Tempting tunes, tastes on a Tuesday

Neo-soul star Maxwell returns with his first album in eight years. (Photo: Sony Music)


Happening tonight is Cellar Notes at NoMi, with Master Sommelier Fernando Beteta (hailed as one of America's Best Sommeliers) showcasing the best of the best. This week it's all about sparkling wines and Champagnes. 6-7:30pm. $30.

Also going down tonight, Volo's doing a taste of the Southern Rhone with vineyard owner Sophie Autran. You'll get several hand-picked wines by the glass, by the flight ($15), The Southern Rhone Wine Experience (tasting of all seven wines for $28) with suggested food pairings a la carte, or a five-course tasting menu ($40). Arrive at 7pm for a complimentary glass of wine.

Over at Warehouse District hot spot Moto, pastry chef Ben Roche recently launched a nifty dessert tasting menu in the lounge. The four-course, seasonal menu changes often and offers items like a rum-rootbeer slushy coated with frozen vanilla cream, liquid-center corn sponge cake with blackberry "drupelets," and a hot and cold chocolate mousse with smoked ice cream. Offered daily.

Tomorrow and beyond . . .

Since the so-called Media & VIP Taste of Chicago Preview gets rammed by party crashers every year, someone finally got a clue and opened it to the public. For the first time ever Wednesday, the city's officially opening it to the public to get a mini taste of six restaurants that'll be featured in the foodie feast happening June 26-July 5. Among the dishes to be expected tomorrow include gator sausage on a stick, Spanish-style steak, Indian samosas and barbecued beef brisket sandwiches. 11am-2pm. Items $2-$5; cash only. Daley Plaza.

It's a girlfight over at Perennial as the Sweet 16 of Mixology series continues Wednesday. Brice McCoy (Province) competes against Jennifer Contraveos (The Crafted Cocktail). Guests get to sample and vote for the best cocktail; celebrity judge for this round is Graham Elliot Bowles of graham elliot. 6:30-8pm. Free.

David Burke’s Primehouse holds its first-ever beer-focused dinner, also on Wednesday. Executive Chef Rick Gresh whips up a four-course feast paired with New Belgium Brewing Co. beer. Event also includes a reception in The James lobby bar. Starts at 6pm. $75.

If the weather will finally effing warm up, we can enjoy the summer's best roses in all their glory. In the meantime, head to Webster's Wine Bar for Roses from Around the World, also on Wednesday. They'll sample classic, lean Southern French roses as well as fuller styles from the rest of Europe and the new world. 7:30pm. $30; reservations required.

And reserve your tickets now to The Music Experience with Maxwell, happening at the DuSable Museum (740 E. 56th Pl.). The Neo-sou star returns with BLACKsummers' night—his first album in eight years and you can be one of the first people in the world to hear it first. Yes, he'll be there, but he won't be performing. Instead, he'll grace his fans with interviews and autographs. 7-9:30pm June 18. $20.

Weekend Tweet Beat

John des Rosiers of Inovasi. (Photo: Inovasi)


What were Chicago's top chefs up to this weekend?! 312DD checks out their Twitter accounts:

Grant Achatz (Alinea): "Can texture effect flavor perception? Dessert-y texture? (creamy?) Savory texture? Crunchy? I am not sure, but I think it makes sense."

John des Rosiers (Inovasi): "New experiment of wet/dry/salt block aging of Tallgrass NY (strip) came out perfect. Best of both techniques! Juicy, moist and rich!"

Phillip Foss (Lockwood): "Blown away last night by Schwa. Does any chef march to the beat of his own drum like Michael Carlson? It's like you're eating in his home."

Troy Graves (Eve): "Got a goat in late last night from George, and Andy Mize just arrived with a cow. That's a whole ton of butchering!"

Mike Sheerin (Blackbird): "Hand-rolled corn dogs with cornichon emulsion tonights amuse...booyah."

Giuseppe Tentori (Boka): "Making home made bigoli pasta with lobster and spinach basil pesto."

Where would 'Housewives' hang in Chicago?!

Can an upcoming Chicago version of Bravo TV's blockbuster measure up to the glamorous "Real Housewives of New York?!" (Photo: Bravo TV)


Everyone's getting excited about the possibility of a Real Housewives of Chicago happening here, and one socialite claims she's already been contacted by the independent production company looking to produce their own version of the hit reality television series.

If it does actually go down, 312DD's more excited about where they're going to do all the usual drinking and dining they seem to indulge in on the shows.

Since they'd likely go with more established, jetsetting types for the show, we'd figure ground zero would be somewhere in the downtown area. River North, Streeterville, West Loop and definitely Gold Coast, but don't be surprised if they'd throw in a few places in Bucktown and Lakeview for the "hip factor."

Since this show's about powerful women doing powerful things, they'd have to make a stop at NAHA, the sophisticated contemporary American spot owned by award-winning chef Carrie Nahabedian.

Pops for Champagne, with its extensive list of bubbly and sparkling wines, is certain to be another draw for this cast of cultured characters.

When these ladies go on the prowl, expect them to hang out at the usual Gold Coast suspects (Tavern on Rush, Gibsons, Whiskey Bar), but also the latest hot spots as well.

We see them settling into one of the plushy booths at Roof, the city's newest rooftop bar on the 27th floor of theWit hotel. Or even Market, the upscale West Loop sports bar co-owned by White Sox GM Kenny Williams.

And just to make it look as though they're in touch with what's really hot in the city, they'll have to do at least one episode in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. We'd put big bucks on them hitting The Violet Hour and The Bristol.

What other spots do you think they'll end up in around town?!

Michael Carlson's first TV interview!

Marcus Riley of NBC-Chicago's entertainment showcase 24/7 snags an interview with the elusive Schwa chef/owner Michael Carlson on why it's so damn hard to get a reservation.

Peep the video here, with a cameo by 312 Dining Diva, who scored her first reservation here after a year-long wait.

Booze, Brunch and The Bombshell

After Josephine Baker and long before J.Lo, there was Iris Chacon—an exotic beauty known for her provocative performances, flamboyant style and curvaceous figure.

The Puerto Rican provocateur's the subject of the MCA's latest UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition you can check out at this month's First Fridays after-work event. Created by Chicago artist Edra Soto, The Chacon-Soto Show explores her impact on U.S. feminist issues. It's on display through June 28.

Your First Fridays ticket include museum admission, live entertainment, complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. 6-10pm. $16 ($8 for MCA members). 220 E. Chicago Ave.

Other exciting events you don't want to miss:

THURSDAY

Everyone's talking about the new Whole Foods store in Lincoln Park, so if you haven't been, there's still room for the Chef's Table Supper Club tonight. The series occurs every other Thursday with a three-course meal and a glass of wine. The chef's selection is created with the freshest, seasonal ingredients the store has available. Registration required. 6:30pm. $42/person; $75/couple. 1550 N. Kingsbury St., 312-587-0648.

For something less formal, but just as tasty, grab a seat at one sixtyblue's bar for Burgers, Beer and Beats. Every Thursday, the West Loop eatery offers a rotating lineup of $4 craft brews paired with juicy $4 burgers. 6-10pm.

First Thursday Tastings happens at Fion Wine Bar with Unibroue beers (Ephremere, La Fin Du Monde, Maudite, Don De Dieu, Chambly Noire) and gourmet cheese pairings. 7-9pm. Free.

Grab dinner at North Center faves Brownstone or sola, then indulge in the third-annual Bubbles & Berries happening at the nearby Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. Champagne, sparkling wine and moscatos will be paired with seasonal berries and a chocolate fountain. 7-9pm. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

At The Bar returns to The Drawing Room, with executive chef Nick Lacasse and chief mixologist Charles Joly whipping up a fabulous three-course meal paired with market-fresh cocktails for only eight lucky diners. 6:30pm. $45 (reservations required).

You might have better luck getting in Chiquiteo: A Tapas Tour, a dining crawl happening at Lincoln Square's hottest spots. On-site registration starts at 6pm at Fiddlehead Cafe, then you can make your way to the other participants (Provenance Food and Wine, The Book Cellar, Café Selmarie, Bistro Campagne) for tapas and Spanish wine. 6:30-9:30pm. $35. Reservation required.

FRIDAY

The Museum of Science and Industry launches its first-ever Smart Home farmers market with a special cooking presentation at 11:30am by chefs Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (HBTV) of The Hearty Boys fame. They'll be cooking up a delicious brunch-time dish of Orange Blossom pancakes with mascarpone and fresh berries. For the kick off, guests will also enjoy music, food vendors and treats cooked in a solar oven. The farmers market happens on the first and third Fridays of the month through Oct. 16. 7am-2pm.

If you're over the usual hip-hop and pop in the clubs, make your way to Sonotheque for Free Da Funk, a night of amazing throwback tracks. Deejay Joe Bryl will be digging in his crates for the best in soul, funk, R&B and disco accompanied by rare Blaxplotation films. 9pm-2am. No cover. $5 drink specials.

SATURDAY

If you ever wanted to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, this may be your chance: The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl happens in Lincoln Park and it's looking to beat NYC's record of 3,163 crawlers in March. Oh, we can easily beat that! Just show up and make it out to at least eight of the bars on the crawl, including Soiree, Glascott's, Toasted Ox and Grand Central. Participants get drink and food specials at each location, plus a portion of the proceeds benefits Children's Heart Foundation. $15.

If you're looking for a laid-back afternoon diversion, head to Lockwood inside the Palmer House Hilton. They're hosting a free wine-tasting event, and all those sampled will be available by the bottle at a reduced price for the evening. 3-5pm. Free.

SUNDAY

You know how they say don't go grocery shopping if you're hungry?! Grab brunch first at the South Loop Whole Foods Market, then go get your goodies. Choose from a rotating menu of French toast, veggie-friendly dishes, eggs and pancakes for $5, plus you can order a Mimosa for an extra $5. Noon-2pm. 1101 S. Canal St.

Fashion-forward folks looking for next season's styles should head to Bar DeVille to check out Chicago-based clothing line Imaginary People. You'll get to check out the entire line—in all sizes—and if they don't have an item or color, you can also order. Free booze always makes shopping fun! Noon-6pm.

MONDAY

And, Monday-night obsession Rehab moves from Evil Olive to Debonair Social Club. Expect good energy level at this industry-dominated party that includes free drinks (9-10pm), drink specials and guest deejays. 9pm-2am. Free.

She Wang Dang Doodled into our Hearts!

NBC Chicago's footage of a recent interview and performance with legendary blues queen Koko Taylor, who passed away today . . .

Super Chef is #$%^&*&^%$!?#@!

Dennis Ongkiko, composer of "Super Chef." (Photo: Kevin Boehm)


I hope she can take a joke.

Of course I'm referring to celebrity chef Rachael Ray, who's lampooned ''Weird Al'' Yankovic-style in the song Super Chef, which is featured in mockumentary The Golden Spoon.

The film, which will be featured in the upcoming June 12 Gold Coast Film Fest, is about a fictional "James Beard-like" awards ceremony and was shot by local hot shot restaurateur Kevin Boehm (BOKA, Landmark, Perennial).

Dennis Ongkiko (brother of Old Oak Tap owner Chris Ongkiko) wrote the song and stars in the movie.

Check the lyrics:

"My stock is on the rise. I've got the critics on their knees with open mouths between my thighs . . . . better make your reservation, summer menu's on fiyah!

"I'm doing my best 'cause I'm a Super Chef, Food Network called, they're gonna give me a show. My rave reviews are harder than habachi . . . "

Listen to Super Chef here as he really gets down 'n' dirty, and yes, he gets in a dig on Rachael Ray!

Crazy!

Kids' Restaurant Week returns

312DD typically isn't a kid-friendly site, but we've gotten many requests from those with little ones about special deals.

MenuPages writes that the second-annual Kids' Restaurant Week happens June 20-28 "with prix-fixe menus (pay your age if you're under 11; $29 for kids and adults 12 and older) and family-friendly dining times of 5-7pm."

Just some of the participants include 312 Chicago, Coco Pazzo Cafe, Duchamp, Osteria Via Stato, Landmark and Aigre Doux.

I spy a trend. Next year it'll be Doggy Dining Week . . .