WTF are 'ghetto fries?!'

Gaper's Block indulges in something that Max's Italian Beef has coined as "ghetto fries." OK.

The definition of a 'party crasher'

I've received a barrage of emails regarding my continuing coverage of outing the city's most notorious "party crashers." Some were funny, some egged me on and a few were . . . well, let's just say they were pretty disturbing.

Anyway, there was one particular note that left me scratching my head:

"How can you call them party crashers when these events you're writing about that they're supposedly crashing are free? It's not like they're paid ticket events. This doesn't make any sense!"

OK. Now, that email made NO sense. Party crashers, Eat & Drink Club or whatever you want to call them are getting their chops busted because when they come to these events they USE FAKE NAMES and LIE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO in order to get in. If you have to make up shit, then there's a problem. It's that simple, damnit!

What Billy wants, Billy gets?!

An Ultimate Insider from thee-biz.blogspot.com tells 312 Dining Diva that all the hot stars from Kayne West's Glow in the Dark Tour—Rhianna, N.E.R.D., Lupe Fiasco and The Drama King himself—are expected to make an appearance at Billy Dec's Underground nightclub this weekend. The tour makes a stop at the United Center on Saturday.

UPDATE: I just got word that yet another event is planned for the prime-time posse at Bon V. ABSOLUT 100 hosts the party on Friday and Kayne was reportedly paid $30,000 to show his face in the place.

All this *&^%$#!@#$%^!?* is developing . . .

Mondays . . .

. . . are usually reserved for chillin' at home. But when you're in the hospitality industry or if you're entertaining folks from other places, it can be the best night to kick it around town:

The popular Shift Drink Mondays continue at the Libertine, as some of Chicago's big-name chefs take their turn behind the bar. Each week, they serve up a signature cocktail as well as anything else you want at this Lincoln Park gastropub. Also: half-price pizzas, $1 PBRs and $2 Makers Mark.

At Rockit Bar & Grill, Tasteit returns with a three-course spring tasting menu for $25; add $15 to pair with craft beers. It's also half off on food, beer and wine for those who work in the industry. Upstairs is free pool.

Everyone gets the discounted price on Mondays at Tasting Room, the West Loop wine lounge that's conducive to conversations. Customers can order half priced glasses of wine to complement exotic cheese and fruit platters.

Head to the BEATS + BASS + RHYTHM night at Debonair Social Club for house, soul and offbeat music spun by national and local spin stars. Music 101 hosts its weekly set and tonight is the Dae Deep release party with deejays Aaron Dae, Sean Smith and resident turntablist Brian Gardner. $5 Stoli cocktails; $3 domestic beer.

Copperblue's Cinema Gourmet typically sells out in advance, but there's always a chance that they're still taking reservations. The event includes a three-course dinner that's paired with the controversial black-and-white modern Western "Dead Man," starring Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer, Billy Bob Thornton, Crispin Glover and Robert Mitchum. After the film, University of Chicago professor Elliott Krick leads a discussion on film. $79 includes the dinner, movie munchies and wines from H2Vino. 6pm.

Celebs continue to rock Crimson Lounge

Jazz icon Herbie Hancock plays Crimson Lounge during a secret show on Sunday. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


Last month it was movie starlet Lindsay Lohan who blew partygoers away when she casually hung out in Crimson Lounge's deejay booth for several hours with gal pal Samantha Ronson. Last Thursday, it was singer Jewell's turn to shock patrons of the hip hotel lounge when she suddenly broke out her acoustic guitar and started singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the middle of the bar.

And tonight (Sunday), legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock—who was in town to headline Saturday's American Cancer Society's Discover Ball—played a secret show at the swanky spot with gifted students from the Thelonious Monk Institute. Who knows who'll be next?!

What the critics are saying . . .

. . . about:

Big Jones (5347 N. Clark St., 773-275-5725): "When a plate of impeccably cooked shrimp doused in a dark, thick barbecue sauce arrives, and it’s so good you consider chewing on the crunchy tails just to make it last, authenticity is the last thing on your mind. The same is true of the tasso ham sandwich, a picture of warm decadence where the house-cured ham provides a salty note, the cakey house-baked 'Sally Lunn' bread adds a sweet note, and the gooey pimento cheese and shrimp rémoulade glues it all together."—David Tamarkin (Time Out Chicago) Read the review here.

Green Zebra (1460 W. Chicago Ave., 312-243-7100) and Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466): "I can never resist the poached egg at (Green Zebra), hefty Prospera Farms egg that has been presented in various guises over the years. Currently the softly cooked egg sits on a slab of toasted sourdough bread, above hickory-smoked pureed potatoes. The smoky aroma conveys the sense of bacon, thus making the dish a de facto egg, bacon and toast breakfast. It's very clever . . . . My last meal (at Schwa)included lime curd topped with shaved truffle and a touch of salt, presented atop an ice cube that was actually solid glass. This was followed by a shooter glass of beet juice, flavored with bacon, alongside a roasted beet filled with grated chocolate, and an amazing demitasse of beer-cheese soup next to a teensy pretzel roll and what looked like a Parmesan tuile but turned out to be a crispy sheet of mustard skin. Carlson's pad Thai conveys all the flavors of the Thai national dish, but look closely; instead of noodles, the strands on the plate are of painstakingly marinated jellyfish."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune) Read the review here.

Trattoria Isabella (217 N. Jefferson St., 312-207-1900): "Ultra-rich risotto alla Siciliana ($12.95) is perfectly cooked in light red sauce with bits of fennel-flavored sausage, tri-colored peppers and Parmigiano-Reggiano. You'll love it, but expect to take some home."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business) Read the review here.

Strut into the weekend

Look for fabulous fashions from Akira to hit the stage at Alhambra on Sunday. (Photo: Akira)


So what’s it gonna be this weekend? Are you feeling fashion or fame? Do you crave a new club or some place where everyone knows your name?! Wherever you decide to hang, just be sure to be safe out there . . .

THURSDAY

A fun and fabulous crowd is certain to turn up at Chasalla (106 E. Oak St., 312-640-1940), which is hosting its 10-year anniversary tonight. Enjoy in-store discounts, an informal fashion show, 10 percent off purchases and complimentary cocktails. 7-9pm. Free but RSVP to 312-943-0333.

Miracle Entertainment returns to Bella (1212 N. State St., 312-787-9405) for the best after-work bash for urban professionals. They call it Music & Martinis, and for $20 guests get a buffet, unlimited martinis and select domestic and imported beer. Deejays spin R&B, hip-hop and house hits. 6pm-2am. Free admission.

Pivot (1101 W. Fulton Market, 312-243-4754), the Warehouse District’s eco-friendly boutique, teams up with smart center Lincolnwood and the Chicago furniture design team Roscoe Jackson for an event that’s environmentally sound. Roscoe Jackson debuts its line of recycled plastic outdoor furniture, and a smart car will be on hand. Receive 25 percent off store purchases with a smart car reservation or a Roscoe Jackson purchase. Light hors d’oeuvres by Carnivale (702 W. Fulton St., 312-850-3017). 5-8pm. Free.

It’s been one year since Manor (642 N. Clark, 312-475-1390) took over the old Pasha space and they’re ready to celebrate. Highlights include a live performance by multi-platinum recording artist Flo Rida (including his number 1 single "Low"). Head here early for the complimentary Grey Goose cocktails (10-11pm), and DJ White Shadow spins. And return on Friday for part two of the party with special guest DJ Gusto, who’s a resident at LA spots Parc and Social Hollywood. 10pm-2am. $20 cover for gentleman; no cover for ladies.

FRIDAY

So, it’s time for something new, eh?! How about checking into new rock cantina Angels & Mariachis (1721 W. Division St., 773-227-7772)?! Owned by the team behind English, Bar Celona and Central, this East Village/Wicker Park joint does not disappoint. Two levels of throwbacks to Mexican heritage mixed in with a dose of rock ‘n’ roll. 5pm-2am. No cover.

And for a lil’ taste of offbeat culture, head over to the latest Phaiz 7 installation, which debuts tonight during an opening reception. You’ll get to check out Natural Deviations, created by artist Rosemary Lee, and one-of-a-kind t-shirts created by Chicago-based designer, Hannah Claire Somerville through June 15. Additional fashions will be showcased by Backfire fashion. 673 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-226-9070. 7-11pm with plenty of liquids to go around. Free.

SATURDAY

The Mayfest street festival is back, and this time you’ll get a real treat from retro hip-hop band Two White Crew, which kicks off the live entertainment at 6pm. They’re followed by Sixteen Candles (8-10pm), who perform all your favorite hits from the 1980s. Ashland and Barry.

SUNDAY

And finally, Alhambra Palace Restaurant (1240 W. Randolph St.,
312-666-9555) fetes its one-year anniversary with a fashion feast. Bucktown boutique Akira (1837 W. North Ave.) shows off what you need to wear this season, and they’re doing it up in exotic, Moroccan style to complement the opulent-outfitted venue. Also, live Moroccan musical entertainment and belly dancers. Doors open at 5:30pm; show starts at 7pm. Free, but you need to RSVP to alla@akirachicago.com by 3pm Saturday.

Bring on the foie!

The Stew reports that City Council has lifted the two-year-old foie gras ban. Ha!