First-ever Kids Restaurant Week arrives

Earlier this year, Chicago finally got an official Restaurant Week, now for those with mini me's, Gapers Block reports on the city's first-ever Kids' Restaurant Week happening at favorites like Blue Water Grill, Ina's and Otom.

It kicks off this weekend at Green City Market.

Photo op with a politico

Jesse Jackson showed up to the NABJ party at Texas de Brazil and pressed flesh with restaurant GM Vincent Feola.


Somehow I missed out on a hot party hosted by my colleagues from the National Association of Black Journalists—Chicago Chapter last night at Texas de Brazil.

Political activist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. was one of the special guests, and signed the first Serras de Azeitao, Texas de Brazil's 2006 signature white wine.

What's Good all over the 'hoods this weekend . . .

Rising movie star Meagan Good, who's in "The Love Guru," makes an appearance at Lumen tonight.


From diamonds to divas to high-end drinks, here's your weekend guide:

THURSDAY

Today's The Love Day at Cartier, with a new jewelry collection launching with a host of celebrity ambassadors. Chicago's own Common, plus Janet Jackson, Eve, Fergie, Hilary Duff, Emmy Rossum and others serve as special ambassadors for an 18K white gold miniature bracelet intertwined with an 18K pink gold miniature bracelet (A playlist featuring each new Love Charity ambassador's favorite love song is available for free download at here). The celebration happens from noon to 6pm, with DJ Mano spinning and complimentary bubbly. 630 N. Michigan Ave., 312-266-7440.

US Weekly hosts the Hot Hollywood Party at Lumen, with "The Love Guru" star Meagan Good as special guest. Event includes comp cocktails, appetizers, gift bags and beauty stations. 8-11pm. RSVP to usrsvp@usmagazine.com for admission.

Hip, contemporary eatery Perennial, owned by Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz (Boka, Landmark), opens today in Lincoln Park.

Has NV Penthouse Lounge lost its &^%$#@!($#@! mind?! Tonight they're unveiling the $2,500 Envy Martini—which consists of Belvedere vodka, Midori melon liquor, Dom Perignon champagne and fresh garnishes. It comes with a 2.3 carat pear shaped emerald pendant provided by Jewel Star Chicago and a handcrafted sterling silver engraved monogram martini pic. 9pm-2am. No cover.

If you're not willing to grill out yourself, head to one sixtyblue for BARBQ, executive chef Martial Noguier’s signature twist on a summertime tradition. Guests may enjoy such selections as Swan Creek Farm suckling pig accompanied by home-style sweet potato chips and Swan Creek Farm chicken wing lollipops. Guests may complement dinner with refreshing summer drinks like the Cabo San Loco (Absolut Peppar, pineapple, lime juice, cilantro) or South by Southwest (Stoli Orange, Southern Comfort, prickly pear puree and soda). It's available at the bar Monday-Friday.

FRIDAY

The Taste of Randolph kicks off today along the Randolph Street corridor, between Peoria Street and Racine Avenue. Participating restaurants include de cero, La Sardine, Macello, Marche, Red Light, Veerasway and Vivo, with live music, booths and more. The highlight of the weekend should be the chef cooking demonstrations, which take place 2:30-6:30pm Saturday and Sunday with hosts Steve Dolinsky and LeeAnn Trotter. You'll get to check out the area's hottest chefs like Jennifer Brooks (de cero), Tyler Williams (Veerasway), Matt Tobin (Marche) and Jackie Shen (Red Light). 5-11pm Friday; 2-11pm Saturday; 2-10pm Sunday. $10 suggested donation goes towards the West Loop Community Organization.

The Business Networking Expo at Enclave offers local professionals the opportunity to learn more about sustainability and the environment. Network with like-minded folks from all industries and enjoy comp appetizers and specialty cocktails. 6-9pm. $15 in advance; $25 at door.

SATURDAY

Cocktail connoisseurs should love the Summer Flavors Cocktail Clinic at WAVE restaurant. Head bartender Kevin Wonder will show guests how to make perfect summer cocktails, from infused vodkas and simple syrups made with local, seasonal ingredients to frozen Bloody Marys and margaritas. An interactive bar will be outfitted with all the bells and whistles. Guests will also get to enjoy signature bites from executive chef Kristine Subido and a parting gift. 2:30-4:30pm. $50.

SUNDAY

SummerFest happens at Erie Park (Erie and Kingsbury streets). The day-long event features restaurants, art, retail and entertainment with more than 50 area businesses showcasing their goodies, including Melting Pot, Rockit Bar & Grill, Redhead Piano Bar and Zocalo. 11am-7pm. $5 donation benefits the River North Residents Association.

And it's time for Sunday Night Service at Jbar. This insider's affair has been going strong for a few months now. DJ Madrid and Funky Couture are the featured spin stars, and of course you'll get drink specials: $5 P.I.N.K. vodka cocktails and $4 imported beer. 10-2am. Free.

Rock bar on its way to becoming a star?!

Angels & Kings owners Jonathan Daniel (from left), Bob McLynn and Pete Wentz. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


Angels & Kings had a sneak preview party last night, and 312 Dining Diva was in the house. Check out my recap here.

Also?! What's up with management not letting rock 'n' roll photographer Tyler Curtis from Dark Room Demons shoot Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson and other stars, but everyone and their mama were allowed to shoot with everything from iPhones to wide lenses?! WTF?!

Boom Shaka Laka Laka!

The Lakers suck, so while everyone in LA is gloomy over their big loss in the NBA Finals, it's sunny and cheery in Chicago:

It's time for a Flavor Explosion at WAVE, as the W Lakeshore restaurant offers guests a cool new way to enjoy the fireworks show at Navy Pier.
Executive Chef Kristine Subido combines her signature spicy panache with Garrett Popcorn and Häagen-Dazs to create sweet and savory summer snacks. Highlights include chicken liver pâté with Garrett’s CaramelCrisp® crunch for $5 or the "salty sweet" mix made with Garrett’s Mix and house-made spiced nuts for only $2. Check it out every Wednesday and Saturday on the patio with cocktails until 11pm.

Eno-Versity, the regular wine series at Eno, features Dusted Valley Vintners winemaker Corey Braunel, who will showcase his vino from the Walla Walla Valley in Washington state. Socialize and enjoy wine by the glass or flight, as well as complementing cheese and chocolate by the flight. 6-8pm. $25.

Chicago-Scene.com celebrates 10 years with what should be a memorable event at Zed451. DJ Geronimo spins, U2 tribute band Elevation performs and a portion from the $20 cover benefits Imerman Angels. Party starts at 9pm. Revelers can keep it going at RiNo for the official after-party that's also the debut of A:M (After Midnight), the world's first premium caffeine cocktail. We cannot wait to try it in black raspberry!

Hideout is hot next week!

Check out this hot-ass event happening at Hideout next week. Trust me, you'll want to get tix now.

Wii Wars and wine events . . . whee!

Hang out with sports stars or let the wine be the star at events this evening:

Go head to head against local celebrities in Nintendo Wii Wars at Harry Caray's Tavern every Tuesday beginning tonight. They're kicking off the series with an appearance by Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks, who will challenge guests on the 123” HD TV—the only precision engineered StarGlass screen in the Midwest. Banks will give away autographed baseballs along with the most sought after tickets in town—Cubs vs. Sox at US Cellular Field. Future Wii Wars include football against Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher, basketball against former Chicago Bull Dickie Simpkins and Home Run Derby against Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg and Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney. Drink specials include $3 Miller Lite bottles and $4 Captain Morgan cocktails. 8pm-1am (unless there's a Cubs game in town).

The Third Tuesday Tasting is back at Tasting Room, this time with a nod to exotic locales like South Africa, Argentina and Australia. Guests will sample malbecs, bonardas, sweet chenin blancs, sexy carmeneres, shirazes and silky sauvignon blancs, of course paired with light bites. 6-8pm. $30.

The monthly tasting at Swirl Wine Bar explores Cool Whites for Hot Summer Nights. The event includes 12 different wines paired with appetizers, plus music by jazz band Gypsy Trio. 6:30-8:30pm. $25 in advance; $30 at door.

And at A.Vision Chicago (910 N. Damen Ave.), guests will have the opportunity to meet winemakers Tim Olson and John Ogden of Olson Ogden Wines, which specializes in a small production of syrah and pinot noir. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Illinois. 7-9pm. $30 ($20 goes to the Alzheimer's Association). Call 847-933-2413 for tix.

Back in action

Joe Segal's legendary Jazz Showcase settles into its new South Loop home, and Metromix has the first review.