Do you want to get DIRTY?!

Last month, gastro-pubby The Filthy Libertine (1615 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-654-1782) opened in the old Aldente space in Lincoln Park.

Now, we've got an update on another naughty-named night spot that we told you about last year.

Look for DIRTY to open soon in the recently vacated Mas home at 1670 W. Division St. in Wicker Park. Owned by Dion Antic—whose Rock Star Dogs (801 N. Ashland Ave., 312-421-2364) opens in Ukrainian Village in early March—DIRTY will have some big-name celebrity involvement, "DIRTY" burgers on the menu and porn stars coming through on a regular basis. Just how "dirty" will Dion get? If you remember some of his most memorable projects like Liquid Kitty, (the first) Harry's Velvet Room and Get Me High Lounge, then you know that he does it with kick-ass flash.

The Beer Bistro takes the plunge

(Photo: Chicago Polar Plunge)


West Loop gastropub Beer Bistro (1061 W Madison St., 312-433-0013) is sending out a call for help so they can participate in the annual Chicago Polar Plunge, which is taking place on Sunday, March 2 in the freezing waters of Lake Michigan.

Hundreds of brave souls take the plunge every year to raise funds for the Special Olympics Chicago. This year, the Beer Bistro staff is going as the Polar Beers (ha!), and they're looking for donations of $100 per person.

Those who donate $100 (or more) will be able to join the Beer Bistro folks back at the bar following the Polar Plunge for a party that includes an open bar and food. Go here for more info.

Deal of the day . . .

It's the third Tuesday of the month. Do you know what that means? Probably not, so here it is:

Randolph Wine Cellars (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1212), in the West Loop, hosts its Third Tuesday Tasting, a fabulous event where you get to sample more than 30 different wines that are complemented by appetizers. They'll be pouring big, bold wines for the night. Also, if there's something you particularly loved, you will also get a discount on bottles you purchase. Reservations required. 6-8pm. $30.

Also happening tonight at 6pm is a special event at Custom House (500 S. Dearborn St., 312-523-0200) in the South Loop. Guests will have the opportunity to sample vino from boutique winery Tensley Wines with small bites from Chef de Cuisine Richard Camarota in the private dining room.

The winery produces more than 3,300 cases, including seven single-vineyard Syrahs—the most in Santa Barbara County.

To be tasted:

2006 Lea Black Oak Syrah Rose
2006 Camp 4 Vineyard Blanc
2005 Three Creek Syrah
2005 Tierra Alta Syrah
2006 Colson Canyon Syrah
2006 Three Creek Syrah

Space is limited; event is $40.

Holy Cow! Harry Caray gets BIG props . . .

(Photo: Harry Caray's)


Thursday, Feb. 21 marks the 10th anniversary of late Hall of Fame baseball announcer Harry Caray's passing.

And to commemorate the anniversary, Harry would not have had it any other way than what they're planning over at Harry Caray's (33 W. Kinzie St., 312-595-3500) that night. At 7pm—your time, anywhere in the world—it's the 10th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry. Bars and restaurants worldwide in more than 100 countries will also be participating.

During the toast, Harry Caray’s in Chicago will attempt to break the Guinness record for the World’s Largest Glass of Beer. The vessel is two feet wide by four feet high and will hold 100 gallons of Budweiser. Full, the glass will weigh 1,000 pounds. The previous record of 4 gallons was set in New Zealand in 2004. Prior to the toast, they're filling the vessel with 100 gallons of Budweiser and will sell commemorative cups containing beer from the record-breaking glass for $5 each. All proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of Cubs legend Ron Santo.

Celebrities around the world will toast Harry’s memory on Thursday, including Will Ferrell, Jim Belushi, Harold Ramis, Max Weinberg, Stephen Baldwin, William Petersen, Jeremy Piven, Jeff Garlin, Jay Mohr, Joe Mantegna, Fisher Stevens, Dennis Farina, Linda Fiorentino, Bonnie Hunt, Dennis Franz, Will Arnot, Woody Harrelson, Lorraine Bracco, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo and former Harry Caray’s server, James Denton, comedian Frank Caliendo, Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney, General Manager Jim Hendry, Coach Lou Piniella, Alfonso Soriano, Kerry Wood, Felix Pie and Derrek Lee, Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg, Harry’s broadcasting partner Steve Stone, current announcers Bob Brenly, Len Kasper and Pat Hughes, Chicago White Sox Jim Thome, former TV newsman Bill Kurtis, Mayor Richard M. Daley, President Bill Clinton, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, rock bands The Fray and Fall Out Boy, including Pete Wentz, and many others.

WLS AM Radio’s The Roe Conn Show will broadcast live from Harry’s Bar from 5-7pm.

Quote of the month: 'Anything you cats don't eat?'

(Photo: Chicago Tribune by Jeff Sciortino)


That's Michael Carlson at his highly anticipated (re-)opening of his hot Wicker Park eatery Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-752-1466). The Stew has the deets.

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).