A 'first look' at Hub 51

I'm a little salty because I was told Hub 51 wasn't going to be open until another week or two, but here is The Stew with its first-impression review.

UPDATE: Hub 51 opens to the public on Friday.

Gourmet burgers and a benefit

What is there not to love about today's weather?! Not too chilly, not windy and no rain. Get out and enjoy yourself:

Sit Stay Read hosts a spa party for gals and gents. This third-annual event includes a spa treatment (deluxe mani, mini-facial, body glow, massage), shopping opportunities, and food and "mocktails" from Silver Cloud. Proceeds benefit Sit Stay Read, a unique nonprofit literacy group helping at-risk youth. 4-9pm at Spa Soak (1733 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-395-9000). $60.

Or get your grub on at Viand's Gourmet Burger Bar, happening every Monday. Executive chef Steve Chiappetti offers an exciting lineup of burgers, which guests may pair with a number of fine Wisconsin cheeses as toppings. $2 each!

And make room for hot nights with Havana Club, on Mondays at Juicy Wine Co. The Cuban-themed night includes $5 handcrafted mojitos and Cubano sandwiches (made with roasted pork, pickles and gooey cheese trapped in a roll and pressed thin). DJ Madrid spins Cuban-influenced music to set the mood in the bar or on the outdoor patio. 7pm-2am. Free admission.

Berry Generous

(Photo: Berry Chill)


Berry Chill owner and University of Iowa alumni Michael Farah does his part in helping victims of the recent flooding in Iowa. With more than 400 blocks of downtown evacuated, including a major hospital, emergency officials estimate the flooding of the Cedar River has forced at least 24,000 to evacuate from their homes. While the river begins to slowly recede, Cedar Rapids officials worry the city’s supply of drinkable water will run out.

He's reaching out to customers to stop in and drop off pre-packaged cases of water or clothing for those devastated by the disaster through June 29. Berry Chill is paying for all shipping costs. [Also look out for new locations at 132 N. LaSalle St. and 500 W. Madison St. (Ogilvie Train Station) this summer.)]


Designer/architect Suhail hosts another benefit to raise funds for the children who survived a massive earthquake that tore through a vast region of Kashmir in 2005. More than 80,000 people were killed and three million left homeless. Suhail and a team of volunteers are making another trip to the region to help, and this benefit will help get them there. Event includes live music, DJ Madrid spinning exotic beats, an open bar, raffle, and appetizers from Moto and Otom. 7-10pm Friday, June 27. LIGHTOLOGY (215 W. Chicago Ave., 312-733-9411). $100.


And in other restaurant-related news, the National Restaurant Association just donated an impressive 116,553 pounds of top quality food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to provide meals for 87,633 hungry men, women and children in the Chicago area.

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!