Top designer Suhail takes a stand against poverty

If you don't recognize his name, you'll certainly recognize his memorable, high-profile projects with a definitive edge.

Suhail—the master designer/architect behind such hot spots as DeLaCosta, Lava Lounge, Sonotheque and Tizi Melloul (also del Toro, Fahrenheit 212, Mod. and Sugar RIP)—is working on the most important project of his life: rebuilding Kashmir following its devastating earthquake in 2005.

His life was forever changed when he visited and volunteered in the region last year, and he wants to do even more by returning with more volunteers. Thursday's event is his biggest benefit to date in an effort to raise funds for this cause. All proceeds will be used to directly improve and rebuild schools, provide educational supplies and establish scholarship funds.

But don't expect this to be a stuffy event: Being Suhail, you know that it's going to be hip and happening. The multi-culti, creative black tie includes live traditional Indian music, DJ Madrid spinning global beats, a video installation by Brian Cho, open bar, photography exhibition and Kashmiri fusion menu. Premium silent auction items are donated by such favorites as avec, Blackbird, Moto, Orange Skin, Randolph Wine Cellars and the Joffrey Ballet.

Deets: 1101 W. Fulton St., Dec. 13 7-11pm. For more info, call 312-733-9411. $100 in advance; $125 at door.

Bring on the bubbly

(Photo: Paulus Rusyanto)


If you haven't had enough of the good stuff, we've uncovered even more. Hey, it's the holiday season: Drink UP!

Since last week, Geja’s Café (340 W. Armitage Ave., 773-281-9101) has been celebrating its 28th Annual Champagne Festival, featuring sparkling wines from around the world. During the two-month festival, which ends on Jan. 31, they're offering an impressive assortment of Champagnes by the glass and the bottle at special promotional prices. Guests may also enjoy Geja’s yummy fondue cuisine, including hot cheese dripping from chunks of bread; lobster, beef tenderloin and chicken breasts sizzling in a pot; and sweet fruit and tender marshmallows covered in creamy chocolate.

Or, if you're shopping along the Mag Mile, head over to Park Hyatt Chicago (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4051) each Tuesday-Saturday from 4:30-6:30pm for "Truffles & Champagne" in their elegant Library. Settle in for a trio of handmade chocolate truffles from Coco Rouge (1940 W. Division St., 773-772-2626) paired with a nice selection of champagnes and cognac by the glass. There's also a classical guitarist for background sounds. Prices range $14-$20 and this is going on until Dec. 22.

And then there's the half-priced Mondays at The Tasting Room (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1313). Their more than 115 wines, including dessert and sparkling wines, by the glass are all half off. Sip and swirl as you chill out in their simply gorgeous two-level lounge.

Rock Star Dogs update

Looks like Weiner Circle (2622 N. Clark St., 773-477-7444) is finally getting some competition with the arrival of Dion Antic's Rock Star Dogs in Ukrainian Village.

The pioneering restaurateur behind such memorable joints as Liquid Kitty, Get Me High Lounge, Harry's Velvet Room and of course Iggy's (now Iggys3 at Chicago and Dearborn) opens his late-night hot dog spot in January. There's about 20 dogs on the menu with cool names like Tommy Lee (our foot-long tribute), Los Lobos (Latin-style bacon wrapped dog), Sting (Tantric tofu dog) and the J. Timberlake (Our Cheezy Dog . . .Dawg!). And non hot dog lovers can get The Misfits, two mini cheeseburgers. All sandwiches come with fries and a can of soda, and range $4-$6. It will stay open 'til 4am on most nights, 5am on Saturday. 801 N. Ashland Ave.

Deal of the day . . .

In West Town, Five Star Bar and Grill's (1424 W. Chicago Ave., 312-850-2555) got it all: a pool table, plenty of plasmas to watch the game or news, one of the largest selections of bourbons in town and that infamous stripper pole in the back room.

But it's their nightly specials driving the crowds earlier in the week, such as tonight's: 50 cent mini sandwiches (cheeseburgers, pulled pork or Sloppy Joes), ribs ($6.75 half slab/$10.75 full slab) and the $2 Old Style cans. No takeout.

Statewide smoking ban doesn't affect everyone

You've got less than a month to smoke in area bars and restaurants, then come Jan. 1 it's to the streets to freeze your ass off when the statewide smoking ban takes effect. Illinois will become the 22nd state to prohibit smoking in nearly all indoor workplaces, with notable exceptions being tobacco stores, nonalcoholic hookah lounges and hotels.

Look for an increase in business in places like Marshall McGearty Tobacco Artisans (1553 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-8410), a "tobacco lounge" in Wicker Park, Up Down Cigar (1550 N. Wells St., 312-337-8025) in Old Town and Old Chicago Smoke Shop (10 S. La Salle St., 312-236-9771) in the Financial District.

But what's certain to be an interesting development is over at Sigara Hookah Cafe (2013 W. Division St., 773-292-9190) in Ukrainian Village, where there's a full bar to go along with the more than 30 shiska flavors. According to their web site and an employee at the store, they're in compliance with the new ban, but how is that possible if they'll still have the liquor? A manager wasn't available to address this issue until Tuesday, so we'll be following up.

Crimson Lounge leads the Nightlife Poll

The Nightlife Poll for Best New Bar of '07 has only been up for a few days, and now Hotel Sax's Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn St., 312-245-0333) is waaaay ahead of the others.

Agree? Disagree? Cast your vote now at the bottom of the page.

Marcus Samuelsson’s C-House pushed back

Those waiting for acclaimed Ethiopian chef Marcus Samuelsson (New York's Riingo, Aquavit) to make his Chicago debut will have to wait a little longer.

A call over to Streeterville’s Affinia Chicago Hotel (166 E. Superior St., 312-787-6000), where his Scandinavian-style cuisine will take centerstage at C-House, rewarded 312 Dining Diva with the latest and greatest info. Turns out that the hotel is still renovating and running behind schedule, so the restaurant will not be opening in early 2008, as other media outlets have been reporting.

At this point, they’re looking for C-House to open in late March or possibly sometime in April. Really, who knows, as you know how these things go. As usual, we’ll keep you posted.

Soiree opens this weekend

There’s absolutely no relation between the two, but Soiree Bar and Bistro (2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-8880) just opened in Lincoln Park and Soiree Bar and Restaurant recently closed over at 4539 N. Lincoln Ave.

That’s where the similarities end as the former replaces The Gramercy—an overrated Lincoln Park college bar masquerading as a Miami-esque lounge. New owners have replaced the all-white interior with lush colors of crimson and purple hues. And they’ve added a menu of French-American bites, which is targeted toward those who sit in the front section.

It’ll be interesting to see if the young, post-collegiate crowd that frequents this Lincoln Avenue strip warms up to the idea of this pretty sophisticated concept dropped in the middle of frat boy heaven.