What the critics are saying . . .

. . . about:

Jerry's (1938 W. Division St., 773-235-1006). "Jerry's desserts were the high point. The carrot cake was excellent -- moist, rich and flavorful. The chocolate/banana bread pudding was quite good, too: big portion, lush and flavorful, with some terrific ice cream crowning the top of the slab."—Pat Bruno (Chicago Sun-Times) Read it all here.

Masouleh (6653 N. Clark St., 773-262-2227). "The juicy Masouleh kebab (ground beef, much like a kefta kebab) was impeccably seasoned, with discernible notes of onion, cilantro and a little bit of sumac to add a bright, fruity note to the meat. And the khoureshte gheimeh bademjan, a succulent stew of soft eggplant, tender bites of steak and toothsome yellow peas, was absolutely addictive."—David Tamarkin (Time Out Chicago) Read it all here.

ristorante we (172 W. Adams St., 312-917-5608). "All the W Hotel eateries I've visited remind me of nightclubs, and ristorante we fits it just right. Even in the morning, lounge/rock beats played in the dining room and there was barely a speck of natural light. But that apparently doesn't matter much to the crowd that files in for a quick, stylish business breakfast in the middle of the Loop. This menu adds a couple of Italian touches in keeping with the restaurant's overall approach: tasty and light scrambled egg whites with pesto, pancetta and mozzarella ($13) and eggs Benedict with roasted tomato over black olive toast ($13). Illy espresso drinks are tops and served with mini amaretti cookies. Service is smooth and prompt."—Alison Neumer (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here.

Scarlet (3320 N. Halsted St., 773-348-1053). "On a recent Saturday night, the main room was difficult to navigate as guys jockeyed for position at the small bar, groups swayed to music around high-top tables, and big-boned drag queens lumbered around the room. Scarlet draws a motley crew, and not the S&M (stand and model) crowd you might find at other stops along the Halsted Street strip. It felt more like a house party—at your auntie’s loft. Scarlet didn’t just take the piano out of Gentry—it changed its tune entirely."—Karen Budell (Metromix) Read it all here.

Chill out

What did you do to take advantage of yesterday's exceptionally warm weather?

I went to Berry Chill (635 N. State St., 312-266-2445), the revolutionary frozen yogurt boutique that officially opens today.

They're featuring four flavors each month (right now it's strawberry-banana, latte, chocolate and original) as well as a ton of toppings to put on your fro-yo.

But what truly makes Berry Chill appealing is that unlike other frozen yogurt products, theirs is lactose-free and contains the same benefits of real yogurt.

Berry Chill's space is just what I had expected: hip, energetic and trend-conscious, with four flatscreen monitors tuned into the latest videos. And if you show up today, they're giving out free samples that you're certain to love.

You'll also get to chill out as a deejay spins until 4am!

Hot Diggity Dog

It's opening today! I swear no false alarms.

Rockstar Dogs (801 N. Ashland Ave., 312-421-2364)—the hyped-up hot dog joint with late-night hours, a stripper pole and sandwiches named after the likes of Kiss, Tommy Lee and Justin Timberlake—opens today. I peeked inside of it last night and this corner West Town joint is going to be sweet with cool music memorabilia on the walls.

Also, happening this weekend:

THURSDAY

Checked out Jesse de la Pena's set last week at JBar (610 N. Rush St., 312-660-7200). If you remember back in the day when he put Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand Ave., 312-666-1695) on the map, then you need to get here fast. This dope deejay spins an eclectic mix of stuff as a percussionist (or last week a saxophonist) plays. Another incentive to go are the $5 Stoli Elit cocktails! 9pm-2am. Free.

Is "Achy Breaky Heart" cool again now that Miley Cyrus is a big star? If you dig country jams, then head to Joe's (940 W. Weed St., 312-337-3486), where Billy Ray Cyrus will perform his top hits. 8pm. Tickets are free, but to get them you must listen to Drew Walker on US 99.5FM. (I cannot believe I am writing this!)

Speaking of getting a little bit country, Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771) is hosting Bourbon, Scotch and All Things Whisky tonight 6:30-9pm. Maker's Mark Master Distiller Dave Pickerell will lead the discussion that's followed by a tasting, appetizers and social event. $35.

The Make a Wish Foundation hosts a pre party for the 2008 Wish Ball at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard St., 312-645-6000). The $35 ticket price gets you apps and Effen cocktails. 6-8pm.

If you ever wanted to impress your friends, sign up for the
Mojito 101 Class at Carnivale (702 W. Fulton St., 312-850-3017) tonight. Victor Baheza, Carnivale's expert mixologist, will lead this hands-on class featuring two different mouthwatering mojito recipes from the restaurant's signature drink menu. The mojitos will include a classic mojito and a raspberry mojito. Participants will learn the history of this classic Cuban cocktail, while creating and sampling perfectly muddled mojitos and appetizers by Executive Chef Mark Mendez. 6:30-8:30pm. $25.

FRIDAY

The Ministry of Burlesque happens at Soirée Bar & Bistro (2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-8880), with a night of indulging the forbidden Kübler Absinthe and a taste of Soirée’s delectable French hors d’oeuvres specials for half price. A Moulin Rouge-style dance performance will highlight the sensual energy as well as the scantily-clad cocktailers dressed as Kübler Absinthe fairies. 9pm-2am. Free.

A pre-St. Paddy's Day celebration takes place at Enclave (213 W. Institute Pl., 312-654-0234), with the second-annual St. Patrick's Eve party hosted by Immerman's Angels. The $30 cover includes cocktails and appetizers. Deejays and breakdancers perform, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Immerman's Angels, a cancer support group. Oh, and don't forget to wear green! 8-11pm.

SATURDAY

Another green-themed gig occurs at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222), when DJ Hiroki spins. Get there early for free cocktails 9:30-10:30pm (must RSVP for that). 9pm-2am. $20.

Gibson's (1028 N. Rush St., 312-266-8999) is also getting into the spirit with an event benefiting the Misericordia Foundation. Guests are encouraged to wear green and donate $10 for an event that includes an Irish buffet, passed appetizers, drink specials, party favors and live music by the Shannon Rovers. 11am-5pm.

MONDAY

And tickets are still available for the third-annual World Festival, hosted by Common Threads. "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi is the honorary chair for the event, which includes high-profile local and national chefs. Look out for the likes of David Burke, Jimmy Bannos, Marcus Samuelsson, Gale Gand and Rocco DiSpirito to be serving their specialties. Also included in the $250 ticket are cocktails, bubbly, live music and more. 6-9pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.). Call 312-752-2674 for tickets.

'Top Chef Chicago:' Take 1

Stephanie Izard still cookin' on "Top Chef Chicago."


Whew. Local culinary stars Valerie Bolon and Stephanie Izard aren't forced to "pack their knifes and go" during the first episode of "Top Chef Chicago," reports The Stew.

Deal(s) of the day . . .

Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out event returns to the Great Hall at Union Station (210 S. Canal St.) today and tomorrow 5-10pm, with free drinks, beauty treatments, and up to 75 percent off designer merchandise. It's only $10 to get in (or $30 for admission and a goody bag). Purchase a group of tickets with girlfriends to receive up to 20 percent off. Advance tickets are required; buy them at chicago.sheckys.com.

And "Top Chef Chicago" debuts tonight at 9pm on Bravo! Watch the action at spots like Cans (1640 N. Damen Ave., 773-227-2277) for the $1 sliders and half price on cocktails, plus Halsted's Bar + Grill (3441 N. Halsted St., 773-348-9696), Citizen Bar (364 W. Erie St., 312-640-1156) or Piece (1927 W. North Ave., 773-772-4422), which also has $3 well cocktails, to cheer on local chefs Valerie Bolon and Stephanie Izard. A gripe: Tonight's first challenge for "Top Chef" is pizza. Now how can they do this and not get a local chef or food writer as a guest judge?! I'm just sayin' . . .

Get ready for Jill Scott

Jill Scott fans, get ready:

I just received an invite in my inbox for a Baileys Get Together hosted by Grammy award winner Jill Scott on March 23.

No details were listed on where the party is taking place, but all you have to do is sign up with the password "get together." That's it. There will be complimentary Baileys cocktails and appetizers at the event.

Dinner is on People Lounge . . .

. . . if you can handle a little frostbite.

Hey, you know how unpredictable Chicago's weather is, especially at the beginning of what is supposed to be spring. So, in order to test your stamina, People Lounge (1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-9339) is willing to pay for your dinner if you can stand to dine on their sidewalk cafe on March 25.

This is People Lounge's first-ever Spring Celebration, so make your reservations now (required for the free dinner) at 773-793-0508. I'd bring a coat, scarf and gloves if I were you—just in case. (The offer is limited to dinner only; alcohol not included.)

Deal(s) of the day . . .

If you've always wanted to volunteer but couldn't decide on a charity in which you could throw your support behind, an event is taking place tonight that should help you out:

The Chicago Associates Board Presidents' Council hosts a cocktail party to recruit members for their various organizations, including AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Associate Board of Literacy Chicago, Chicago Architectural Society, Field Associates, Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, John G. Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board, Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board and Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council. The party takes place at East Bank Club (500 N. Kingsbury St.) tonight 6-8pm. $10 donation.

Also happening tonight—and only a few blocks away from East Bank—is Tizi Melloul's (531 N. Wells St., 312-670-4338) weekly special of cocktails, appetizers and a hookah session for $10.

At NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030), it's Cellar Notes, as advanced sommelier Fernando Beteta leads his weekly wine-tasting event. Tonight is all about sake, and guests will have the opportunity to taste up to 10 varieties. 5:30-7:30pm. $30.

And it's 2nd Tuesday Tastings at Cru Cafe and Wine Bar (25 E. Delaware Pl., 312-337-4001). Tonight, they're featuring organic wines from around the world, plus organic hors d'oeuvres. 6-8pm. $40.