Deal of the day . . .

I'm so freaking over this cold weather, and you probably are too. So let's jet off to South America—like tonight.

OK, seriously, the closest thing to that we'll be able to do tonight are these events right here:

Chicago Restaurant Week, where several Latin-spiced restaurants are participating, including Brazzaz (539 N. Dearborn St., 312-595-9000), Carnivale (702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005) and Sushi Samba rio (504 N. Wells St., 312 595-2300) with three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $31.95 until Feb. 29.

Coobah (3423 N. Southport Ave., 773-528-2220) for $6 pitchers of sangria. That's right. Every Tuesday, they're offering the deal, which is usually $18 a pitcher. Coobah's sangria is a secret recipe from the Dominican Republic topped with fresh cut fruit.

Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron St., 312-664-2727) for Tapas Tuesdays, where every week the Latin-focused eatery features a special tapas tasting for $8.95 per person. Executive Chef Randy Zweiban sends out his favorites while the Dave Hiltebrand Trio pumps out sultry South American jazz.

NoMI's (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030) Cellar Notes event on the seventh floor. Advanced Sommelier Fernando Beteta hosts an Argentinean wine tasting that's paired with cheese and fruit. It's open house style and runs from 5:30-7:30pm. $30.

Whole Foods Market (3300 N. Ashland Ave., 773-244-4200) for A Taste of South America. Husband-and-wife team Sam and Sunny McDaniel pairs artisanal cheeses with their hand-picked selections from various regions in South America. 7-9pm. $10 includes the wine, cheese and informational materials.

'This place rocks!'

That comes from singer/songwriter Richard Marx (remember him?!), who dined at just opened Italian eatery Frankie's Scaloppine (900 N. Michigan Ave. 312-266-2500) in the Gold Coast, reports Stella's Column. Also, Frankie's Scaloppine has a "celebrity wall," so it will be interesting to see who signs it. Check it out when you stop in the 900 Shops.

Big props for a South Side chef

(Photo: BJ's Market & Bakery)

BJ's Market & Bakery (8734 S. Stony Island Ave., 773-374-4700) owner/chef John Meyer becomes the Illinois Restaurant Association's first-ever African-American president. Writer Chuck Sudo uncovers where his amazingly tasty soul food originates.

Right about now, I wish I had a slice of his gooey sweet banana pudding in front of me. Mmmmmmmm!

No Starbucks?! Have no fear . . .

If you're one of those who needs your Starbucks fix in the evening, you probably already know that all stores across the country will be closed for training tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 26) at 5:30pm.

But have no fear. Your local coffeehouse is here for you. Get on it.

Get your party on . . .

(Photo: Darkroom Demons)


Local spin star Tommie Sunshine played Smart Bar (3730 N. Clark St., 773-549-0203) over the weekend, and Darkroom Demons was there to shoot all the late-night naughtiness. Who says Smart Bar still isn't the ish?!

Vegetarians need love too during 'Restaurant Week'

An inquiring foodie wants to know which restaurants are keeping vegetarians in mind during this first-ever Chicago Restaurant Week.

Related: And just because he wasn't on the official list of participants doesn't mean that Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar chef/owner Didier Durand can't take advantage of the foodie-driven week. Through March 2, his authentic French bistro is celebrating the region of Provence with bottles of red, white and rosé available for $20.08 when you order their four-course menu at $31.95. My fave? The braised beef bourguignon with olives and plum tomatoes in a Bandol red wine sauce. 546 N. Wells St., 312-467-0546.

WTF?!

Time Out Chicago reports that Natalino’s (1523 W. Chicago Ave., 312-997-3700) in Ukrainian Village got its windows shot out on the day it was supposed to open for a supposed "chef stealing" incident. Now that's gangster.

Deal of the day . . .

Bistro 110's (110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110) Sommelier for a Day returns, so you know what that means. It's time to help the delightful French eatery pick a wine for its spring menu.

Four times a year Bistro 110 hosts this event that turns the tables allowing diners to pick their favorite vinos, and tonight it's all about red Mediterranean wines, with the best of Greece, Italy, France and Spain.

For the event, Executive Chef Dominique Tougne will serve hors d’oeuvres, including braised short ribs, pulled duck confit pizza, mini steak au poivre with mashed potatoes, tuna tartare with Dijon mustard, spicy mini crab cakes, cheese and charcuterie, mini crème brûlées, chocolate mousse and mini apple tarts. Tonight 6-8pm. $35 for Levy Preferred guests; $45 general admission.