Your New Plans on 'Funday Sunday'

If you don't mind being a little sluggish on Monday mornings, you should make plans to head out to these best new Sunday soirees on the scene:

Beauty Bar. For those who like to get down, A Sunday Love Affair happens every last Sunday of the month. Deejays Jaytoo and Seano spin extreme deep house, funk, global grooves and soul for a mature, sophisticated crowd. Drink specials include $3 Old Style, $6 Sophia sparkling wine, $3 tequila shots, and $10 martini and manicures. It's 5-10pm, so my recommendation is to have a late brunch nearby at Branch 27, Butterfly Sushi or Flo and then head over. No cover.

Big Night For Peter Vestinos, City Tavern

Mixologist and cocktail consultant Peter Vestinos. (Photo: Peter Vestinos)

City Tavern was supposed to open Sunday, according to Eater Chicago reports, but after a few technical difficulties it has finally debuted.

The restaurant, helmed by Kendal Duque (Chicago Firehouse, Sepia), offers an old-timey tavern atmosphere . . . right down to the cocktails.

And that's where the acclaimed mixologist Peter Vestinos comes in. The San-Francisco-based bartender previously worked with Duque at Sepia, so it made sense to bring him in on this South Loop project.

His opening cocktail menu highlights his take on some extraordinary classic cocktails, from The Fish House Punch of cognac, black tea-infused Bermuda rum, peach brandy and lemon that was created in 1732 in Philadelphia to the always flavorful Sherry Cobbler that's topped off with champagne and seasonal fruit.

'The Soiree Series' Underground Party Returns

The Chicago Cabaret Project's "The Soiree Series" is an underground live performance/party taking place in fabulous Chicago homes. (Photo: Chicago Cabaret Project)

My favorite party people last year were the mad talented performers from the Chicago Cabaret Project. Their The Soiree Series targets those no longer into the bump 'n' grind bars, but still enjoy having a good time out.

What sets their parties apart from the usual performance-art as well as nightlife-oriented events is that they're held inside some spectacular-looking Chicago homes. To date, guests have been whisked inside a massive Lincoln Park mansion with a Miami-like pool and patio as well as an elaborate 1894 home in the historic Prairie District. The intrigue is that guests don't know the location until day of the event.

Plus, the soirees include all the elements for a glamorous night out: cocktail party, a room full of dazzling people you want to get to know, and live entertainment.

Thus far, they've done quirky, original numbers as well as some of the most memorable scenes from the Broadway hit, "Cabaret." But it's the third soiree, taking place at 8pm June 29, that promises to take this series to the next level.

Debbi Peek Now At Southern Wine & Spirits

Mixologist Debbi Peek. (Photo: The Bristol)

Balena/The Bristol's magnificent, award-winning bartender Debbi Peek has moved on to take on the role as Southern Wine & Spirit's new Illinois mixologist.

In her fabulous new position, she will "continue the message of community, education and fresh cocktails."

The Annual 'Bloody Mary Fest' & More . . .

It's a Chicago thing.

Seriously, the Bloody Mary can be traced back to the Windy City because the New York bartender who invented it in a Paris pub had the hots for a girl named Mary.

And because of that, you'll find more versions of the famed crimson cocktail here than anywhere else. That's what inspired some folks out in Highwood to create the Bloody Mary Fest, which takes place 10am-5pm Sunday in Highwood's downtown festival area.

Mmmmmm, '100 Days of Tarts' at NoMI!

One of NoMI's signature tarts featuring berries from Seedling Farms. (Photo: NoMI Kitchen)

Just think of the possibilities . . .

Market-fresh strawberries ... peaches ... cherries ... apples and more. Nothing says summer more than a tasty little tart topped with a heaping scoop of house-made ice cream.

The thought of these possibilities was so exciting for NoMI Kitchen pastry chef Meg Galus that she decided to celebrate with a 100 Days of Tarts campaign, featuring signature sweets throughout the season. It kicks off June 18 and concludes Sept. 25.

Galus has been working on this project since winter, so look for some of her creations to be based on movie titles ("Clockwork Orange"), classic desserts (Bananas Foster) and summer's best bounty. You, dear reader, can also get in on the action by helping her name these tarts as well as offer suggestions for additional ingredients to make them extra special. Each month, through September, one lucky winner will get the tart of the month for two, paired with wine in NoMI's lounge or garden.

How does it work?!

These Girls Are On Fire!

Kristine Subido of Pecking Order in Uptown. (Photo: Pecking Order)

Time Out Chicago recently featured a sweet little essay on how more women are embracing Chicago's vibrant dining culture. This is especially cool because it's not another story about how we're soooo obsessed with shoes, handbags and lipgloss.

And as ladies who lunch transform into dimes who drink and dine, we're certain they'll support a fresh trio of female-owned restaurants opening this summer—from Kristine Subido's Filipino-focused Pecking Order to Alpana Singh's globally influenced The Boarding House.

The Aviary's Signature Stout is on its Way

I cannot wait to see the price tag on the black truffle beer called The Forager that The Aviary is working on now with Denmark-based brewery Mikkeller.

There's no word yet on when it'll be available at the famed gastronomy molecular cocktail lounge, but we'll be the first to tell you . . .