Earlier today, we broke the news that Jay's Amore Ristorante & Lounge (1330 W. Madison St., 312-829-3333) in the West Loop closed today in order to reconcept. But now, we've got even amore:
They're expecting to reopen the first week of April as VIAGGIO, with a spanking new contemporary look and feel. And, according to management, they're aiming to "introduce a new concept of fine dining to Chicago." Hmmmmm, I cannot wait to see this one. They're going to remain Italian focused, of course, keeping their executive chef and bringing aboard two additional ones. It's going to be really interesting to see what they've got up their sleeves. Developing . . . .
Monday, March 24, 2008
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.
"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.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
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 . . .
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
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
Thursday, March 20, 2008
'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.
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