Pour it on in style

Some wine and dining events you'll appreciate tonight:

It's not too late to get a reservation for the Vosges Chocolates & Wine Pairing, happening at Just Grapes. Experts will be on hand to explain why they complement each other nicely. You'll also get a Vosges Haut Chocolat gift set. 6-8pm. $50.

Also, La Madia continues its "perfect pairing" treat throughout the summer. Choose from specially selected wines priced at $5, and enjoy free pizza from 4-6pm in the lounge.

Lush Wine and Spirits is hosting a free pig roast on its store's back patio. Guests will be able to indulge in all things Jim Beam, live music, free samples of hand-crafted cocktails and more. 6-9pm. Free.

And if you're having dinner or drinks at SushiSamba rio, check out the weekly performance of Ginza Tropicalia. A festive Brazilian band, Samba dancers and singers are certain to entertain. Oh, and the best part is that you'll be able to join in on the action!

Will Apple get pissed about this?!

Chocolate ice cream with Gummi Bears at iCream. (Photo: Joe Rosner for MenuPages.com)


MenuPages checked out Wicker Park sensation iCream on its first day, and had this to say:

"When we entered iCream in Wicker Park on its opening day we realized we were inside an iPod (or at least Steve Jobs' treehouse). A white, curvy-square indoor storefront with futuristic words on the walls (the line is the iFactory, the countertops are the iLab), icy nitrogen tanks, and (of course) touch screens for placing your order. And although we didn't witness it, we were told that soon customers could plug their own iPods (the original Apple ones) into the wall and add songs to a store-wide playlist."

I predict some drama coming if Apple gets wind of this . . .

Happy Birthday, Root Beer Float!

Cafe Matou's "adult" Root Beer Float gets its kick with a shot of Meyer’s Dark Jamaican Rum. (Photo: Peter Riskind for Cafe Matou)


August is a big month for birthdays: John McCain, Madonna, Michael Jackson . . . and The Root Beer Float!

Created in Colorado on Aug. 19, 1893, by Cripple Creek Brewing's Frank J. Wisner, the first one was made by "floating" a scoop of ice cream in a glass of Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. Wisner named the drink after nearby Cow Mountain, but it was later shortened to "black cow" and is now interchangeable with "root beer."

So today, why not celebrate the Root Beer Float's birth with a nice, frothy treat at one of these places doing them very well:

At Cityscape Bar, it is served "adult style," as mixologists hook 'em up with Absolut vodka, Root Beer Schnapps, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and a root beer candy. The lounge is located on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart, so you'll get sweeping views of the city as you sip your sweet treat.

Café Matou in Wicker Park also kicks its version up for adult consumption. Wine Director James Rahn calls his Le Chat de Calicot d'Ivrogne, a blend of Thomas Kemper Root Beer, house-made vanilla ice cream and a shot of Meyer’s Dark Jamaican Rum. It's best enjoyed on their intimate outdoor patio right after dinner.



Celebrated Pastry Chef Gale Gand created a Root Beer Float cupcake for More. (Photo: More)


Head to Elk Grove Village for Sweet Baby Ray’s delicious concoction that's the perfect ending to their hearty barbecue dinners. This high-end Root Beer Float features Weinhard’s Root Beer and Homer’s vanilla ice cream, and is served in a 16 oz. frosted beer scooner.

It doesn't open until Sept. 12, but the Gold Coast's More will be a hit with 'hoodsters for the Root Beer Float cupcake. Super pastry chef Gale Gand (who's actually known for her Root Beer Floats) creates it with a yellow cake base with root beer frosting and garnished with a hard root beer candy and straw.

And leave it to gastropub Paramount Room to put the beer in the Root Beer Float: Their black and tan float is made by combining Guinness ice cream and Abita root beer.—Additional reporting by Suzy McMillen

Oodles of noodles

Get ready for Urban Belly—a BYOB noodle-and-dumpling hideaway in Logan Square—opening Tuesday.

Urban Daddy's writeup will make you drool.

Lady GaGa turns out Manor

Lady GaGa performed her hit club anthem "Just Dance" at Manor on Friday. (Photo: darkroomdemons.com)


While the Chicago Air & Water Show ruled the sky over the weekend, Interscope Records' newest star Lady GaGa commanded the stage at Manor during a memorable performance of her hit single, "Just Dance."

The party was hosted by multi-platinum artist Akon, who's only made a couple of rare appearances in our fair city. Nevertheless, regardless of what the critics (pros and patrons) are saying, it's always good to get some non-conventional acts in our clubs. Props to places like Manor, Funky Buddha Lounge and Underground for getting their hands on those up-and-coming national acts before they hit it really big!

TLT hangs out with Bill Murray . . . sorta

The Local Tourist ran into movie star Bill Murray at Friar Tuck over the weekend.

They were nice enough to leave him be. Thank God, because after a few cocktails, Bill can get a little "frisky" with his female fans.

OMG, they did it again!

Now I'm starting to think that they're just doing this to get attention:

Daily Candy Chicago has once again hit below the belt in today's newsletter:

"Don’t blow your load. iCream opened this weekend, and believe us when we tell you — we’ve never had better."

Get it together, people!

Juice . . . and all that Jazz . . .

Mondays are meant for chilling out, right?! Wrong. Get out there 'cause there's just way too much going on tonight:

The first Jazz & Juice event was so popular that Bin Wine Café's bringing it back by popular demand. The gig includes wine tastings, artisanal cheese and finger foods, and a performance by the funky Josh Burket Quartet. 7-9pm. $25.

Broadway Cellars in Edgewater continues with its Monday night special: the $5 burgers that'll go nicely with the $5 Fat Tire beers.

More deals on your bill if you head to Feast, which offers one of the best outdoor patios in Bucktown. Buy an entree on Monday (or Tuesday) and get half off any bottle of wine—or BYOB if you'd prefer.

Head to Lincoln Park for more sidewalk seating at Twisted Lizard. Complement their moderately priced Mexican dishes with drink specials, including $3 Margaritas, $3 domestic bottles and $3 well cocktails.

And the ongoing jazz night at Webster’s Wine Bar continues to be one of their best events. That happens around 8pm, but settle in early with the Austrian/German/Swiss red flight for $15 that continues throughout the month. These wines pair well with duck, lamb and various cheese selections.