Drink up before state tax hike kicks in on spirits

Thank God for daily drink specials because if the proposed state tax hike of 90 percent on wine and spirits (plus 21 percent on beer) goes into effect on Aug. 1, none of us will be able to afford to booze it up anymore.

Just to get you ready, here's a list of daily drinking deals so you never have to miss a beat . . .

TUESDAY

Long Room: $1 PBR Cans; $2 Jim Beam shots

WEDNESDAY

Stanley's: All-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, Caesar salad; all-you- can-drink red/white wine and Bud Light pitchers for $14.95

THURSDAY

Crimson Lounge: $3 sparkling wine, beer and wine

FRIDAY

Chaise Lounge: $5 house martinis

SATURDAY

Red & White: Complimentary wine or beer tastings 3-5pm

SUNDAY

Map Room: $5 Bloody Marys, Mimosas (free barbecue, too!)

MONDAY

Debonair Social Club: Hosted PBR and Champagne bar 9-10pm (with RSVP); $2 PBR and $4 vodka cocktails

Our newest obsession!

A couple of months ago we dropped by Gold Coast Eve for a late-night noshfest, and our server talked us into indulging in chef Troy Graves' sensational lobster sausage.

Grilled to perfection and paired with exotic maitake mushrooms, smoked bacon, pearl onions and maple béchamel, it's on the appetizer menu, but it'll cost you a hefty $17.

Trust me when I say it's worth every bite.

Weekend Tweet Beat

Paul Kahan (Photo: Battman Studios)


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

Hearty Boys: "Last nite, Dan grilled whole whitefish over an open fire pit, Gale did giant beans with tomato and rosemary; so much leftovers."

Stephanie Izard (The Drunken Goat): "Just ordered meats for first Wandering Goat Dinner...short ribs and pork shoulder and lamb stuffed calamari, oh my!"

Paul Kahan: "Publican Sunday supper with great lakes brewery tonight. Great menu. Patio is amazing tonight."

Fabio Sorano Enoteca Roma: "Just saw Bruno!"

Todd Stein: "After a great brunch at the Publican, we are having a great first Sunday night at Cibo Matto and it is busy."

The Violet Hour gets tagged again . . .

Can you spot the door of The Violet Hour underneath all that graffiti?! (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


A random Sunday afternoon cruise down Damen Avenue in Wicker Park had 312DD stumbling across a few graffiti artists tagging The Violet Hour.

The local artists were sanctioned by the bar's owners to paint a 1980s-themed graffiti scene on the popular lounge's exterior. We were told that they're just trying to shake up things along this rather hum-drum strip of the scene, so expect it to change about every eight weeks.

Last time it was a rendering of Blago in his infamous Nike track suit, so it'll be interesting to see what creative visual prose they strike up in the fall . . .

Tater Tot Trot is back!

Newport Bar & Grill bartenders Emily Wells (from left) and Brian Trombley accept the Golden Tot trophy from Tater Tot Trot founders Amy Murray and Sheri Piecuch in 2008. (Photo: Derrek Hull)


Are you ready for the third-annual Tater Tot Trot?!

Word just came down that the daylong eating event kicks off at Schoolyard Tavern and Grill at 4pm August 8.

Tater tot enthusiasts—or better yet Ambassataters—Amy Murray and Sheri Piecuch created the Tater Tot Trot in 2007 to celebrate a friend's birthday. In one evening they went from bar to bar in search of the best tater tots in town.

Let's see if last year's winner, Newport Bar & Grill, will be able to hold on to its title, as many bars in the area are expected to step up their tater tot game.

Participants in the event will get drink and food specials at the participating bars, which have not all been confirmed yet. Check here for the latest info as August 8 approaches.

The French Storm Chicago's Scene

Les Nubians, the French-Cameroon sister duo Neo-soul act, performs at Green Dolphin Street this weekend.


Sexy sister duo Les Nubians first came across our radar about 10 years ago when they burst on the U.S. market with a brand of Neo-soul we'd never heard before. Blending their native French and Cameroon heritage into contemporary beats of soul, jazz and hip-hop, their sound was an instant hit.

After a bit of a hiatus, they're back. And what timing! July 14 marks the anniversary of Bastille Day, when the French stormed the Bastille for independence. Celebrate a few days early with Les Nubians' performance at Green Dolphin Street tonight.

Tickets are $25 in advance at Brown Paper Tickets or $30 at the door. Show is 9pm-midnight.

Make a move to other Bastille Day celebrations and more this weekend . . .

THURSDAY

Sip your way through some fantastic French vino as West Loop shop Just Grapes celebrates Bastille Day. You'll "journey" to Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, the Rhone, Bordeaux and the Loire as well as off-the-beaten-path regions. 6-8pm. $25.

As we finally warm up around these parts, Province introduces new summer dishes, including summer squash stuffed inside a crispy mini tortilla (and topped with a poached farm egg) and Seedling Orchard blueberry sorbet accompanied by angel food cake.

Burger enthusiasts will appreciate one sixtyblue's new Thursday night, Burgers, Beers & Beats, highlighting rotating signature burgers and microbrews for $4 each. They've also just added gourmet-style hot dogs to the menu, including the Vince V, Wagyu hot dogs with homemade relish, heirloom tomatoes and housemade mustard for $7. A deejay also spins. 6-10pm. No cover.

Savasana in the City happens at LaSalle Power Co. Hosted by Bikram in the City, the party will likely attract some of the best yoga bodies around town. It's also a benefit for the Illinois Yoga Asana Championship. 5:30-8:30pm. $50 includes open bar and food; $40 for food only.



Bethenny Frankel of "Real Housewives of New York" makes an appearance at Enclave this weekend. (Photo: Bethenny Frankel)


FRIDAY

Who in the hell booked Bethenny Frankel—of Real Housewives of New York fame—at Enclave?! She's in town promoting her Skinny Girl Margarita and bestseller, Naturally Thin. Would've preferred if her party was happening at a more classier joint like Roof, C-View or even Vertigo. Promoter gets a D- for this *&^%$#@!@#$&^%. 8-11pm. $30 includes manis, massages, waxing, sushi and booze.

If you loved Maxwell and D'Angelo when they first hit the scene, then you'll love Chicago's own Peven Everett, a super soul man who's been doing his own thing for quite a while now. He headlines the Friday Night Dance Party at Double Door, which also showcases the talents of Billie Jewell, Jamie 3:26 and Sean Alvarez. 8pm-2am. $15 in advance; $20 day of event.

Jamaican star Yellowman performs his special brand of dub, reggae and dancehall at the Wild Hare. That kicks off at 9:30pm, so get there early if you want to be anywhere near the stage. $20.

Samantha Ronson's spinning at Crimson Lounge again tonight, but we're more excited about Vegas vixen DJ Tina T's Chicago debut at Lumen. The first of a series of female-focused fetes at the Warehouse District boîte, this party includes a midnight giveaway of a designer handbag. 9pm-2am. $20.

SATURDAY

Help power the Library Lounge at Volleywood Beach Bash at North Avenue Beach. The Chicago Public Library's hosting this bike-generated Wi-Fi hub, allowing event guests to access the Internet, check emails and browse the free services offered. Noon-7pm.

Tonight's a good night to indulge in the Southern Table Dinner, a three-course, prix-fixe menu over at Andersonville soul kitchen Big Jones. It changes daily, but count on not spending more than $30. Also, pair it with their signature Carolina Julep, made with Firefly sweet tea infused vodka, lemon, cane syrup, fresh mint and club soda.

SUNDAY

Go old-school brunch at Lakeview French fave La Creperie, which has been around for more than 30 years. We love it for the spacious backyard patio and creamy, homestyle sweet and savory crepes. Standbys include the braised beef with burgundy and mushrooms and chicken in herb cream sauce.

The city's biggest Bastille Day celebration always takes place at Pops for Champagne and this year is no different. The indoor/outdoor event (on the back patio) includes unlimited grilled meats, sandwiches and cheese dishes, plus a glass of bubbly or rose. 3-8pm. $35.

MONDAY

And Life is a Cabaret Mondays debuts at Martini Park tonight. Local cabaret stars, including Chicago entertainer Kathryne Payne and Ben Hartman of Jersey Boys!, will perform all your favorite show tunes. A portion of the night's proceeds benefits Chicago House Charity. 5-9pm. No cover.

'Secret' suppers take off in Chi-Town

Stephanie Izard is the executive chef/owner of The Drunken Goat, set to open in early 2010. (Photo: Stephanie Izard)


You'd think during these challenging economic times chefs would be jumping through hoops to get your business. But for a select few revolutionary culinary stars, that's just the opposite.

Through an ongoing series of what have come to be known as the underground dinners, chef Efrain Cuevas of Clandestino cranks out inventive feasts in different, offbeat locations each time. They've done everything from a New Orleans-themed extravaganza to dinners in obscure venues on the South Side. To get in the mix, all you have to do is sign up for the newsletter, pay for your reservation and wait for the location to be disclosed a couple of days before the event. Prices vary.

David Burke's Primehouse Executive Chef Rick Gresh hosts a Wednesday Al Greshco event through the Green City Market season. The chef heads to the market with his team to pick out the best seasonal ingredients for a four-course dinner that'll be a total surprise for diners. Each week it changes, but the only way to get a reservation is by contacting Gresh via Facebook or Twitter. $55 per guest; $80 with Gresh’s specialty cocktail and wine pairings.

Expect there to be strong interest also in The Wandering Goat Dinner Series—the concept of Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard (also partner/chef for The Drunken Goat). Through November, the little powerhouse will host dinners ranging from backyard BBQs to warehouse parties in secret locations. The kickoff event on July 26 happens to be that BBQ, featuring the meats of Allen Bros. and microbrews of Three Floyds. The final event will include vino from her very own label, Drunken Goat Wine. The only way to RSVP is through her website. All events are $50 and include food and drinks.

And the monthly party known as At The Bar at The Drawing Room is the collaboration between Executive Chef Nick Lacasse and chief mixologist Charles Joly. An inventive, three-course meal is paired with hand-crafted, signature cocktails. While the events aren't exactly "secret," there's only eight seats available, which sell out as soon as it is announced. The next At The Bar happens at 6:30pm July 16, so get on it! $45.

Something New: Cibo Matto, Socca's summer menu

A special mid-summer tasting takes place at Socca tonight. (Photo: Socca)


Cibo Matto, theWit's glamorous Italian eatery, opens today on the hotel's second level. MenuPages catches up with executive chef Todd Stein (who's also at the helm of Roof), who discusses opening-day jitters, favorite menu items and more.

If Cibo Matto's scene a bit much for you on its first day, head to Lakeview as Socca debuts a new mid-summer menu. Exec chef Roger Herring whips up a number of tasting dishes to your delight in the bar area only. That's 5-7pm and free.

Considered somewhat of a brewing "rock star," Tomme Arthur from Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey stops by Bluebird for a special tasting of his beers. You'll sample up to seven, paired with flatbreads and cheese. 7:30-9:30pm. $25.

Wine lovers will indulge in a Mystery Wine Tasting at BOKA. The free event includes four stations pouring a mystery wine out of a decanter for sampling. Attendees will get a ballot and guess what each varietal is. The person who gets the most correct wins a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant. Comped appetizers included. 6:30-8pm.

The first Tuesday of the month means it's Rock Karaoke Night at Debonair Social Club. Get your liquid courage from the $3 well drinks, $3 Absolut Flavor shots and $3 PBR bottles before you make your way onstage. 9pm-2am.

And on Wednesday . . .

Jimmy Sneed of Sugartoad headlines the chef demo at Green City Market. That kicks off promptly at 10:30am, and as usual, the market opens at 7am. Free.

For those who prefer to do their shopping after work, Andersonville Farmers Market occurs 4-8pm every Wednesday. More than 20 vendors, plus live music and socializing should attract a number of neighborhood hot shots. Free.

Got job stress?! Take it out on the Wii on Wednesdays on Jbar's huge 84-inch flat screen television. They're also doing $3 beers, $6 vodka drinks and $2 mini "Burkers." 6-9pm.

Come root for the participants in the first-ever 42RIDE Bike Series at Moonshine. The event benefits Alliance of Biking and Walking, and if more than 100,000 follow the ride on Twitter, 42BELOW will make a $42K donation to the Alliance (pledging 42 cents per person). Riders, including a 73-year-old Texan who bikes 8,000 miles a year and a French sculptor living in Maine, arrive in Chicago Wednesday for the party that includes comped Caipiroska 42 cocktails. 6-8pm.