyweds Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz.


The 411 is finally trickling in on that new venture from Fall Out Boy star Pete Wentz, who's teamed up with nightlife kingpins Matt Eisler (Empire Liquors) and Stephen Westman (Lakeview Broadcasting Co.) as well as Lyle Aker and Patrick Poncher (Five Star Bar & Grill) for the Chicago outpost of Angels & Kings.

It's done pretty well since opening in New York in 2007, so look for Angels & Kings to be a hit when it arrives in River North this summer.

Take it . . .

. . . to the streets tonight:

Get your liquid lunch on as David Burke's Primehouse brings back the 777 Wine Lunch, a semi-annual celebration benefiting Common Threads all week long. $7 gets you seven samples of different wines to complement your meal. Today it's chardonnay, Tuesday (cabernet sauvignon), Wednesday (summer), Thursday (New Old World) and Friday (South America).

Enoteca Roma's hidden outdoor garden is ideal for a romantic night out or if you're looking to escape the fray of the downtown bars. Every Monday, they offer select bottles of vino for $20 with dinner.

There's still a few spaces left for the beer class at Lush Wine and Spirits tonight. Guests will get the 411 on all things hoppy, malty and fermented. And if that sounds good to you, wait until you get to the tastings. They'll be pairing Belgian ales with bites. 7:30-9pm. $30.

And the annual Burgerfest at Rockit Bar & Grill kicks off today through Saturday. They've created a different yummy burger each day, beginning with a tangy Tuna Burger topped with wasabi mayo and paired with sweet potato fries. Other highlights this week include Wednesday's Duck a la Orange Burger that come with duck fat fries (!!!), Saturday's all-natural beef burger with heirloom tomatoes and fingerling potatoes and Sunday's Benedict Burger with poached egg, red onion brioche and bearnaise sauce. And don't forget to pair those with liquor-infused rootbeer floats and milkshakes.

Hot new nightlife blog coming . . .

Word is that supergirl nightlife promoter and impresario Sarah Vargo is launching a new blog any day now. Look for Stargo in the City to cover local nightlife in a way never seen before. I.cannot.wait.

This thing is gonna sell out for sure!

Stephanie Izard


Stephanie Izard—who's still in the running to become Bravo's next "Top Chef"—gets props at the The Drawing Room with a dinner in her honor.

She's teaming up with Drawing Room executive chef Nick Lacasse to prepare a four-course feast with contemporary and creative twists on some classic dishes as well as a course devoted to the newly "legalized" foie gras. Each course will feature a cocktail and/or wine pairing overseen by master bartender and chief mixologist Charles Joly. 6-9pm June 15. Reservations required. $65.

More on that $4,000 'lounge'

Chicago-Scene.com reports in its weekly newsletter more info about the Lifebook Lounge:

Saturday, 5/31, 7 PM
Indulge at the Lifebook Lounge
Lifebook Lounge
1200 W. Lake
Invitation Only (must RSVP)
The world's first personal development lounge: Indulge in a relaxing and inspirational personal development preview and cocktail party in the luxurious Lifebook Lounge. This is intelligent nightlife at its finest. Within our lounge, you will be surrounded with uplifted, motivated people. Talk about the things that really matter in life, and do it in style! We use our nightlife as a way to develop ourselves, and that's what makes the Lifebook Lounge the most unique social experience in Chicago.
Cocktails begin at 7 PM, preview at 7:30 PM. Proper attire required.
RSVP mandatory: mickey2374@aol.com or 847-422-3112.