What are you doing Monday night?!

There's not much going on, so why not spend the evening with Bravo "Top Chef" champ Stephanie Izard, who's bartending at Pops for Champagne, 8pm-midnight, as it kicks off its weekly celebrity bartending series. I know I'll be there!

After hours at Publican—on its first night

Donnie Madia at his first restaurant, Blackbird.


Just stopped by Publican to sample one of those well-publicized craft beers everyone's been talking about lately. But guess what?! It was after midnight and that spot was closed.

But that's OK, we probably didn't need anything to drink anyway.

Publican partner Donnie Madia graciously gave us a tour of the airy, one-room space dominated by the color beige and over-sized chandeliers. What drew our attention the most, however, were the eight or so booths lining the walls. They had their own little doors—for semi-privacy—which should get interesting when the clubby crowds from next-door Lumen get wind of it. You know what I'm talking about. . . .

We'll be back soon to get an actual taste of those highly anticipated pork-focused dishes (peep their little mantra: "Here's to the swine, that animal divine, who through mud and slime, grit and grime, gorges over time into meats divine."), and the fab $45 Sunday Feast that Urban Daddy just discovered.

And while we were at it, we asked Madia to confirm the recent rumors about his team buying the Pontiac Cafe venue, which is reportedly shutting down next week.

"It's true," he admitted reluctantly, "but we wanted to keep that info below the radar before we decided what we wanted to do with it. These days you can't keep anything a secret."

Shakeup at Park 52

(Photo: Park 52)


As of yesterday, Executive Chef Chris Baron is gone at months-old Park 52 in Hyde Park, which is owned by restaurant baron Jerry Kleiner. Replacing him—at least for now—is Room 21's Dan Tucker. It'll be interesting to see what he does with the menu and whether or not he burns out from all that traveling . . . .

UPDATE: All the managers have been fired, so there is definitely some restructuring going on over there.

UPDATE 2: Word from parent company KDK Restaurants' publicist Abby Baine Dunn: "There is indeed a changing of the guards there as Park 52 hopes to create a more accessible, grass-roots destination for the Hyde Park community."

Still developing!

Flashbacks, food and fashion for all

You can join the masses cramming into Publican on its opening night in the West Loop, or you can hit a number of events around town, ranging from an all-out flashback bash to one for the fashion conscious:

THURSDAY

I love it when fashion shows cater to men and women, and this one spotlights the gear from new dress shop le Dress (1741 W. Division St., 773-697-9899) and dandy-man spot haberdash (1350 N. Wells St., 312-440-1300). The Dress & Dash Fall Fashion Show at Crimson Lounge pops off the latest looks, and guests will be treated to comped Cabana Cachaca rum cocktails, gift bags and more. 9-midnight. No cover, but call to get on the guest list just in case they try to give you drama.

The infamous Royster with the Oyster takes place next Friday, but tonight is the kick-off event. Head to Goose Island’s Clybourn location for free oysters with the purchase of any Goose Island Beer. 5:30-7pm. Free.

Engine, engine number 9, it's time for Black Sheep to shine! The seminal hip-hop duo from the 1990s makes a comeback with a live performance at Underground during its weekly Rewind! series. 10pm-4am. Cover varies.

Thursday Fall Series continues at Landmark Grill + Lounge, but you'll need to get there early for the freebies. They're offering comped Maker's Mark signature cocktails and seasonal bites from 7-9pm. There's also a $7 bar menu, created by Executive Chef Benjamin Browning, featuring organically grown meats and locally grown fruits and vegetables from Homegrown Wisconsin and Green City Market. Also, the signature cocktail to try is the Urban Cherry (Maker’s Mark Bourbon, homemade cherry syrup, blood orange bitters). 7pm-2am. No cover.

Chill out to rare grooves at Cat's Meow, as DJ Eric explores trip hop, reggae, nujazz, disco and more. The groovy, nostalgic setting is the perfect spot to nod your head to the beat as you chill out on the nice outdoor patio that's open until midnight. Also, $2 PBR and $3 Jameson shots. 9pm-2am. No cover.

FRIDAY

Be Bad to the Rhone simply because you can. Eno, the fab new wine bar tucked inside the InterContinental Chicago, debuts a new wine flight featuring Chilean, French and Napa Valley varietals. $15.

A fall-focused showcase highlighting the best in Chi-town fashion, music and the arts happens in the lobby of the W-City Center. Early arrivals get free bubbly (9-10pm), plus there will be a fashion show by Wicker Park's Funkshion Boutique (2121 W. Division St.). Also, bike enthusiasts can oooh and ahhh over the Criminal Customs choppers that'll be on display right outside of the hotel. DJ Uncle Milty spins. 8pm-1am. No cover.

SATURDAY

It's Oktoberfest time at Taste Food & Wine, which is showcasing a number of international beers, including Spaten, paired with cheese and sausages. 7-8:30pm. $20 in advance; $25 at door.

Get a lesson in the History of House Music as a number of legendary spin stars and vocalists take centerstage at the Congress Theatre (2135 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for what they're calling "one of the biggest dance parties ever." Just some of the talent: Mario "Smokin" Diaz, Lego, Wayne Williams, Joe Smooth, Farley "Jackmaster" Funk and Julian "Jumpin" Perez. Singers include Crystal Waters, Robin S., Shannon and Rochell Fleming. 6pm-3am. Call 312-559-1212 for tix ranging from $20-$49.50.

SUNDAY

The third-annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl happens—with two routes to choose from! I'm down for the Rainbow Route (3-6pm), but the Swedish Stroll (1-4pm) sounds just as good. Participants get to check out Andersonville's rich shopping district full of nifty little stores, boutiques and offbeat eateries. Each tour ends at In Fine Spirits for a wine-tasting event. Begins at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St). 1-6pm. $25 in advance; $30 at door (if available). Event benefits the non-profit Andersonville Development Corp.; ticket info at 773-728-7552.

Run, Foodie, Run . . .

Rockit Bar & Grill's Chicken Chili Mac is part of this weekend's marathon menu. (Photo: Rockit Bar & Grill)


It's that time of year when participants load up on carbs in preparation for the Chicago Marathon.

But why should they have all the fun?! This time around, menus are inventive and sound delicious, so even if you're not running, you might want to check these out:

Rockit Bar & Grill should really consider adding the Chicken Chili Mac (four-cheese macaroni and cheese, turkey chili with grilled chicken breast) to the permanent menu. From Friday through Sunday, it's part of a three-course menu that also includes a salad and warm banana rum bread pudding. $25 (50 percent off for those who ran in the marathon on Sunday); all items also a la carte. Also, a Rockit Raspberry Smoothie (made with low-fat yogurt, wheat germ and the antioxidant acai berry) will also be available for $5.

A special marathon buffet is being offered only the night before the race at Shor, the new steakhouse tucked inside the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. It'll include soup, salads, salmon, chicken and, of course, a pasta bar. That's $17 per person from 5-10pm Saturday.

Big Bowl gets in the mix with a high-carb marathon menu, offered Thursday through Saturday. Diners can choose from three combos, which are all priced at $14.95. Selections include fiery potstickers paired with Kung Pao noodles, dumpling noodle soup or blazing chicken with wheat noodles.

Chow down for a good cause over at A MANO, which is hosting Pastapalooza! through Saturday. Bring a friend and you'll get a three-course menu that's customized to your liking as well as benefits Girls on the Run, a national non-profit organization encouraging healthy lifestyles among preteen girls. Choose from a classic Margherita pizza or salumi, several pasta selections and dessert. $26.50 per person; $2 goes to Girls on the Run.

Province preview

If the offbeat ceiling is any indication of Province's design, we're in for a treat! (Photo: Hungrymag.com)


Hungry Magazine gets an exclusive sneak preview of Randy Zweiban's Province, which looks like it will open on schedule next week.

Publican opens Thursday!

Chef Brian Huston's Becker Lane pork shank should be one of the highlights on the pork-friendly menu at Publican. (Photo: Grant Kessler Photography)


Publican finally makes its debut in the Warehouse District on Thursday. Read here for more info on the long-awaited restaurant from the guys behind avec and Blackbird.

The sweetest day . . .

There's been so much bad news lately that it's time to hear about something that'll put a smile on your face. We're talking decadent sweets and eats to liquidy treats and jammin' beats to set you off:

The third-annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl happens on Sunday—with two routes to choose from! I'm down for the Rainbow Route (3-6pm), but the Swedish Stroll (1-4pm) sounds just as good. Participants get to check out Andersonville's rich shopping district full of nifty little stores, boutiques and offbeat eateries. Each tour ends at In Fine Spirits for a wine-tasting event. Begins at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St). 1-6pm. $25 in advance; $30 at door (if available). Event benefits the non-profit Andersonville Development Corp.; ticket info at 773-728-7552.

Get ready for a goth-themed, rock 'n' roll, black-tie affair at the Park West, as Collaboraction hosts its annual Beggars' Banquet. As usual with this outrageous performance troupe, there will be sensory overload from the moment you walk in the door, from an over-the-top red carpet experience to live music and performances by some of Chicago's scene-stealing artists. Party, of course, includes appetizers, cocktails and a silent auction as this is Collaboraction's primo fundraiser. 6:30pm-midnight Saturday. Call 312-226-9633 for the $175 tix or join the festivities at 9:30pm for the $50 'Bail-Out' ticket.



Collaboraction executive director Anthony Moseley at last year's "Beggars' Banquet." (Photo: Collaboraction)


Next Wednesday is Marche's 15th anniversary, and they're doing it up by bringing back all those wacky events for which they've become infamous. But check this out: They're doing them all in one night! That's right, look for S&M artists, mod burlesque performances and Dr. Seuss characters strolling through the space as guests nosh on signature dishes by former Marche chefs Michael Kornick, John Bubala and Paul Wildermuth. They'll be joined by current chef Matt Tobin. Fifteen raffle prizes will include gift certificates for Marché, Opera, Gioco and Red Light. 8pm-2am. $20 ($5 goes to Perspectives Charter Schools).

And it's the 20th anniversary for Meals on Wheels' Chef Celebrity Ball, one of the biggest cuisine scenes of the year. Just about every prominent local chef is involved as well as several high-profile national stars. Come for vittles by more than 50 chefs, including Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven), Michelle Garcia (Bleeding Heart Bakery), Joshua Linton (ajasteak), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Debbie Gold (The American Restaurant) and others. Come for the seated dinner, which starts at 6pm and is a hit to your wallet at $350, or head here later for the Indulgence Ball, which includes appetizers, cocktails and live entertainment. That's $125. DJ White Shadow spins. Food fest takes place on the seventh floor of Macy's (111 N. State St.). Get tix at 312-744-2120.