What's going on now

(Photo: Yelp)

So it looks like Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge (1553 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-8410) didn't survive the new Illinois Smoking Ban. There's a little note in the window that simply says, "We are now closed." No further information is given.

But on a good—and much healthier—note, word from Berry Chill ( 635 N. State St., 312-640-0312) owner Michael Farah is that the specialty "froyo" spot is set to open the first weekend of March. Right now he's conducting a series of VIP focus groups and tastings, so if you want in, get on it now.

Also, BomBon Cafe (170 W. Washington Blvd.) closed its Loop location, according to Time Out. But have no fear. You can still get their pastry goodies in Pilsen and Little Village.

And finally, Nia (803 W. Randolph St., 312-226-3110), which we wrote about here before any other media outlet, opened last week in the West Loop.

Deal of the day . . .

(Photo: Tizi Melloul)


Jump start your week with a smile—whether you have today off or not for Presidents' Day—with this deal certain to please all:

Super exotic eatery Tizi Melloul (531 N. Wells St., 312-670-4338) offers half-priced appetizers and $3 martinis every Monday and Tuesday in the lounge. Pick from favorites like the Rockin' Moroccan (UV 80 vodka, lime juice, fresh mint, soda and a splash of Sprite), Cucumber Martini (vodka, cucumber, mint, simple syrup, lime juice, garnished with a sliced cucumber) or the Fizi Tizi (sparkling wine with fresh seasonal fruit puree, garnished with fresh berries).

Tizi Melloul will celebrate 10 years in 2009, but you'd never know it by its slick, futuristic design and always on the edge cuisine. It's also one of River North's best-kept secrets.

Roll out the Red Carpet . . .

. . . the Oscars are coming, and so are the local events celebrating it.

Academy Awards parties started in Chicago circa 1999, when nightlife impresario BJ Murray decided to host an all-out Hollywood-style glam jam at Marche (833 W. Randolph St., 312-226-8399) with a life-sized Oscar statuette, deejays and celebrity lookalikes.

While he's no longer throwing the once annual bash, you'll still be able to find a host of parties around town when the Oscars air on Sunday, Feb. 24, beginning at 6pm. You'll be able to cheer on your favorite actors and movies at dress-up affairs as well as more casual events at:

10pin (330 N. State St., 312-644-0300). The bowling lounge goes black tie for one evening with this affair that's decked out in gold and silver and the staff will greet guests in old-school glam. Upon arriving, guests will fill out an Oscar ballot, predicting the winner in all categories. The individual with the most correct answers will receive a trip to Aruba. But if there's a tie, there will be a bowl off. Also, fashionistas can show off their glitz and compete for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male with the winners taking home a gold Oscar statuette. Specials include "Juno" (cavatappi baked with Wisconsin smoked Cheddar, fresh herbs and toasted breadcrumbs), "No Country for Old Men" quesadillas, "Atonement" (beer-battered Cod fish and chips), and a host of specialty cocktails.

Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-7990). The Pussy Galore Flying Circus Oscars Party kicks off at 7pm, hosted by Music 101. The party will have $5 Stoli cocktails, $10 Stoli Elit martinis and a tribute to 45 years of James Bond with Bond films playing on all screens. Comp appetizers 7-10pm, and of course Bond Girls. DJ Heather Doble spins. 9pm-2am.

Kit Kat Lounge (3700 N. Halsted St., 773-525-1111). Guests are treated to live entertainment by the Kit Kat Divas during commercials, as well as half-price martinis all night. They're also showing the Oscars on five large screens. Dinner specials include The Red Carpet (savory roasted red pepper soup), Acceptance Speech (roasted baby beets with goat cheese and mixed greens with a hazelnut vinaigrette) and And The Oscar Goes to...(pan-seared scallops with truffle oil and sweet pea risotto).

Room21 (2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312-328-1198). The South Loop set benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Admission includes appetizers, signature Belvedere cocktails, wine and dessert. A silent auction benefits JDRF and multiple plasma televisions will be added to the venue. The party's attire ranges from jeans to gems; best dressed guests will be presented prizes by the evening's emcee, NBC's LeeAnn Trotter. $40 in advance; $45 at door.

Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-281-4989). They'll have a 106-inch projection screen and guests will have the chance to win prizes for guessing the night's winners. Also, sip themed cocktails like a $5 Red Carpet Punch.

Viand (155 E. Ontario St., 312-255-8505). The Streeterville eatery features some specialty Oscar creations by Executive Chef Steve Chiappetti. And for those who want to watch the big show, there will be a big screen. One guest who picks the winner for Best Picture category will win a $200 gift certificate to the restaurant. The night's cocktails: Atonement - Romantic interlude (Godiva, Kahlua, brandy, chocolate-rimmed glass), Juno - Teenage sprinter (Zinfandel wine, 7-Up, tropical fruit), Michael Clayton - Give me a stiff one (Southern Comfort and Coke), No Country for Old Men - just for the old guys (scotch, sweet vermouth, dash of bitters) and There Will Be Blood - Bloody Bloody Mary (tomato juice, tobacco, citrus vodka, deep-fried blue cheese olives).

What the critics are saying . . .

. . . about:

Cafe Matou (1846 N. Milwaukee, 773-384-8911). "(The) daily changing menu—think bouillabaisse, Bordeaux-braised lamb, apple beignets with house-made caramel ice cream—reflects the seasons and (Chef Charlie Socher's) Paris culinary training. But don't expect frou-frou food here; instead you'll find hearty French comfort with nary a pretension in sight. And the same can be said of the cozy interior, with its exposed brick walls, tin ceiling and art from local artists."—Lisa Shames (UR Chicago) Read it all here.

The Dirty Libertine (1615 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-654-1782). "While Galzin’s pissaladière (flatbread) topped with sweet caramelized onions, briny anchovies and picholine olives isn’t exactly an original, it’s executed pretty remarkably, with a bubbled, crispy crust that could convince you there was an in-house wood-burning oven (there’s not). The chef also shows some skill with one of the easiest Italian creations to mess up—his gnocchi were perfect, plump little pillows swimming in brown-butter sauce with sage and roasted squash. The dish’s only fault was the dry and somehow stringy pork belly."—Heather Shouse (Time Out Chicago) Read it all here.

Hugo's Frog Bar (1024 N. Rush St., 312-640-0999): "Fish offerings are impeccably fresh, and a long card of daily specials accompanies the regular menu. The kitchen also appears happy to accommodate requests. Want Mahi ($25) blackened instead of mesquite grilled? No problem. Overall menu preparations for filets are straightforward — planked, grilled and broiled. Look for local catches, too, such as Lake Superior whitefish ($21), perch ($23) and walleye pike ($24)."—Alison Neumer Lara (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here.

'Top Chef' spoilers

Local culinary scene is spotlighted in upcoming episodes of "Top Chef," says The Stew, even though the show doesn't officially launch until mid-March.

Highlights include Frontera Grill's Rick Bayless, Table 52's Art Smith, Blackbird's Paul Kahan, TRU's Gale Gand and the Chicago Sun-Times Richard Roeper (?!). OK, then!

This is the reason why I can’t support any Trump projects in Chicago

Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, the so-called villainess on “Celebrity Apprentice,” is singlehandedly damaging the Trump brand. (Photo: David Gabber/Photorazzi)


This has gone too far. This thing on Donald Trump’s so-called “Celebrity Apprentice” show to an extent that I’ve completely lost respect for him as a businessman.

I’m talking about Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, whose performance on the show last night was so ridiculously obnoxious that it's making me rethink supporting his ventures in Chicago. Yes, the new Trump Hotel, which includes the just-opened Sixteen restaurant and Rebar lounge.

I watched in horror as Omarosa verbally attacked one of her team members, British journalist Piers Morgan, with vulgar, violent language that belonged on a street corner instead of a professional environment. She also lashed out at him through his family, which was a low blow—even for her. For her disgusting behavior, she was barely admonished by Donald and Ivanka Trump when she should have been dismissed on the spot. (Any real job would've done that!)

And yes, as a professional African-American woman I felt as though I was slapped in the face. Trump and company looked at Omarosa as though the way she behaved was normal for all Black women: loud, vulgar and untameable. No, it's not. And I won't stand for it. I had been looking forward to his hotel coming to Chicago since it was first announced, but now I'm so over it.

Singles: Are you ready to mingle?!

(Photo: One World Chicago)


From a massive salsa soirée to a "friends with benefits" bash, you don't have to be coupled up to have fun this weekend:

Chicago International Salsa Congress. The three-day festival occurs tonight through Feb. 17 with international Latin bands and some of the best dancers in the world. Seven shows, 60 dance workshops, and four nights of dancing to Latin orchestras until 3am. Dress to impress. Westin O'Hare (6100 River Road, Rosemont; 773-285-3197). $45-$329 (all-access pass)

Le Passage (937 N. Rush St., 312-255-0022). Take your "special buddy" to the Friends With Benefits party, which is also happening tonight. Get there between 9-10pm for a VIP reception sponsored by Effen vodka, and also enter a contest to win a lover's suite for one night at the James Hotel as well as a couple's massage at Urban Oasis. Free.

Martini Park (151 W. Erie St., 312-640-0577). Get ready to sing at the first-ever Love Rocks party with live karaoke setting it off with songs about amore. You're certain to make some new friends. Doors open at 7pm tonight. Free.

Provenance Food & Wine (2312 W. Leland Ave., 773.784.2314). Who knows who you'll run into at this last-minute Lincoln Square event happening tonight. Stop in for a wine tasting of dessert, sparkling and other great wines. 6-8pm. Free.

Victor Hotel (311 N. Sangamon St., 312-733-6900). Lip Service Productions hosts a sultry lingerie and fur fashion show with styles by Elan Furs and G Boutique. Show starts promptly at 11pm with music by DJ Buckley. $10 after 11pm.

Whiskey Blue (172 W. Adams St., 312-782-4933). After work tonight, head to the Spin Me launch party hosted by Jimmyjane. They've created a sexy twist to the classic game of mischief, and if you get there early enough you get to take home a game for yourself. Specialty cocktails included. 6-8pm tonight. Free.

Juicy Wine Co. (694 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-492-6620). The River West wine bar always has some offbeat talent coming in to deejay these days. On Feb. 15, they've got the dynamic, unpredictable duo, When the Eagle Met the Wolf (Bald Eagle and Mr. Wolf). Saturday look out for Darren from The Changes making his debut. It'll go down good with their nice wine selection, stinky cheese and grilled panini. Free.

Ohm (1958 W. North Ave., 773-278-4646). They're calling it Cupids Ball 2008, but don't go expecting anything romantic here. Their tagline is actually "Love Stinks...," so it should be a roomful of singles hanging out as though the holiday never existed. Dance music, drink specials and lots of revealing skin on the female patrons. 10pm-4am Feb. 15. $20.

La Pomme Rouge (108 W. Kinzie St., 312-245-9555). The weekly Radio Paradiso party offers a "French Kiss" theme for the weekend. Guests who arrive early for dinner get complimentary dessert and roses for the ladies. Also, DJs Andre Harris and Just Joey spin; $5 Stoli drinks and $8 Roseline martinis. Sponsored by Music 101 and Selective Search. Free.

Jbar (610 N. Rush St., 312-660-7200). Make your way to Sunday Night Service—especially since most folks have Monday off for Presidents Day. The chilled-out vibe is chic and mature, and is home to some of Chicago's best underground house deejays known for deep, sexy grooves. Come with a date, or find one here. Resident deejay Matty spins. 10pm-2am. Free.

Spice Girls in town today

(Photo: Capitol Music Group)


From Stella's Column in the Chicago Sun-Times today:

"THE SPICY SPICE GIRLS are performing Friday at the United Center. But don't be surprised if you see them hitting the clubs for some dancing and prancing. The divas hit town today—Mel B (Scary), Victoria Beckham (Posh), Geri Halliwell (Ginger), Emma Bunton (Baby), Melanie C (Sporty). And since it is Valentine's Day, newlywed Mel B will be accompanied by her husband, Stephen Belafonte. And don't be surprised if other Spice Girls lovers show up in town as well."

Somehow I doubt these chicks will be clubbing it up around town—especially together—but I'll be on the lookout for them anyway this weekend.