'We're opening in about a week . . .'

. . . is the word from Jerry Suqi (Narcisse, Sugar) on the opening of his new Ukrainian Village eatery Chick Pea, which was exclusively written about way back in July.

With the way openings are going this season, we'd say look for it to make its debut sometime in mid- to late-November.

Hooray for Hump Day

It's mid-week, we're all stressed out and it's time for some serious relief:

Last month's Hornito's Midnight in the Garden of Agave party in West Town was so hot that they're doing it again. Folks were dancing on the tables, and let's just say that it was so lively that people demanded an encore. Tonight's event happens at Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.), and hopefully people will behave themselves. Regardless, you'll get comped cocktaiks and appetizers, plus deejays Shaka 23, Victor R. and Speed. To get in, you must RSVP to hornitosrsvp@mirrorball.com. 9pm-1am.

Speaking of spirited affairs, have you checked out the monthly wine-tasting event at Quartino yet?! We love the crowd: some of the best party people in Chicago who really appreciate wine. Tonight they're pouring the vino of Argentina and Chile, and pairing them with hearty, signature appetizers. 7-9pm. $20.

Absolut gets down with a disco affair at Debonair Social Club, featuring the techno-soul stylings by Tommie Sunshine. Hosted by Paper Magazine, the party debuts Absolut Disco—a limited edition holiday bottle that's inspired by nightlife. That, of course, means that you'll get it free (but maybe not all night). 9pm-2am. No cover.

Get into the Halloween spirit early with a pumpkin-carving contest at Cans. The fratastic Bucktown bar will feature prizes, loud music and drink specials for the occasion. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Martini Park continues its estrogen-fueled Martinis in the City set, this time showcasing premier apothecary C.O. Bigelow. The expert skincare company will offer guests consultations and goodie bags. Also, free appetizers and specials on cocktails. 6-8pm. No cover.

Soul pastry chef going to one sixtyblue

The Chicago Tribune's Phil Vettel gets the scoop on Soul's talented pastry chef heading to one sixtyblue.

It's almost here!

Doesn't it seem like this has been the longest election season ever?!

Well, it's almost over, the big day is Nov. 4, and it'll finally be time to celebrate change. And whether you're seriously celebrating or drowning your tears in your beer, man, do I have a lineup of Election Day parties you don't want to miss (plus free Starbucks coffee and Berry Chill for everyone!):

Settle in at the bar at Adobo Grill and sip $5 margaritas all night. Go for the Republican ‘Rita (grenadine, tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime) or Barack Blue Margarita (a blend of Blue Curacao, tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime).

Get some economic relief with the burger special at bin wine cafe as you watch results coming in. Bin's 1/2 lb burger paired with hand-cut fries is only $5 (usually $10), and if you complement it with red and white wine flights for $11.04, you'll save a bundle. Sit at the bar and you'll be able to watch the returns on the large plasma screen.

If you don't want to fight the crowds flocking to Grant Park to witness the rock star that is Barack Obama, head instead to Hard Rock Cafe for a viewing party hosted by hip-hop stars Common and Talib Kweli. Early arrival is highly recommended, and DJ Vince Adams spins. 7pm-2am.

Head over to Landmark Grill + Lounge for a non-partisan viewing party that includes special-priced blue and red champagne cocktails, comped appetizers and more. Also, guests will have the chance to win a trip for two to Washington, D.C., which includes airfare, dinner and hotel. 6-9pm.

TV One, Essence.com and the Richmond Group gather a number of high-profile local and national Democratic politicians for this cocktail party at Chicago Hilton and Towers (720 S. Michigan Ave.). Deejay Biz Markie spins. 7pm-2am. No cover, but RSVP to info@richmondgrouponline.com.

Fulton's on the River's Election Night deals include the Sour Grapes Mojito-infused Mimosa (huh?!) and To the Victor Goes the Spoils (vodka martini garnished with Osetra stuffed caviar-olives). For those strapped for cash, they've got you covered with No Foreign Policy $2 domestic drafts and half-off bar menu. Several televisions will be tuned into the returns.

And the Moonshine election fest is hosted by the 1st Ward Young Democrats and Ald. Manny Flores. Here, you'll get a number of drink specials, but we particularly like the Change (special new American Harvest Ale release in light of Obama’s “Change” adage), McCain's (mystery booze!) and Old Biden’s (Bourbon, sugar and a drop of grenadine)—all for $3. Also, they're doing $5 shots and cocktails served in special red, white and blue election bottles.

New East Bank eatery is open

Aha!

Urban Daddy snags the name of that new East Bank Club restaurant written about on here a few weeks ago. This time, they've opened it to the public.

Quote of the Week: 'The Fifty/50 is offering—gulp—50 percent off your bill if your house has been foreclosed on'

That's Chicago Mag's nightlife writer Sarah Preston doling out advice on where to go if you're really down in the dumps about the economy in her Nightspotting 2.0 column.

Sign of the times, baby.

You knew it was coming: Joe the Plumber Cocktail!

Early Times Kentucky Whisky's take on Joe the Plumber. (Photo: Early Times Kentucky Whisky)


I almost fell out of my seat when this arrived in my inbox this afternoon:

"This is an unevenly distributed cocktail, just like Joe doesn’t want our money evenly distributed."

Early Times’ Toast to Joe the Plumber

3 ounces red plum juice
1.5 ounces Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Squeeze of lime

Pour the red plum first into a rocks glass with ice, then the Early Times Kentucky Whisky; squeeze lime.

I double dog dare you to order one tonight!

Socialize.

British sensation Estelle, who had the summer hit "American Boy," performs at Enclave on Friday.


Whether you've been cooped up in the office all week or just need to blow off some steam, it's time to . . . socialize:

THURSDAY

Get it started with Bright Pink's party at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.) for a fashion show featuring Robert Rodriguez's fabulous fall line. His celeb clientele (Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman) loves him, and so will you. 6-8pm. No cover, but call 312-694-4072 to attend. (Donations to Bright Pink, a breast cancer awareness organization, are also appreciated.)

Oyster-Fest II occurs at Fiddlehead Cafe, where you'll get to slurp the marvelous mollusks in several forms. Get 'em poached in champagne, buttermilk fried with spicy aioli or any other way you want. Fiddlehead's also pairing them with wine, and there's no set price. Reservations required; regular menu also available. 5-10pm.

You've only got two more days (including today!) to get your hands on David Burke's Primehouse's dry-aged hamburger—which is at a special $5 (regularly $15). That's only available during lunch. And if you come back later tonight, head to its adjacent Jbar for Sounds Good Thursdays with DJ Jesse de la Pena spinning all that's good in soul, R&B and Latin. Arrive before 8pm for comped appetizers, and drink specials will be available all night. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Shop for a good cause over at Chasalla (106 E. Oak St.), which is raising funds for the Center on Halsted, which serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community. Guests get 10 percent off all purchases, plus there's an informal fashion show, live music, and complimentary champagne and white wine. 8-10pm. No cover, but RSVP to chasalla@zapwater.com for admission.

And more fashion's on tap at Lumen, which celebrates up-and-coming local designers from The Fashion Incubator. Party is hosted by Steven Rosengard ("Project Runway"), and benefits the Chicago Chapter of Dress for Success. Cocktail reception by 42 Below. 6:30-9:30pm. $25 for Y.E.S!/Dress for Success members and $30 for non-members.

FRIDAY

The Hip Sip launches tonight at Ristorante We, in the W Chicago - City Center. For the inaugural event, they're doing a "Golden Era" theme harking back to the 1960s with vintage music as well as cocktails and cuisine. Female guests will also get the chance to doll up with a makeup consultation. 6-8:30pm. $25 (without goody bag); $35 (with goody bag).

You and everyone else were jamming to "American Boy," the head-nodding summer song from British sensation Estelle. Tonight, you'll get to hear her sing it live at Enclave; DJ Kevin Scott spins. 9pm-2am. Cover varies.

SATURDAY

Chic Roscoe Village wine-focused eatery Volo hosts its annual fall wine-tasting party. The afternoon affair takes place indoors as well as on the heated cabana patio (weather permitting). They'll be pouring a cool selection of unusual finds paired with small plates prepared by Executive Chef Stephen Dunne. 3:30-5:30pm. $20.

Masquerade with Mary Kay—a daylong event raising awarness of domestic violence for the Break The Cycle Organization and Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation—culminates with a party at Victor Hotel. Also, live performances by Ty Soule and A.T. Jones. Get there early for the cocktail reception (7-9pm, $30), and stay later to dance till you drop. $5 after 9pm.

SUNDAY

Our obsession with all things pork continues: This time it's at Fifty/50, which launches its Bad Boys of Brunch this weekend. Highlights include Let there be BACON, with endless strips of crisp, thick slices on your plate, and Hangover Helper, a signature Bloody Mary created with fresh tomato juice, black bean, corn-infused vodka, and garnished with a strip of bacon.