Bubbles, Boozehounds and bargains . . .

Get the Bubbles:

It's time for The Tasting Room's annual Champagne event, happening tonight with more than 30 sparkling wines paired with appetizers. Sample superstars Krug and Ruinart as well as Jose Dhondt and Andre Clouet. 6-8pm. $50. Reservations required.

Through Nov. 21 at Duchamp, you might wanna make a reservation for you and a sig other (or BFF!) for two flutes of bubbly, two appetizers and two chocolate cupcakes. 5-7 p.m. $35.

Get the Booze:

The upper level of Hopleaf Bar plays host to the Boozehound's Beer Lover's Field Trip. You'll get four specialty draft choices, any bottled beer, premium spirits, plus beer-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts and various meats. 7-9pm. $40.

Head to Swirl Wine Bar right after work for $5 menu specials with a two-drink minimum from 5-6:30pm. Or, if you arrive later, you'll get to indulge in exotic vino as they host a Taste of Portugal event. Party includes 12 different wines, appetizers and live jazz by Gypsy Trio. 6:30-8:30pm. $25 in advance; $35 at door.

Get the Bargains:

So many of our coolest eateries are offering weekly specials to take that stress off your wallet. The Restaurant at Chaise Lounge's Tuesday deal is a three-course menu for $25, paired with $5 martinis. Get selections like the crab cakes, braised pork belly with vanilla-scented sunchoke puree and Wagyu beef with Minnesota wild rice.

At May Street Market, diners are treated to a complimentary entree (up to $24) with any dinner purchase of at least $50. And if you order from the bistro menu, you'll get a comped turkey burger with any dinner purchase of at least $25. (not available on Friday, Saturday)

And all this week, C-House doles out a three-course dinner deal for $35, offering the C-House fish and chips, pan-seared salmon and butternut squash soup.

Tomorrow:

Get up early and head to Green City Market (2430 N. Cannon Dr.), which is at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum every Wednesday and Saturday through Dec. 20. Also, if you've got time, don't miss the chef demo from Mado's husband-and-wife team Rob and Allie Levitt. That's at 10:30am. Market is 8am-1pm. Free.

This just in . . .

(Photo: Urban Daddy Chicago)


Urban Daddy hooks us up with brand-new Wicker Park playground, Edge, the latest hidden lounge to take on Violet Hour.

Sayeth The Daddy:

"Like the best insider tips, you're among the first clued in: Owners have been reluctant to talk up their stock until they hit their stride. (The fact that this place is hidden in plain view, a rare achievement for this stretch of Division, should help.)"

Don't miss out!

"Top Chef" contestant Radhika “Rad” Desai of Wicker Park’s Between Boutique Café & Lounge. (Photo: Between Boutique Café & Lounge)


Soooo, our homegirl Radhika "Rad" Desai of Between Boutique Café & Lounge pulled through the first grueling week of Bravo's "Top Chef" (peep Gaper's Block "Top Chef" recap).

I was one of the lucky ones to snag a seat for the restaurant's viewing party for this first episode, which included a tasting menu of her favorite eats (the curried lobster bisque and spice-rubbed butterfish with spinach and chorizo were the biggest hits, btw). This is the first time a Chicago contestant is actually a working chef during the show, so believe me when I say the place was packed and bustling. In fact, after the show ended people hung around well after midnight just chilling as owners cranked up some pretty cool jams.

They've decided to continue the parties throughout the season, offering what they're calling Rad's Favorites, a rotating, five-course tasting menu paired with various wines. That's $50, the show starts at 9pm Wednesdays, but it's recommended you arrive by 8pm. Reservations required.

Other fabulous events happening:

If you miss out on that hot ticket, there's the Chef's Table happening at Powerhouse. Hosted by The Local Tourist and Tweating Out, the series are casual meet & greet events with local chefs. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chef in an intimate—and affordable—setting. The Powerhouse party also marks its first-year anniversary, so you'll get to mingle with the owner and chefs over passed hors d'oeuvres, champagne and wine. 6:30pm Nov. 19. $25.

Be the baddest babe in the room at all those upcoming holiday parties, but you'll need to attend the Haute for the Holidays event at LeDress first. Stylists will be on hand to help you get your "look" together, plus you'll get to mingle with some of the most fashionable women in the city. Complimentary cocktails and free admission, but you must RSVP to ledress@zapwater.com. 6-9pm Nov. 19. 1741 W. Division St.

If you're looking for a delicious luxe gift for someone who truly deserves it, look to Vosges Haut-Chocolat. During a tasting party, they're offering guests an opportunity to sample their newly arrived Collection of Cheese + Chocolate, which comes in a custom-designed, sustainable bamboo box, and filled with five cheese selections, 28 chocolate truffles, mini exotic candy bars, black garlic, a guidebook and more. Also, all products are 10 percent off during the event. 7:30-9:30pm Nov. 20. $40.

And the Bacardi Flavor Exchange cocktail party occurs at Bon V, treating guests to a number of signature flavored rum drinks. RSVP here for comped admission. 9pm-1am Nov. 21.

Explore.

Espression by Lavazza opens this week in The Drake. (Photo: Cindy Kurman/Kurman Communications)


Seems like every week something new’s springing up. This time, it’s Espression by Lavazza, a slick Italian café concept just opened in The Drake. They’re serving up special blends of coffee, gelatos and pastries, but right about now I’m going to need that brie, prosciutto and fig panini or Bikini Pizza Panino (grilled panini “pizza style” with sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, mushrooms) placed in front of me.

Also look for high-stylin' "dive" Bar DeVille, which actually opens Monday, Nov. 17, but you never know. Neighborhood bars tend to creep open a few days early, so I’d peep my head around the corner at Huron and Damen to see if co-owner Matt Eisler (Angels & Kings, Empire Liquors) does a weekend preview.

More this weekend:

THURSDAY

Carol Wallack's charming neighborhood gem, Sola, is now doing its take on the burger that's paired with a special bacon appetizer. Also, get a featured beer. That's every Thursday.

Highsight hosts a number of pre-parties for the yearend Eve of the Eve event, happening the night before New Year's Eve. Tonight's party occurs at Rock Bottom Brewery, and includes cocktails and appetizers. Guests will also be able to buy tickets to the December event at Union Station. Proceeds fund scholarships for students to attend private high schools in the city. 6-9pm. $40.

Sushi Samba's upper-level lounge transforms into a Japanese-style nightclub for the monthly Passport Thursdays. DJ Funky Couture spins futuristic beats and drink specials set the tone. 8pm-2am. No cover.

FRIDAY

Single women wondering where all the eligible, single guys are should make their way to Publican, in the Warehouse District. It actually shouldn't come as no surprise that this extreme beer-focused venue attracts a higher ratio of men, right?! Arrive right after work and position yourself at one of the centrally placed high tables, and let the games begin.

Another after-work opportunity happens at Fion Wine Bar, with the Winesellers, Ltd. tasting event. The locally owned wine importing company's pouring vino from Portugal, Germany, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. 6-8pm. Free.

Windy City Social throws a bash at The Joynt for the Special Olympics Chicago programs. Mingle with other professionals and indulge in Sugar Bliss cupcakes and passed apps, plus cocktails and wine. 6-8:30pm. $35 in advance; $45 at door.

Resident Tuman's deejay Buddy Major takes a break to let legendary spin star Jesse de la Pena perform for the next two Friday nights. This corner bar will certainly be rockin', plus they've always got $3 Guinness on tap. 9pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Pinot Days 2008 Grand Festival returns to Navy Pier with 50 producers of pinot noir--the largest single gathering of pinot producers outside of Cali. Consumers will be able to sample up to 100 pinots from every important region in California, Oregon, New Zealand and Burgundy. Also, learn how to pair them with artisan cheese and specialty foods. 1-5pm. $50. Call 415-246-2267 for more information.

If bubbly's your poison, head instead to Pops for Champagne for a Laurent-Perrier Tasting. You'll get three examples paired with apps for $15. 3-5pm.

SUNDAY

Wouldn't you rather be in a warmer climate right now?! C-House teases us with its new Bossa Nova Brunch. You'll find Latin-infused dishes, including breakfast tacos with chorizo and corn salad, custom eggs Benedict with spicy pulled pork, or the traditional Brazilian rice and beans dish Feijoa. Also, chill out with a number of signature sippers: pineapple-orange Mimosa, red snapper Bloody Mary, and of course a classic Caipirinha. Too bad they didn't spring for a Brazilian band, but piped-in Bossa Nova should do the trick, for now. 10:30am-3pm. All dishes are a la carte.

312 Chicago chef on the move

It's been a big year for some of Chicago's popular chefs to break out on their own. Graham Elliot Bowles left Avenues last winter for his eponymous River North eatery, then Coco Pazzo's Tony Priolo left to launch Piccolo Sogno, and, of course, Randy Zweiban departed Nacional 27 for his hot Province property.

Now comes word from the Chicago Tribune's Monica Eng that 312 Chicago's Dean Zanella is kicking it solo come December to work on his own neighborhood-focused restaurant.

Sake, maki and more

Who cares if the weather's a little wacky today. Get out and enjoy yourself with one of these special events:

Get the 411 on sake with expert Aya Nomoto at Drinks Over Dearborn, the newest spirits shop to hit the River North area. Sake It To Me introduces guests to just about every style (Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo, Nigori), and if you really like something, you'll get to take it home at 10 percent off. 7-8pm. $25.

Speaking of Asian delights, Blu Coral hosts its Customer Appreciation Day all evening, with comp champagne, gifts and a $10 gift certificate for all dine-in customers.

Bravo's "Project Runway" finalist Daniel Vosovic gets you ready for the winter with tips on style as he signs copies of his new book, "Fashion Inside Out!," at Jake. Sip on bubbly and nibble chocolates as you sift through the season's hottest styles in this tony Rush Street boutique. 939 N. Rush St. 6-8pm. No cover.

Speaking of Bravo, the fifth season of "Top Chef" kicks off tonight, and once again Chicago's in the running for the title. This time, it's Radhika “Rad” Desai of Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge, and she's personally picked out tonight's menu for the viewing party at the restaurant. The special tasting menu includes curried lobster bisque, spice-rubbed butterfish with spinach and chorizo, braised duck samosa and ginger chocolate mousse in a chocolate tart. 8:30pm. $50.

And, as always, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club hosts a "Top Chef" viewing party, featuring themed cocktails and dishes. Get there early to nab your seat and chow down on the specialties: Big Apple Borscht (beet stew with apples, potatoes, parsnips, onions; $6); Quickfire (spinach salad with smoked duck, goat cheese, dried cranberries, maple balsamic; $10) and Butcher Block (Rosemary-rubbed veal rack with garlic mashed potatoes and hericot vert; $25). The cocktail of the night is the Top Chef Tini (Vox vodka, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, splash of champagne; $6). Also, ask your server about many half-price martinis, and all entrees are BOGO (buy one, get one free). Show starts at 9pm. No cover.

French 'dive' lounge next in Ukrainian Village

As with most Matt Eisler ventures (Empire Liquors, Angels & Kings), the French-focused Bar Deville aims for a chilled-out neighborhood vibe.

And how excited are we that he's bringing this new project to Ukrainian Village—which is also home to a host of top-notch hangs like Old Oak Tap, Sonotheque, Tuman's and Five Star Bar & Grill—next Monday.

A few highlights that'll certainly make this one of your favorite new watering holes: three cool rooms in which to hang, particularly the back closet bar for daily beer and shot specials; hand-crafted cocktails from the Margarita to the Manhattan; and its hidden appeal in a non-descript building on the corner of Huron and Damen.

Art Smith to the White House?!

Apparently President-Elect Obama is not playing around when it comes to picking his new team. This just came in from an Ultimate Insider:

"My friend who is a GM at a top Chicago restaurant was at a chef event this week and overheard Rick Bayless asking Art Smith if he accepted the job to become the President Elect's white house chef."

This is sooo nuts. I just speculated about the possibility of Rick Bayless (Topolobampo) or Art Smith (Table Fifty-Two) going to the White House yesterday, and now this.

I can totally see it happening because according to foodreference.com, Smith was the executive chef to former Florida Gov. Bob Graham, a special events chef for Martha Stewart Living Magazine and Oprah Winfrey's personal chef for 10 years. He also lives in Hyde Park—near the Obamas—and is currently working on a new dining concept in the Washington, D.C. area.

Oh, I am so on this story . . .