U2, Pornographic Chili Dog . . . and more

Landmark hosts a free wine-tasting event tonight with music from U2 as soundtrack.


Right on the heels of a whirlwind night two weeks ago, U2 is back in town. Well, sort of.

Landmark hosts a wine-tasting event, creatively pairing the Irish superband's music with vino. Think bold Barolos with "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Appetizers provided as well. Limited seating, so RSVP asap. 6:30-8pm tonight. Free.


Another music-focused wine fete is Rock Band Wednesday, happening every week at Juicy Wine Co. They're serving up the signature Pornographic Chili Dog (beef brisket chili from Smoque and mounds of aged Wisconsin cheddar over a smoked hot link) that should pair well with $4 pints of Three Floyds and $5 glasses of wine. After chowing down, head to the upper level for Rock Band karaoke on XBOX. 6pm-midnight. No cover.

There's even more wine being poured at Quartino, as the trendy neighborhood favorite throws its end-of-the-month wine party. This time they're featuring Spanish wines, which will be poured with light appetizers. 7-9pm. $20.

Top mixologist John Kinder hosts a rare event in the city with this cocktail-and-cuisine pairing at Salud. The four-course dinner (think empanadas, pork tenderloin, spice cake) is complemented by hand-crafted cocktails made with Los Arango Tequila. There may be a couple of seats left, but reservations required; no walk-ins. 7:30pm Wednesday and Thursday. $40.

A good after-work set happens at Rebar for the weekly Champagne Table. This month they're pouring Moët & Chandon, which will be paired nicely with appetizers from the restaurant. Held in the VIP area, with a view of the Chicago River. 5:30-7pm. $20.

Loop workers can blow off steam with complimentary Chivas 18 Scotch at Miller's Pub. Look for the spirit's ambassador, who'll be pouring various cocktails. 5-6:30pm. Free.

And learn all about Templeton Rye Prohibition Era Whiskey, a small batch rye whiskey made in the tiny town of Templeton, Iowa. Guests at In Fine Spirits will be treated to an interactive seminar that includes tastings paired with light appetizers. 7-8:30pm. $25.

Deals for your $$$ . . .

N9NE Steakhouse's sashimi preparation, now available at the new Raw Bar. (Photo: N9NE)


When N9NE Steakhouse opened almost 10 years ago, the seats at its flashy, centerpiece caviar bar were the most coveted in the house.

But now the times have changed, and people have a completely different outlook when it comes to fine dining. They still want to do it, but they want it much more downscaled.

That's why it was a smart move on N9NE's part to recently transform the ostentatious caviar bar into the now understated Raw Bar. It hasn't lost its cache as the best seats in the house, as the area's still flashy as the see-and-be-scene section.

But now the focus is on the freshest preparations of seafood, where Executive Chef Michael Shrader personally oversees and interacts with guests as he shucks oysters and slices up sashimi. He'll even take special requests, serving up made-to-order items not listed on the menu.

Most items at the Raw Bar cost $3-$6, including oysters on the half shell (Kumomoto, Calif.; Malpec, Canada; Rappahanock, Va.), Ahi tuna, salmon and seabass sashimi, as well as shooters mixed with Bloody Mary mix, lemongrass, saki, ginger, hot chile, lime and cilantro. And for those wanting a little more, they'll whip up a creamy lobster salad ($16) or the octopus carpaccio for $13. The Raw Bar's only available on weekends.


Another good deal happening every day is the new Seven After Seven special at Petterino's, in the Loop.

Dine at the classic American eatery after 7pm for a three-course dinner for $19.95, plus a nice selection of wines by the glass for $7. Choices include classic tomato bisque, Yankee pot roast, classic beef Stroganoff, chicken pot pie and broiled salmon Wellington.

Valet parking is complimentary for those dining in after 7.

The list is in!

The Beard Foundation has nominated Blackbird/Publican Executive Chef Paul Kahan for "Outstanding Chef 2009." (Photo: Blackbird)


Sooo glad I checked out Publican Sunday for the brunch everyone's raving about because it's about to get truly nuts over there.

Executive Chef Paul Kahan just received a nomination for Outstanding Chef 2009 by the Beard Foundation, which will announce winners in New York on May 4 at Lincoln Center.

Here are all the Chicago nominees for the most prestigious restaurant awards in North America:

Best Chef, Great Lakes Region: Koren Grieveson (avec), Arun Sampanthavivat (Arun's), Bruce Sherman (North Pond Cafe)

Best New Restaurant: L2O

Outstanding Service: Spiaggia

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate)

Outstanding Restaurateur: Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)

Outstanding Wine Service: Brian Duncan (Bin 36)

Outstanding Restaurant Design and Outstanding Restaurant Graphics: The Publican

Cookbook in the Cooking From A Professional Point of View category: Grant Achatz's Alinea cookbook

Good luck, guys!

Weekend Tweet Beat . . .

Stephanie Izard is the executive chef/owner of The Drunken Goat, set to open in the fall. (Photo: Stephanie Izard)


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

Graham Elliot Bowles (graham elliot): "Goose Island Brewery tour today with GE team."

Phillip Foss (Lockwood): "3rd year anniversary dinner @ Avenues last night ... food was brilliant. Curtis Duffy is one of the top chefs in Chicago!"

Koren Grieveson (avec): "Just had the most amazing brunch at the Publican! rocking grits!"

Stephanie Izard (The Drunken Goat): "Recovering from an awesome meal at Schwa last night. The arctic char roe was killer."

Stephanie Izard: "I just saw the best cocktail being shaken at bar de ville...Ramos Gin Fizz...they love workin their muscles for this one."

Carrie Nahabedian (naha): "Getting ready to cook at Justin Winery in Paso Robles, California this weekend."

Rick Tramonto: "I just had a brilliant meal by Chef Chris Pandel at the Bristol in Chicago. All must go and go again and again."

Mmmmmmmm, sandwiches . . .

Slashfood readers pick the top 50 sandwiches in America, including the Cemita and wet Italian Beef at local favorites Cemitas Pueblo and Al's Beef, respectively.

Don't see yours on the list? Make your voice heard in the comments section like everyone else!

For the Fellas (so single ladies know where to go!)

The James Club, at the James Hotel in River North. (Photo: James Hotel)


March Madness's officially on for the NCAA basketball season, and everyone's scrambling on where they're going to watch the games.

If you don't want to get caught up in the mayhem, we suggest reserving The James Club, tucked inside the James Hotel.

The venue's typically used for private dinners and small board meetings, but you can have it for your very own March Madness viewing party for free (with a minimum of 15 people; $65 per person). The personalized wet bar, leather-rimmed billiards table, free Wi-Fi, plasma screen and lush, oversized furniture are just some of the perks.

Plus, you can't beat the David Burke's Primehouse Bracket Buster Menu (mini steak “Burkers,” wings, fajita station, cured Italian meats, sushi station and Chicago-style pizza) that comes with the deal. Call 312-337-1000 to secure.

Here's where else to go on this very guy-centric weekend (where the guys go, the girls will certainly follow!):

THURSDAY

Bulls' star Ben Gordon hosts a March Madness kickoff party at Bull & Bear. We'll put our money on those two coveted VIP tables with personalized beer taps already reserved. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Award-winning British ale B United makes a rare appearance in a Chicago venue, and Roscoe Village's Lush Wine & Spirits gets the honor. A few spaces are left for guests to indulge in sampling, food and words from a rep. 7-8:30pm. $15; RSVP required.

Celebrated Nacional 27 mix man Adam Seger's monthly happy hour class is back, this time focusing on "spice and ice" cocktails. He'll show you how to make his Mango-Ginger-Habanero Daiquiri and Chadwick Mojito. Appetizers and recipe cards, too. 5:30-6:30pm. $15.

Ultimate bro-mance flick "I Love You Man" hits theaters Friday, but you and the boys might wanna check out the specially themed party at Sheffield's before going. Somehow tonight was tagged National Man-Date Day (WTF?!), so they're doing it up big with "man trivia," a “Rock, Paper, Scissors” tournament, $4 bromance shots and more. Oh, and the grand prize for the tournament is a "beer bouquet." O-kay. 9pm-midnight. No cover.

Martini Park's brand-new, after-work menu includes a number of small bites ($5-$8), plus cocktails. Favorites include Rhode Island Style Rock Shrimp and Buffalo Chicken Lollipops. Also, live music and the games will be shown on several monitors. 5-8pm. No cover.

Who needs the Pussycat Dolls when Le Passage has The Dollhouse?! Think sexy burlesque dancers and $200 bottles of Snow Queen vodka. And if you arrive early (10-11pm), they'll pamper you with complimentary cocktails. DJ Adrie Marie spins hip-hop. 10pm-4am. RSVP to LPinfo@lepassage.com for guest list.

FRIDAY

NYC electroclash duo Fischerspooner spins a one-of-a-kind deejay set at Debonair Social Club to support Chicago-based environmental cause "Dude We Can Fix It." The group's raising funds for "We Can Solve It," the Al Gore organization with the goal of having America's electricity generated from non-fossil fuel sources within 10 years. 9pm-2am. Donation.



NYC electroclash duo Fischerspooner spins at Debonair Friday.


SATURDAY

For the first time ever, Gen Art's SHOP Chicago features men's designers—selected by Thrillist. Look for more than 50 emerging accessory and clothing designers, including Lara Miller, organiK Revolution, PAOO LLC, liaMolly, Foxglove Accessories as well as Thrillist-approved menswear DEMOGRAPHIC, Loop Apparel and TATTOOED TEES. Those who get the VIP tickets will also have access to the lounge, which includes sounds by DJ Sye Young, comped cocktails and spa treatments. 1-6pm. General admission free; VIP tickets $40. The Great Hall, Union Station, 275 S. Clinton St.

More shopping on tap over at Funkshion (2121 W. Division St., 773-697-4119) in Ukrainian Village, where you can get cardigans and blazers at 70 percent off. You can also rifle through their new spring line of men's styles (and women's) as DJ Ben Castaneda spins in the corner. Guests will also be treated to an open bar 7-11pm. The after-party happens at Bon V (mention "Funkshion" for free admission). 9pm-3am.

If you're still standing after watching the games all day, how about some scotch sampling from Chivas 18?! Head to Moonshine (8:30-10pm) and/or Five Star Bar (10-11:30pm) for the juice. No cover.

SUNDAY

The Publican's first-ever brunch last Sunday was a little shaky, yet a major success as executive chef Paul Kahan twittered the entire service to the delight of hundreds of hungry fans all over the country. We think it'll be even more crowded as folks come in for the Beer Mimosas, Scrapple & Sunnyside Eggs and house-cured smoked bacon. 10am-2pm

Newcomer Feast Gold Coast delves right into brunch service with Eggs Royale (poached eggs and smoked salmon on an English muffin with hollandaise and caviar) with a glass of Luis Pato Sparkling Rosé Brut for $20 and a classic Hangover Helper (a.k.a. Bloody Mary). 10am-3pm

TUESDAY

Warrenville's Two Brothers Brewery hosts a tasting at Bluebird, highlighting the full lineup of all their beers. They're also bringing in a special pin firkin (5 gallon keg) of just-released Bare Tree Barleywine, plus reps will be on hand to answer questions. Brats and snacks will also be served. 7:30-9:30pm. $25; RSVP required.

Shout out to stouts . . .

Sheffield’s at it again with more "beer school programs" coming up by two of Michigan's premier breweries.

Beer fanatics will love Dark Night, hosted by Dark Horse Brewery, and a chance to check out yummy stouts like One Oatmeal, Too Cream, Fore Smoke and Tres Blueberry.

For the event, Sheffield’s offers $3 pilsner-size (half-pint) paired with comped passed appetizers as Pink Floyd’s "Dark Side of the Moon" serves as a backdrop for the evening. 7pm March 25.


Also happening is Bells’ Oberon Summer Ale Release Party, as the brewery taps its first keg of the season. The lively event includes sampling of the beer; Luke Schmidt of Buddy Nuisance and American Taxi on hand for a live acoustic performance; and raffle giveaways for Cubs tickets, t-shirts and a VIP tour of Bells Brewery. That's happening at 7pm March 30.

Today's the day!

Grab your green and get on the St. Patrick's Day scene.

We've got record high temperatures today, so check CitySearch's hot list for lively venues, including Abbey Pub, The Kerryman and O'Brien's.

Enjoy the day!