Red-Hot Mixologist Off to Miami . . .

I've got some unfortunate news to report, folks.

Daniel J. Love—one of the city's best and brightest bartenders (who also happens to be one of the hottest eligible bachelors!)—is leaving town.

The Mercadito mixologist's moving to Miami to open a fourth outpost, which is set to debut in mid-January.

This is a big loss for Chicago as Love, who previously worked at Le Bar at Sofitel, brought some well-deserved attention to Chicago's mixology scene by winning a number of national competitions.

He's an innovator and well-respected by his peers, who'll certainly miss his talents. He'll be behind the bar until Jan. 1, so stop by, say hello and grab one of his amazing cocktails.


Mixologist Jennifer Contraveos shaking up cocktails at Double A. (Double A)


In other bar news . . .

Double A, Mercadito's lower-level VIP bar specializing in tequila and tequila-based cocktails, is off to a good start since it opened last month.

We stopped by Friday night to check it out, and while the music was thumping with high-energy dance and hip-hop, the crowd wasn't exactly feeling it as they were cordoned off into their usual little groups.

Props do go out to the four or five guys gathering around the bar, giving the room somewhat of a social atmosphere.

It's not Double A's fault, but seriously what has really happened to Chicago's nightlife?!

I really hate bottle service.

Fall in Love with a Beautiful Bordeaux

Whether you're swinging solo or coupled up this holiday season, Thursday's matchmaking session at Y Bar aims to make you fall in love with the wines of Bordeaux.

All you have to do to attend is fill out your wine preferences here, so they can match you up with vinos based on your tastes. You'll get four full pours of those particular wines as well as heavy passed appetizers. Event also includes a guy playing the sax and a deejay spinning the hits.

They're expecting a nice guest list of Chicago's finest, so who knows?! You just may find the love of your life after all.

Bordeaux Matchmaking goes down 7:30pm-midnight Thursday. Free, but must RSVP here for admission.

What Have They Done for Us Lately?!

Maybe these dudes should come outta retirement and help our pitiful Bears and Bulls.

Just got this from a publicist:

"Two Chicago sports legends dined at District Bar last night. Basketball legend, Michael Jordan, and former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl XX MVP, Richard Dent, brought back a bit of the Glory Days to Chicago as they enjoyed a wide range of the menu.

They drank Heineken, Grey Goose, and District’s specialty cocktail, Ginger Collins.

Jordan and Dent spent the evening watching the Packers take on the Ravens on Monday Night Football in the VIP section at District."

Seriously, get off your asses and play some ball!

Drinking, Eating . . . and Sleeping?!

Soooooo, Time Out uncovered a new bar going into Logan Square from the team behind The Empty Bottle.

Called Longman & Eagle, it aims to be a contemporary Chicago inn concept, offering eats, drinks and beds in the back.

Huh?!

This should be interesting. Late-night drinking+randy young people+beds in a back room sounds like a recipe we don't even want to imagine . . .

Stage Bites: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

"Snow White and the Drag Queen Who Stole X-Mas" is playing at Hydrate through Saturday. (Photo: chicagostagereview.com)


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:


Burlesque Is More at Annoyance Theatre. If visions of girls in racy, retro outfits get you in the holiday spirit, you don't want to miss this campy improv show. Modeled after Late Night Tit-Bits. 10pm Saturdays through Dec. 19. Get tickets here.

Marigold: Spicy signature cocktails and microbrews pair well with Naanwiches, an Indian take on classic American sandwiches. How about a Spiked Mango ‘Lassi, made with Marigold’s special Cardamom-infused vodka, Prosecco and mango nectar?!

Wild Pug: You're in luck if you decide to hit up the show on Dec. 19. Head here first for its anniversary and Christmas party and get free drinks and food from 7 to 9pm, plus $1 cocktails and beer all night. If you're going this weekend, get ready for the usual offbeat antics and $4.50 shots of Jager, Bacardi O, Barcardi Razz or Effen Black Cherry.


“Naanwiches” at Marigold. (Photo: Marigold Restaurant)


It's a Wonderful Life: Live at The Biograph! American Blues Theater is behind Frank Capra's timeless masterpiece now playing at Victory Gardens Studio. No intermission. Thursday through Dec. 27. Get tickets here.

Gemini Bistro: A new three-course, prix-fixe menu is offered for $33 ($55 with wine pairings) from 5-6:30pm. That means you'll have to hoof it over there early to get the deals on lobster bisque, Maine lobster ravioli, steak frites and the Gemini signature eight-ounce prime beef burger. It's four blocks away, so luckily they offer valet service.

Ringo Japanese Restaurant: We're not big fans of all-you-can-eat sushi, but Ringo gets a pass because you can always count on their sushi being super fresh. So, go ahead and gorge on the good stuff for $22.50. In order to get the deal, your entire party must participate (go to website for coupon).


Snow White and the Drag Queen Who Stole X-Mas at Hydrate. Leave it to Boystown to twist the classics of our childhood. This time, it's a timeless tale of Snow White, her seven Drag Queens and a vicious Grinch hitting the stage with a bunch of hilarious numbers. 9pm Friday, Saturday. Get tickets here.

Arco de Cuchilleros: The lively tapas bar offers a number of hot and cold selections under $10. We especially recommend Pollo a La Navarra (chicken sauteed with cured ham, sweet red peppers and red wine), Champinones Marinados (mushrooms marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette) and Solomillo De Cerdo Al Jerez (pork tenderloin in a sherry and black olive sauce).

Jack's on Halsted: You'll get a three-course menu for $25.95 at the newly renovated Lakeview landmark, with seasonal bites like butternut squash ravioli, grilled Nova Scotia salmon and Jack's signature bread pudding.

HB Home Bistro: If you're a regular at this popular BYOB, you already know that some of the best items are not even on the menu. Just let your server know you're down, and you'll be in for a treat!

Introducing: The Exchange

Mixologist Peter Vestinos hooking up cocktails at a sneak-preview party at The Exchange, set to open in January. (Photo: Phil McFarland)


Phil McFarland (SmallBar) had a sneak-peek party Friday at what's to be soon known as The Exchange when Lava Lounge shutters on Dec. 19.

As exclusively reported by 312DD last month, look for signature hand-crafted cocktails from master mixologist Peter Vestinos (who's consulted for the likes of Naha, C-View, Roof, In Fine Spirits), as well as exceptional wine, bubbly and craft brews.

The Exchange opens mid- to late January.

Crash the 'State Dinner'—at White C-House

(Photo: C-House)


You won't even have to get all dolled up in a sari or tux, front like you're on the guest list or show up with a camera crew to get into this State Dinner-inspired supper that got a Washington, D.C. couple in hot water.

Marcus Samuelsson created the menu for the infamous first-ever dinner of the Obama White House, and now you too can indulge at C-House, his restaurant at the Affinia Hotel.

The restaurant's Executive Chef Nicole Pederson and Pastry Chef Toni Roberts, who cooked alongside Samuelsson and the White House team, will re-create the Indian American-focused menu for guests on Dec. 9.

It's $54 per person (with an additional $20 for wine pairings), but Tareq and Michaele Salahi are not included.

Here's what you'll eat:

1st Course

Potato and Eggplant Salad with arugula, onion seed vinaigrette

2008 Modus Operandi, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley California

2nd Course

Red Lentil Soup with apples, fresh cheese

2006 Brooks Winery, "Ara," Willamette Valley Oregon

Entrée

Green Curry Prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati

2007 Beckmen Vineyards, Grenache, Santa Ynez California

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie Tart & Pear Tarte Tatin

NV Thibaut-Janisson, Brut

Reservations strongly recommended.

Rick Bayless Serves Up Street Food at Ketel One Canteen

New York chef Michael Psilakis holding down the Ketel One Canteen. (Photo: Ketel One)


More Rick Bayless news:

We're warning you now that if you're not crazy about big crowds, you'd better stay far away from that little park on Rush Street at Bellevue and Cedar next week.

That's because Bayless's setting up shop midnight-2am Dec. 10-12 for the first-ever celebrity chef-helmed Ketel One Canteen, which will be giving out free food to anyone who finds out about it.

Considering that Bayless's Xoco is all about "Mexican street food" this totally makes sense, and the stuff you'll get sounds absolutely amazing.

Epicurious snagged the menu:

Pork Tinga Tacos - Shredded pork, guacamole and queso fresco cheese served in a soft taco

Roasted Poblano and Potato Tacos - Roasted poblano peppers, Yukon gold potatoes and roasted tomatillo salsa served in a soft taco

Black Bean and Chorizo Tortas - Chorizo sausage, black beans, avocado and salsa served on a crusty roll

Black Bean, Caramelized Onions and Beef Tortas - Black beans, caramelized onions, shredded beef and queso fresco cheese served on a crusty roll


In addition to free food, Ketel One will be offering free rides home (to promote responsible drinking over the holidays).

We're always down for that . . .

UPDATE: Bayless's menu is on tap, but he will not be there. Oh well!