Blackbird's (619 W. Randolph St., 312-715-0708) 10-year anniversary party on Sunday brought out all the local rock star chefs and restaurateurs, but Mark Sparacino was probably in the most celebratory mood.
His long-awaited Prosecco (710 N. Wells St., 312-951-9500) debuted during Saturday's wild snow and ice storm, yet he managed to have a great night and almost a full house. With his third venture (he also owns Sparacino at 6966 W. North Ave. and Traveling Fare Catering), he's partnering with Kathryn Sullivan-Alvera, who's best known for co-owning Narcisse and Domaine.
The Italian-focused eatery highlights cuisine from all 20 regions of Italy and features Chicago's largest selection of Prosecco, or Italian sparkling wine.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Bleeding Heart Bakery strikes back
A Chowhound poster who tried to diss the pastries at the new Roscoe Village Bleeding Heart Bakery (1955 W. Belmont Ave., 773-327-6931) got shut down by its owner on Sunday.
The poster wrote, in part:
"The loaf of bread seemed stale - so dry, heavy, and hard that we abandoned trying to chew it and decided to use it as a weapon instead. The two muffins were the best items of the lot, by far, but they were just adequate (and the 'tea cake' muffin had a strange chemical-ish aftertaste). The two croissants were practically inedible - so dry that we worried they'd burst into flames if we rubbed them together."
And, in response, the owner struck back:
"I try very hard to stay off these sites as I see them biased and without responsibilty, however, I have always liked chowhound and was very surprised to see this post today. We are delighted to be in Roscoe Village and have been welcomed by most with open arms. All of our products are the same we have always offered but with many new choices, which is what boggles me about this post. All of our products are within Europen style (not bought at costco..as many places do..you'd be suprised how many costco croissants you've consumed thinking they were homemade) With that being said, most of our flaky pastries..such as croissants are as such...flaky. They are not meant to be doughy or chewy and we are not trying to go for that. Everyone has there own taste and there are bakeries all around Chicago that cater to all of these tastes. Our bread is levain based bread, it is made with a fermented dough and is meant to be very hearty and have a thick, dense crust. It is not meant to be fluffy or squishy or soft for that matter. I cannot understand a 'chemical taste' as we are certified orgainc and cannot use any type of chemical even in our cleaning methods, everything here has to be environmentally friendly and biodegradeable.
In the end I am sorry that you had a bad experience, I would invite you back in hopes you would have a better time the next time around, however it seems as though the problems you had are not really problems at all, but a matter of taste, which I both understand and respect, though there are many who would disagree (keep in mind that we moved to roscoe village because our business grew so big and we became so busy that we needed a bigger space, our chicago ave location was outgrown in two years..not very long at all)
One last ting, although it may be 'cute' to use extreem sarcasm when reviewing a place it really is not. Reviews in that manner are hard to take seriously and seem very personal, very attacking, which is the only reason I have become so defensive. We have recieved bad reviews, everyone does, we can take it (learn from it) but little is learned from the sarcasm."
Wow, just wow. Finally, an owner who's turned the tables on those anonymous types who get off on posting vicious comments on these dining/nightlife message boards. Personally, if it was me and I had such an experience, I'd just tell the manager while I was actually in the store. But that's just me.
On a related note, Bleeding Heart's original location at 2018 W. Chicago Ave. reopened last Friday as the Painted Lady Organic Eatery.
The poster wrote, in part:
"The loaf of bread seemed stale - so dry, heavy, and hard that we abandoned trying to chew it and decided to use it as a weapon instead. The two muffins were the best items of the lot, by far, but they were just adequate (and the 'tea cake' muffin had a strange chemical-ish aftertaste). The two croissants were practically inedible - so dry that we worried they'd burst into flames if we rubbed them together."
And, in response, the owner struck back:
"I try very hard to stay off these sites as I see them biased and without responsibilty, however, I have always liked chowhound and was very surprised to see this post today. We are delighted to be in Roscoe Village and have been welcomed by most with open arms. All of our products are the same we have always offered but with many new choices, which is what boggles me about this post. All of our products are within Europen style (not bought at costco..as many places do..you'd be suprised how many costco croissants you've consumed thinking they were homemade) With that being said, most of our flaky pastries..such as croissants are as such...flaky. They are not meant to be doughy or chewy and we are not trying to go for that. Everyone has there own taste and there are bakeries all around Chicago that cater to all of these tastes. Our bread is levain based bread, it is made with a fermented dough and is meant to be very hearty and have a thick, dense crust. It is not meant to be fluffy or squishy or soft for that matter. I cannot understand a 'chemical taste' as we are certified orgainc and cannot use any type of chemical even in our cleaning methods, everything here has to be environmentally friendly and biodegradeable.
In the end I am sorry that you had a bad experience, I would invite you back in hopes you would have a better time the next time around, however it seems as though the problems you had are not really problems at all, but a matter of taste, which I both understand and respect, though there are many who would disagree (keep in mind that we moved to roscoe village because our business grew so big and we became so busy that we needed a bigger space, our chicago ave location was outgrown in two years..not very long at all)
One last ting, although it may be 'cute' to use extreem sarcasm when reviewing a place it really is not. Reviews in that manner are hard to take seriously and seem very personal, very attacking, which is the only reason I have become so defensive. We have recieved bad reviews, everyone does, we can take it (learn from it) but little is learned from the sarcasm."
Wow, just wow. Finally, an owner who's turned the tables on those anonymous types who get off on posting vicious comments on these dining/nightlife message boards. Personally, if it was me and I had such an experience, I'd just tell the manager while I was actually in the store. But that's just me.
On a related note, Bleeding Heart's original location at 2018 W. Chicago Ave. reopened last Friday as the Painted Lady Organic Eatery.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Easy Bar turns one; Do-Division Holiday Walk
Easy Bar (1944 W. Division St.) celebrates its first year anniversary with $1 cocktails all Saturday. Yes, that's right, you won't get your typical bargain basement brew offerings as the lineup includes Jameson cocktails/shots, Stoli cocktails, Fat Tire and Miller products. And as the clock ticks the dollar drinks change on the hour.
But if you head to that area during the day, you'll want to take part in the "Do-Division Holiday Walk" from 11am-6pm. The event takes place along Division Street between Leavitt and Ashland, and even though it's pretty family friendly, guests can take advantage of drink and specials along the way at such places as Bravo Tapas Lounge, Crust, Vintage Wine Bar, Gold Star and Moonshine.
There will also be free live musical theater, Santa taking pictures with kids, acapella groups singing to passersby, and deep discounts from boutiques and shops along the Division Street Corridor.
But if you head to that area during the day, you'll want to take part in the "Do-Division Holiday Walk" from 11am-6pm. The event takes place along Division Street between Leavitt and Ashland, and even though it's pretty family friendly, guests can take advantage of drink and specials along the way at such places as Bravo Tapas Lounge, Crust, Vintage Wine Bar, Gold Star and Moonshine.
There will also be free live musical theater, Santa taking pictures with kids, acapella groups singing to passersby, and deep discounts from boutiques and shops along the Division Street Corridor.
What the critics are saying. . .
. . . about:
Exposure Tapas Supper Club (1315 S. Wabash Ave., 312-662-1082): "As the name suggests, the changing menu focuses on small plates (most $4-$14), though there are a few entrees available. Oysters and clams from the raw bar were everything they should’ve been, but my favorite cold dish was charred beef tenderloin carpaccio paired with a salad of fresh baby artichokes drizzled with truffle oil and balsamic syrup." Anne Spiselman (Chicago Reader)
La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave., 312-329-0400): “I can spot an inferior pizza even before the first bite (the color of the tomatoes, the melt of the cheese, the puff of the crust). La Madia comes through with flying colors on all counts. The Margherita pizza here is easily among my top five for best Margherita pizza in Chicago.” Pat Bruno (Chicago Sun-Times)
Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge (332 E. Illinois St., 312-527-2888): "One of the better choices: crouching tiger lettuce wrap ($9). Tempura shrimp and spicy tuna are laced with mayonnaise and served with delicate soy sauce." Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business)
Prost (2566 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-880-9900): "This split-personality bar is at once old worldly with its heavy oaken tables and wrought-iron chandeliers juxtaposed with 10 flatscreens hung on the walls of its narrow hall. With three satellites broadcasting games for every kind of sports fan, Wisconsin alums can often be found catching a Badger's game, eating the bar's famed soft pretzels and drinking one of 12 German beers on tap." (Citysearch.com)
Exposure Tapas Supper Club (1315 S. Wabash Ave., 312-662-1082): "As the name suggests, the changing menu focuses on small plates (most $4-$14), though there are a few entrees available. Oysters and clams from the raw bar were everything they should’ve been, but my favorite cold dish was charred beef tenderloin carpaccio paired with a salad of fresh baby artichokes drizzled with truffle oil and balsamic syrup." Anne Spiselman (Chicago Reader)
La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave., 312-329-0400): “I can spot an inferior pizza even before the first bite (the color of the tomatoes, the melt of the cheese, the puff of the crust). La Madia comes through with flying colors on all counts. The Margherita pizza here is easily among my top five for best Margherita pizza in Chicago.” Pat Bruno (Chicago Sun-Times)
Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge (332 E. Illinois St., 312-527-2888): "One of the better choices: crouching tiger lettuce wrap ($9). Tempura shrimp and spicy tuna are laced with mayonnaise and served with delicate soy sauce." Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business)
Prost (2566 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-880-9900): "This split-personality bar is at once old worldly with its heavy oaken tables and wrought-iron chandeliers juxtaposed with 10 flatscreens hung on the walls of its narrow hall. With three satellites broadcasting games for every kind of sports fan, Wisconsin alums can often be found catching a Badger's game, eating the bar's famed soft pretzels and drinking one of 12 German beers on tap." (Citysearch.com)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Big props for Bin 36
Raise your glass to BIN 36 (339 N. Dearborn St., 312-755-9463), the River North wine bar/restaurant/retail store, which just received the coveted Award of Unique Distinction by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in the annual Restaurant Awards, for its "dedication to delivering the most wine-friendly experience to [its] patrons." In recognition, BIN 36 will appear in the magazine's upcoming February 2008 issue and will be listed on its searchable online restaurant database throughout the year.
In a congratulatory letter, Editor/Publisher Adam Strum noted, "BIN 36 is one of a select number of restaurants in North America, out of thousands of applicants, to be honored in 2007 with this level of recognition."
As a winner, BIN 36 is recognized for displaying excellence, creativity, knowledge and vision in its wine offerings, from Wine Director Brian Duncan's nightly pairings from the restaurant's extensive selection of 50 wines by the glass and more than 400 by the bottle, to special wine promotions, to the multitude of wine-centric classes and events the restaurant offers its guests each year.
DJ Kiss puckers up tonight, plus other events around town
DJ Kiss performs tonight at NV Penthouse Lounge.
Tonight's an especially busy night, but one of the events I'm looking forward to is New York's DJ Kiss, who's flying in to spin at NV Penthouse Lounge (116 W. Hubbard St., 312-329-9960). You may not have heard of her yet, but Puffy (or whatever he's calling himself these days), Big Boi of OutKast fame, actress Kerry Washington and Salt N' Pepa are many of the high-profile stars who have called on her to play their parties. I checked her out a few months ago when she stopped in to spin at J Bar (610 N. Rush St., 312-660-7200), and was so impressed that I profiled her for Playboy.com. See what all the fuss is about when she plays 9pm-2am for a Chambord-sponsored event. Free.
Also on tap:
TK Men, Haberdash and Halo [For Men] host an event you don't want to miss. An all-male fashion show (!!!!!) happens with some of the sexiest local male models swaggering down the runway. It's free to get in, but you must email rsvp@zapwater.com for guest list. There's complimentary cocktails, and a silent auction benefits the Howard Brown Health Center. 9-11pm at Crimson Lounge, 333 N. Dearborn St.
Make-a-Wish Foundation's Associate Board holiday social set takes place at Underground (56 W. Illinois St.) from 7-10pm. The party includes a deejay spinning contemporary tunes, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and a raffle. To register: undergroundwishes.kintera.org. $30 (online)/$35 (at door).
Or you can "Ring in the Red" at the American Red Cross of Great Chicago's Auxiliary Board benefit at Kerryman (661 N. Clark St.). Get there for complimentary appetizers, plus a host of drink and beer specials for $2 (!!). 6-9pm. $20 in advance; $25 at door. Call 312-729-6130 for more info.
And the "Kimpton Red Romp: A Red Hot Night Benefiting AIDSCare" is what's up over at Hotel Monaco (225 W. Wabash Ave.). For a $5 donation, attendees can expect the red-carpet treatment, including one red-themed cocktail and tasty appetizers. They’ll be able to shop for the season’s hottest red fashions from SHE and Flirt boutiques and jewelry from local Chicago designer Dana Rebecca Designs, with 10% of all purchases benefiting AIDSCare. Also on the docket is a silent auction featuring a little black dress by Sweetface from SHE (retail value $502), a private shopping party at Flirt for you and your 10 girlfriends and more. 5-7:30pm. RSVP at lbredfeldt@korshak.com or ddugo@korshak.com.
Deal of the day . . . (as seen on 'WGN Morning News' today)
Consider swanky sports lounge WestEnd for your co-worker sponsored holiday bash.
How about ditching that corporate-sponsored holiday shindig this year and hosting your own? Or perhaps you just want to cut loose after the main festivities with a crew of the coolest co-workers from the office.
Regardless, as the worker bees, it’s not like you can bankroll one of those fancy fetes yourself, so I’m recommending one of these spots where you don’t have to worry about room rentals, deposits, package deals, etc.
Just show up and hang at:
Junior’s Sports Lounge (724 W Maxwell St., 312-421-2277). Massive sports bar has great deals every Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s game night features $10 Bud Light pitchers, $13 buckets of Bud bottles, plus free pool, a hilarious bean bag game, Wii bowling and board games; or head here Wednesday for half-priced appetizers (excluding wings), $5 mojitos and specialty martinis.
Landmark (1633 N. Halsted St., 312-587-1600). Weekly “Wino Wednesdays” at this trendy Lincoln Park lounge offers half off on bottles of wine from the “50 under $50” list, $5 Skyy vodka martinis and free pizzas from their wood-burning oven.
Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron St., 312-664-2727). Or you can always test your co-workers' skills on the dance floor (or show off yours!) with Latin Street Beat Thursdays with South American appetizers and cocktails for $3-$4. There’s also Latin house music and live percussion. Woo hoo!
WestEnd Bar & Grill (1326 W. Madison St., 312-733-0574). Unwind with your work pals at this swanky new sports bar in the West Loop. Thursdays are ideal for their $10 pizzas that come with unlimited toppings such as sausage, basil, arugula, fresh garlic, mushrooms, black olives or pepperoni. Each serves up to four people and they go great with the $16 Goose Island Honkers buckets.
Zocalo (358 W. Ontario St., 312-302-9977). No deals on appetizers where famed chef Dudley Nieto resides, but the Thursday drink specials are perfect when you need to save a few bucks. For $5, you can swill sangria Roja (with red wine, Presidente brandy, triple sec, mango and guava juices) or the Citrus Cazuela (with Milagro citrus tequila, Fresca, white wine, and grapefruit, orange, lemon lime juices) all night long. That’ll go fine with their fresh plaintain and corn chips served with a flight of signature guacamoles that are spicy, tangy and sweet.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Schwa reopening?
A Craigslist ad was posted yesterday by rock star chef Michael Carlson, whose edgy Wicker Park eatery Schwa closed early last month. Could it be possible that he's angling for a reopening? According to Dish: "Schwa opened in August 2005 and served its last meal on October 5th, a private blowout for several of the world-class chefs in town for Charlie Trotter’s 20th anniversary dinner on Sunday night.(Trotter took the chefs to Schwa, unaware that it would be Schwa’s final night, says Trotter’s spokesperson, Katy Burstein.)."
So after all that hoopla, is Carlson trying to reopen by year's end?
Here's the ad below:
"serious culinary canidates
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: acehardware12@yahoo.com
Date: 2007-11-27, 8:26AM CST
Chef Michael Carlson & Schwa Restaurant is looking for professional, hard working, and creative chefs who are interested in all facets of the restaurant. Must have good refrences and be ready to make a commitment. Please attach resumes to a quick email telling us a little about yourself. acehardware12@yahoo.com"
So after all that hoopla, is Carlson trying to reopen by year's end?
Here's the ad below:
"serious culinary canidates
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: acehardware12@yahoo.com
Date: 2007-11-27, 8:26AM CST
Chef Michael Carlson & Schwa Restaurant is looking for professional, hard working, and creative chefs who are interested in all facets of the restaurant. Must have good refrences and be ready to make a commitment. Please attach resumes to a quick email telling us a little about yourself. acehardware12@yahoo.com"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
