Obama twin!

Hey, if you're hanging out and about this weekend and happen to run into this guy, no, your mind's not playing tricks on ya.

That's not Sen. Barack Obama. It's Reggie Brown, a server at ajasteak at the Dana Hotel.

Major props to the mole master

"The sopes, especially the earthy, spicy chorizo and woodland-mushroom-topped version, were as good as I remember," said Nagrant. (Photo: Hungry Mag)


Hungry Mag's Michael Nagrant gives big props to Geno Bahena's latest project, Real Tenochtitlan in Wicker Park, in this review:

"The sopes, especially the earthy, spicy chorizo and woodland-mushroom-topped version, were as good as I remembered. . . . The Borrego en Mole Negro, featuring succulent medium-rare lamp chops swimming in a pool of mahogany mole made of chilhuacle chiles had a deep, sweet, spice perfume. The mole at Real was more layered than the similar mole at Sol de Mexico. It was also perfectly salted, a frequent mole shortcoming. When our table ran out of fresh housemade tortillas, I used the now-bare lamb chop bones to ladle up the rest of the sauce."

How could I forget this?!

Michael Jackson turns 50 on Friday! You know there will be a King of Pop tribute playing everywhere you go this weekend . . .

Send the summer off on a sweet note

Sugar Ray is scheduled to perform during the "Labor of Love" event this weekend at Enclave.


It's the last hurrah for summer, or is it really?!

As far as I'm concerned, summer ends somewhere around Sept. 22—when Autumn really kicks in. Whatever the case, it's gonna be one fabulous weekend with amazing weather, so if you're in town, there's no excuse not to take advantage of it.

From a fun, outdoor club concert featuring pop band Sugar Ray to brunch on the patio at Bucktown's hottest new spot, Duchamp, here's where you need to be:

THURSDAY

Hopefully, the weather will hold up for tonight's Summer Concert Series on the roof deck of Crunch Fitness. Event includes acoustic music by Chris and Joe of Bottle of Just Us and food from America’s Dog. 7-9pm at 939 W. North Ave. No cover.

You'll probably be eating 'cue all weekend, but you won't have anything like the burgers at Paramount Room, which offers a decadent Wagu Kobe beef burger "dressed" with organic greens, Beefsteak tomatoes and a special sauce. For $10, you can pair it with one of their specialty beers.

FRIDAY

I remember when world-renown soulful deejay Ron Trent started his Africa Hi-Fi party in an old Wicker Park loft exactly four years ago. That event brought out some music super stars, including the Godfather of House Music Frankie Knuckles. He's celebrating four years of fabulous fetes at Sonotheque, with a special appearance by Philadelphia sensation and former Digable Planets mixmaster King Britt. Expect some funky hip-hop, soul and whatever else he wants to spin. There will also be a live performance by SIji and live art installation by Krista Franklin. 9pm-2am. $10.

It's also time for Music 101's eighth-annual Labor Day DayRa Sunset Boat Ride, kicking off at Cat's Meow. Ticket includes three hours of premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, transportation to and from the boat and the after party at Cat's Meow. Deejays Johnny Fiasco and Frank Solano spin, and guests will get to enjoy the fireworks on Navy Pier. (Everyone must meet at Cat's Meow between 5-7pm for transportation to boat; buses leave at 7pm.) $75 in advance; $95 (day of event). No cover for after party.

Steve Aoki returns to perform his special brand of music, this time appearing at Bon V. He's best known for founding artists from Bloc Party, The Kills, The Gossip and Klaxons . 9pm-2am. $20.

SATURDAY

Green City Market continues, and this weekend they're featuring Freddy Sanchez of Adobo Grill for the Chef Demo. If you sit close enough, maybe you'll get to sample some of his famous nouveau Mexican cuisine. 10:30-11:30am. Free.

Jesse de la Pena wants to take us Back to the '80s, with this carefree party happening at Darkroom. Added entertainment includes a 1980s costume contest, CD giveaways and a showing of cult classic films "Valley Girl," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Purple Rain," "Beat Street" and others. Like totally rad! 9pm-2am. $5 (with costume); $8 (without).

The "no home" Hothouse continues to host global-flavored events throughout the city. This time they're going back to Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse, which sold out last month. The party includes dinner and live music by Puerto Rican band Viento de Agua. The three-course dinner package includes a pitcher of sangria for $35. Dinner seatings are 9 and 10pm, but dancing goes on until 2am.

SUNDAY

When it comes to brunch, Duchamp appears to be doing nicely in just a short few weeks. The former home for Meritage was a brunch hot spot for the Bucktown natives, and it's proving no different as they're lounging out on the expansive patio for hearty, contemporary American fare. 11am-2pm.

The second-annual Global Adrenaline Anniversary Festival, Labor of Love, happens at Enclave with a special performance by pop group Sugar Ray. But the best part of this event is that they're transforming the front lot into a ginormous beer garden with daylong performances. Party starts at 5pm, with food and drink vendors. Those on the VIP tip can reserve cabanas for $500. The party continues at night inside the club with deejays. $10 for festival; $20 for nightclub.

HotHouse is also hosting another noteworthy event, occurring at Fizz to celebrate Brazilian Independence Day. Chicago Samba performs traditional Brazilian beats, while Rio Dio kicks out samba-rock. Also, those wanting to learn how to move like the Brazilians will be able to get in on the dance lesson. 8pm-2am. $12 in advance; $15 at door.

And Plan B is where you'll want to be if you're just looking to chill out. The pre-Labor Day party features Will from "The Real World Hollywood" spinning, plus several cocktail specials. 8pm-2am. No cover.

MONDAY

Recover.

I've fallen out of love with nightlife: Part II

A few months back, I wrote this about the current state of late-night partying.

It inspired some interesting conversations between friends, which inspired me to do a follow-up post on something else that's been bugging me lately: the obscenely high cost of going out these days.

In these tough economic times, you'd think bar owners—and nightlife promoters—would give us a break. But it seems like it just keeps getting more and more expensive.

Just today, I received a press release about the $2,500 NV Martini with a 2.3 carat emerald pendant, being offered by NV Penthouse Lounge. Now, while I understand that it's considered a "luxury" lounge, this new cocktail is way too extravagant during a period when people are more intrigued by half-price cocktail night.

More power to them if they can get someone to drop $2,500 on one effing drink, but think about it. That's more than the average person pays for a mortgage or rent.

And another thing: What is really going on with the bottle service?! It's to a point now that you cannot sit in a downtown-area nightclub without dropping several hundred dollars on drinks (even more on weekends!). Who are these people who can afford to go out every weekend and order bottle service like they're Bill Gates?!

I just feel sorry for the average guy when it's not enough to buy a lady a drink. If he doesn't have a table locked down with at least a couple of bottles of premium hooch, then he can just forget about getting those digits.

It's like the whole idea of going out to genuinely meet new and interesting people is no longer a priority. What happened to those fun nights when we had just enough cocktails in our system to carry a nice buzz, danced all night to various tunes, and worked the party from one end of the room to the other?!

Let's bring that back. Now.

Jay-Z still planning to expand 40/40 Club to Chi

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is selling his recently opened 40/40 Club in Las Vegas, but he's still talking about bringing the brand to Chicago next year. Hmmmmmmm.

This is simply beyond the usual

Truffles and champagne?! Blah. So boring.

It's time to step it up a notch, and one of the city's top local mixologists, John Kinder (Spy Bar, mk), wants to get you there with Chocolate + Cocktails…a secret love affair, happening Thursday at Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

This exclusive, guided tasting pairs Vosges exotic chocolate confections with Kinder's customized "culinary cocktails." One of the highlights: Bourbon blended with sugar snap peas and fresh lemon juice, paired with Vosges' Bacon + Chocolate Candy Bar. The $60 ticket includes five custom culinary cocktails (made with fresh squeezed juices and infusions) paired with Vosges' luxury chocolates, small bites and a chocolate-filled gift bag. 7:30-9:30pm. Call 773-296-9866 for tickets.

That's tomorrow, but here's what's on tonight:

The Chicago Jazz Fest happens this weekend, and you should kick it off in style with the Jazz Institute’s 22nd Jazz Club Tour, occurring all over town. Sponsored by the Chicago Trolley Company, the event will make stops at iconic jazz spots like Jazz Showcase, Green Mill, Buddy Guy's Legends and Backroom. 6-10pm. $30.

It's the last Wednesday of the month, which means that it's time for Quartino's popular wine tasting event. This time, they're exploring vino from Greece. The event includes five wines, light appetizers and a cool, friendly crowd on the top level. 7-9pm. $20.

More vino is on tap at Broadway Cellars, for the 20 Wines 20 Dollars wine tasting. They're pouring something they're calling "patio wines," which are lively whites and robust reds that should be ideal for Labor Day weekend. They're also serving up a good old-fashioned backyard BBQ with ribs, brats and chicken. 6-9pm. $20.

"Project Runway," everyone's fave fashion reality show, is on tonight, and if you want to watch it with an energetic crowd, head to the Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club. They're showing it on jumbo screens with local fashion designer and Season 4 alum Steven Rosengard. Guests will also indulge in themed food and drink specials, and compete in a design-your-own-martini contest for a chance to win a $250 Absolut gift basket during the show's season finale. 8pm. No cover.

And Rebirth of the Cool is back at Sonotheque, featuring those cool-ass lounge sounds of the 1960s and 1970s. Joe "The Groove Merchant" Bryl spins. 9pm-2am. $5.

iCream still on ice . . . until further notice

Just tried to stop by iCream for a cool-out treat, and yes, it's still closed until they can fix those hi-tech, liquid-nitrogen, ice-cream machines.

Voice mail says: "We will re-open as soon as it's humanly possible."

Y'all must've worn that place out on its first weekend!