Deal(s) of the day . . .

Shift Drink Mondays continues over at the Filthy Libertine (1615 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-654-1782), the weekly industry event that gets prominent Chicago chefs behind the bar. Tonight's offering is chef de cuisine and souf chefs from Alinea (1723 N. Halsted St., 312-867-0110): Jeff Pikus and Nathan Klingbail. They'll be schmoozing and pouring their signature cocktails. Also, half-price pizzas, complimentary amuse, $1 cans of PBR and $2 shots of Makers Mark for everyone wearing kitchen clogs.

Also happening tonight is A Taste of France, a wine and cheese pairing at the Whole Foods-Lakeview (3300 N. Ashland Ave., 773-244-4200). Whether you're looking to gain info about new wines, or you just need a Monday night buzz, you'll get expert direction from a specialist on a variety of vino. Reservations recommended. 7-9pm. $10.

And as alway, every Monday night is also Taste Food & Wine's (1506 W. Jarvis Ave., 773-761-3663) weekly tasting event. Who knows what they'll break out, but we suspect it'll be on point. 6:30-8pm. Free.

Sign of the times . . .

From the mailbag, via an Ultimate Insider:

"We at Jay's Amore Ristorante & Lounge, want to inform our very special and valued customers, that we will be temporarily closing on March 24th, 2008 for remodeling. Unless otherwise informed, we will be reopening on April 3rd, 2008 under the new name VIAGGIO."

The West Loop venue is located at 1330 W. Madison St., 312-829-3333.

Tips from servers to live by?

Read this before your next restaurant outing.

West Loop gets another one

Since we launched in November 2007, we've been on a roll with exclusives way before anyone else had them. And it's just gonna keep getting better!

312DiningDiva.com brought you scoops on Chicago Restaurant Week, Rockstar Dogs, Dirty, Schwa, Rustik, Berry Chill, Spy Bar (the reopening), Nia, Dana Hotel (and its incoming restaurants and bars), Rebar, Table 8, AK47, Soho House Chicago, ZED451 and more, more, more.

So ready for the latest?! One of my Ultimate Insiders told me that she spied signage for a new West Loop bar called Da Mark Lounge on Randolph Street. Working on getting that info, so this one is developing . . .

What the critics are saying . . .

. . . about:

Harry Caray's (33 W. Kinzie St., 312-828-0966). "Chicken vesuvio is a signature main dish, but it also scores as a hefty sandwich ($10.95). Served on sturdy tomato focaccia, the juicy chicken breast comes with a cup of vesuvio sauce and a choice of crisp steak fries or rather bland pasta salad. . . . For more zing and an athlete's portion, try the platter of five Italian sausages blanketed with grilled peppers ($15.95). I like these best tucked into crusty semolina rolls ransacked from the bread basket."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here

Nia (803 W. Randolph St., 312-226-3110). "Pata Negra, the famed Spanish ham, is on the menu, and it is frighteningly good; to make it even better, our excellent server encouraged us to pair it with the montelarreina, a Spanish sheep’s milk cheese."—David Tamarkin (Time Out Chicago) Read it all here

Union Pizzeria (1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-475-2400). "If you need a heartier meal, Union offers a single big plate each night – gnocchi or lamb stew or on Saturday nights, a rich duck ragu on a runny cushion of polenta that made me all cozy and gooey inside."—Christopher Borrelli (The Stew) Read it all here

'Top Chef: Chicago' update

It's a blow for the hometown, says The Stew in its recap of Bravo hit show "Top Chef: Chicago." Also, they finally get one of our own as judge for next week's episode: Look for Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo fame (449 N. Clark St., 312-661-0381) as a guest next Wednesday!

Make it a very good weekend

Who needs Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies when there’s cocktails, beer and wine to be had?!

THURSDAY

Good for Party hosts its first monthly interactive party where the guests pick the theme. Tonight’s gig at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222) is Fashion Fetish: What’s Your M.O., and guests are encouraged to wear glamorous ‘80s gear. DJ Tim Baker spins New Wave and other 1980s hits, and there will also be an ‘80s-themed fashion show. Arrive between 9-10pm for complimentary cocktails. 9pm-2am. Free for ladies; $5 for gents.

Another premiere tonight is Strings on the Water, an after-work event featuring live jazz at Flatwater (321 N. Clark St., (312-656-4422). Every Thursday, it’s a chance to unwind with cocktails and connect with your friends—or just make new ones. 5-9pm. Free.

Get ready for a deep house and Latin soul party at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash Ave., 312-842-8856), as Grooveparlor hosts its weekly Thursday set. Deejays Mario Romay and Mark Grant spin for this mostly South Loop crowd. 10pm-2am. No cover.

You’ll have more than 99 bottles of beer to sample during a tasting at the South Loop Sam's Wines & Spirits (50 E. Roosevelt Rd., 312-663-9463). Choose from crisp and fresh lagers to smooth and rich ales as well as porters, stouts and specialty brews. 5-8pm. $30.

FRIDAY

With all the hype of so-called celebrity deejays spinning these days, it’s good to see this guy reclaim his throne. 3Degrees brings Dimitri from Paris to Crobar (1543 N. Kingsbury, 312-266-1900) to spin a special set to celebrate the release of his new CD, Return to the Playboy Mansion. Special VIP hosts will be Playboy Playmates, and 3Degrees resident DJs Monna, Julius The Mad Thinker and FLX also perform. 9pm-4am.

The Good Friday Pastel Delight party should be an interesting sight. All guests who show up to Boutique (809 W. Evergreen Ave., 312-751-2900) by 11pm get in free. There will also be $5 Bunny-Tinis, whatever the hell those are. 9pm-4am.

SATURDAY

Be one of the first to sample Roscoe Village wine bistro Volo’s new spring menu this weekend. Chef Stephen Dunne has updated it to include seasonal items like the spring pea and basil soup with proscuitto creme fraiche; braised Kobe beef with egg noodles and vegetables; and Peeky Toe crab cakes with wild mushroom lime chili sauce. This week is also a chance to support the TAP Project, a campaign helping to provide safe drinking water to children around the world. 2008 W. Roscoe St., 773-348-4600

SUNDAY


Grammy-winning soul star Jill Scott hosts a Bailey’s party at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222). She’s not performing, just hanging out immediately following her sold-out show at Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.). Complimentary Bailey’s cocktails; call for admission. 9pm-2am.

Maki Madness and more

Ra Sushi's signature "Tootsy Maki" (Photo: Ra Sushi)


How much sushi can you stuff in your face? You've still got a few days to enter a competitive eating contest at one of the area RA Sushi locations for Maki Madness. Organized like a bracket system, competitors who demolish three uncut RA Sushi signature Tootsy Maki in the fastest amount of time advance to the next round. The rounds take place March 28 at 6pm in Glenview (2601 Aviator Lane), March 29 at 4pm in Chicago (1139 N. State St.) and April 2 at 6pm in Lombard (310 Yorktown Center). Deadline to register is March 21 and all contestants must be at least 18. Two semi-finalists will be crowned at each location and will advance to the Championship Sushi Showdown on April 9 at the State Street location. Call 312-274-0011 for more info.

Also, one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph St., 312-850-0303) celebrates its 10th anniversary with a party in conjunction with Green City Market and ChicaGourmets. Chow down on special bites prepared by Executive Chef Martial Noguier, drink libations from an interactive "green" cocktail station, and check out a fashion show highlighting garments from eco-friendly boutique Pivot. A portion of proceeds benefit Growing Home, a charity providing job training and employment opportunities to homeless and low-income people. Thursday, March 27 6-9pm. 2 tickets for $160.

And finally, starting the first week in April, La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave., 312-329-0400) chefs Jonathan Fox and Gianni Zonca kick off a series of cooking classes that spotlight Italian cuisine. After demos, students get to sample their creations complemented by wine and cocktails. Each class is $25 and happens at 11am on Saturdays:

April 5: Perfect Pizzas and Tuscan Red Wines
April 12: Savory Pasta and Crisp Chardonnay
April 19: Spring Salads and Cool Cocktails
April 26: Pretty Paninis and Pinot Noir