Star chefs back for Green City Market BBQ fest

So, before you get all burned out on barbecue, I wanted to leave you with a massive 'Q party taking place in a couple of weeks.

The Chefs' Summer BBQ Festival happens again at Green City Market, and more than 50 of the city's top culinary kings and queens will participate—of course using Green Market foods.

Big names include "Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard, Heather Terhune (Atwood Cafe), Kendal Duque (Sepia), Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill/Topolobampo), Christophe David (NoMI), Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), Paul Kahan (Blackbird) and Koren Grieveson (Avec).

You'll get to chug Goose Island beer and root beer, as well as sip sangria and wines from August Hill Winery as you nod your head to live music. All contributions support Green City Market. 6-8pm Thursday, July 17. $50 in advance; $60 at gate; an additional $100 gets you a reserved table, linens and 10 chairs.

Purchase tickets here soon because last year more than 1,000 folks turned out!

House of Blues takes a 'hit'

From an Ultimate Insider on former Wu Tang Clan member Rza's canceled concert last night at the House of Blues:

"Hip-hop extraordinaire, Rza, formerly of Wu Tang Clan, was scheduled to perform at the House of Blues after the openers. The House of Blues then had to evacuate concert goers before Rza was set to come on stage, due to a fire in the coat check! There are rumors that it could have been a fire from someone smoking weed! The concert goers will get reimbursed, but they never got to see the artist perform unless they attended the Official Rza Concert After Party at Rednofive.

Rza and his crew arrived at Rednofive shortly after the show was canceled and sat in the VIP section and sipped on Belvedere cocktails after taking photos on the red carpet in front. . . . . Rza, dressed in an olive green t-shirt, head band and sunglasses, later took the mic and performed for over half an hour here and there. The crowd went nuts and those that never got to see him perform at HOB were content."

Weed smoking?! Really?!

Hot Diggity Dog, we're No. 1!

The Stew gleefully reports that the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council named Wrigley Field as serving the favorite Major League Baseball stadium hot dog in the country.

The park offers Best Kosher and Ball Park Franks hot dogs steamed, boiled and grilled with toppings ranging from grilled onions to the classic Chicago condiments.

If baseball's not your thing, check out my recommendations for hot dogs around town: America's Dog, Hot Doug's and Rock Star Dogs.

A Star Spangled Scene

With so much stuff going on this holiday weekend, I'm not going to overwhelm you, so here's The List for my top best bets:

WEDNESDAY

If you're planning a BBQ this weekend and need tips, head to the Green City Market for a demo by chef Kurt Chenier of Bonsoiree. That happens at 10:30am, but the market is open 7:30am-1:30pm for locally grown and sustainable produce. Free.

A Special Benefit for the Troops, taking place at Manor, honors those fighting for us in Iraq. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Heroes Foundation. 9-10pm cocktail reception. 9pm-2am. $10 donation.

The Made in the USA Sparkling Wine Festival at Pops for Champagne gives props to 15 of the country's top sippers, with tasting glass portions beginning at $6. Guests can enjoy wine from Domaine Carneros, Mumm Cuvee Napa, Roederer Estate and Schramsberg. Executive Chef Andrew Brochu is also whipping up Baby Back Ribs with peach barbecue sauce and coleslaw. 3pm-2am.

THURSDAY

Godfather of House Music Frankie Knuckles performs during his annual holiday party, The Gift, this time happening at Green Dolphin Street. Thank god it's here because his parties get steaming hot and GDS's outdoor patio is the perfect spot to cool off. 9pm-4am. Free.

Hot new River North eatery and lounge Hub 51 hosts a benefit for Starlight Midwest, which assists seriously ill children. $30 gets you an open bar all night long. Doors open at 10pm.

FRIDAY

It's time for the 8th Annual 4th of July DayRa Sunset Boat Party, hosted by Music 101 and Miguel Castro. Entertainment includes deejay Lady D, a live performance by FFM and fireworks on Navy Pier. Ticket includes three hours of premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, transportation to and from the boat, and complimentary admission to Lumen for the after party. Guests must meet at Lumen between 5-7pm for bus transportation. $75 in advance; $95 the day of the event.

Super hot actor/model Boris Kodjoe hosts a holiday party and fashion show at Joe's. The event also includes a performance by legendary New York deejay Kid Capri. 9pm-4am. $20 and up.

SATURDAY

All week long, hip Wicker Park sushi lounge Blu Coral is offering red, white and blue sushi and drink specials. We're especially lovin' the Star Spangled Special of Alaskan, Unagi and exotic crunch signature makis and three pieces of oven-baked sake for $30.

SUNDAY

Reservations are still available at Singha's, the city's only authentic Brazilian brunch. Guests may settle in the lower-level dining room or on the spacious outdoor patio and indulge in homestyle Brazilian delights made all on premises. There's also a Brazilian Carnival show with dancers in traditional costumes and an Argentine Tango performance. 2-6pm. $30 for all you can eat.

And cheer on our Chicago Machine lacrosse team—who just won against Denver on Sunday!—as they take on the Los Angeles Riptide. Game starts at 3:30pm at Toyota Park (7100 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview), but they've set it up so you can take a "booze cruiser" from Duffy's Tavern that includes food and beer. Bus leaves Duffy's at 2:30. $25.

The whole kit ‘n kaboodle

Watch out for the Cat's Meow to claw its way onto the West Town nightlife scene when it opens on July 18.

Owned by nightclub vet Arman Razavi (Music 101, Mad Bar), this music-and-food oriented venture should be his triumphant return to the bar biz, as he's offering up a strong lineup of deejays, local artists and more.

Cat's Meow should be a hit in the 'hood with budget-friendly prices, and menu items prepared with locally grown produce. Signature bites will include a 10 oz. Black Angus burger, BBQ pulled pork sandwich and crab cakes. They'll also feature daily food specials paired with beer or cocktails.

Whoever said there were no free rides . . .

Guests can take this old-school bus, courtesy of Reggie's, to their favorite destinations in the city at no charge. (Photo: Reggie's Live)


. . . didn't check in with local hot spots like Manor and Zed451, who offer bus service for guests at no charge. Specially wrapped and seating anywhere from two to 80, these buses are not only a new cool way for folks to get around, but they sure do beat taking taxis!

Before you book a trolley or limo, you might want to look into reserving seats, especially when your party's large. They'll definitely come in handy during hectic holiday weekends like Independence Day . . .

Manor's VIP experience goes from the bar to the bus, as this premier nightclub offers a luxury ride transporting guests to their after-hours hang, RiNo. They'll also pick up groups at other nightclubs, restaurants or sporting events to bring them to one of their clubs. The bus holds up to 20.

New South Loop rock venue Reggie’s Live made a very smart move by adding comp transportation, knowing how frustrating it can be to get a cab out of the area on weekends. And what makes their bus the coolest ever is its vintage vibe. Guests can take it to other music venues, as well as utilize it for special occasions (bday, bachelorette bashes). 15 to 80 guests; reservations required.

Both Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap locations in Lincoln Park and the West Loop are known for their sports bar atmosphere and down-home Southern cooking. But what most folks don't know about is the bus service that'll take them to games at United Center, Wrigley Field or Soldier Field. The bus will also take guests to most bars on the North Side or downtown area. Sign up required; holds up to 16.

WestEnd’s bus offers complimentary transportation between their locations and to events at the United Center. It will also pick up groups who have booked a private party at one of the Four Corners locations, including Gaslight, Brownstone, Schoolyard Tavern and Sidebar. Parties may range 10-34 people; first come, first served.

Chicago visitors who stay at downtown area hotels may book Zed451's bus through the concierge or when making a reservation at the meat-focused restaurant. After dinner, the bus will also take the guests back to their hotel or to the Theater District.—Additional reporting by Suzy McMillen

Tips for a first timer

Local folks on the Chicago Chowhound message boards come to the aid of someone going by the name "CookieEater," who is looking for some good, inexpensive spots while in town for the holiday weekend.

Recs are pretty much across the board, from ethnic eats like Habana Libre for Cuban and Hopleaf for Belgian to coffee hangouts such as Sip and Caffe De Luca.

It gets pretty heated . . . especially when they start discussing pizza.

BARBQ, beats and the 'Bubble Bar'

One sixtyblue offers a number of cocktails during its nightly BARBQ event, including a Cool Mint Margarita, Cabo San Loco and Veev-a La Summer. (Photo: one sixtyblue)


It's a short week, so let's get it started early:

one sixtyblue's BARBQ is executive chef Martial Noguier’s signature twist on a summertime tradition. Guests get to enjoy delights such as Swan Creek Farm suckling pig (in a galanga pineapple BBQ sauce!), herb-marinated Australian lamb loin and Swan Creek Farm chicken wing lollipops. Pair those with refreshing cocktails like the Cabo San Loco with Absolut Peppar or the Cool Mint Margarita. Menu is available Monday-Friday at the bar only.

It's Movie Night over at the Terrace, and tonight's feature flick is "Dreamgirls." Chill out with truffled popcorn and selections from the Bubble Bar (bubble tea cocktails infused with vodka or champagne) and Asian-inspired dishes from the eco-chic StaxX menu. Movie starts at dusk, and you get an amazing backdrop of the city's skyline.

Crust offers one of the most welcoming, coziest patios in the city, and guests can enjoy their specialty organic flatbread pizzas, salads and sandwiches. Every Monday, diners get half price on bottles and glasses of wine.

And tonight's Beats + Bass + Rhythm bash at Debonair Social Club is a Large Records music event with deejays Jeff Craven and Hector Lopez. Music 101's weekly event including $5 Stoli drinks and $3 domestic beers to go along with the deep house set. 9pm-2am. No cover.