Old Town's Wine Crush is back!

At the top of our list of favorite things: lazy weekends, outdoor festivals and all things wine.

That's why we're especially excited about the annual Wine Crush, happening Sept. 12-13 in Old Town.

For $30 ($45 for premium tastings), guests can sample up to 50 wines, plus a number of artisan cheeses.

We're also looking forward to chef demos by Christian Phernotten (Old Town Brasserie), Othon Angel (Adobo Grill) and Dino Lubbat (Dinotto Ristorante).

A hilarious highlight of Wine Crush is the Grape Stomping Competition, as teams of two dance around in mounds of the divine grape to win a bottle of vino from one of the participating wineries.

And, of course, being a street festival, live music is always a big attraction. This year's entertainment includes Gin Blossoms, 16 Candles and the soul-infused local band Jambon.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association and Chicago 2016.

Pizza, pizza now thin, thin . . .

Is Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza passé?!

More thin-crust pizza joints are springing up around town, joining stalwarts like Spacca Napoli and Piece, according to MSNBC:

"As with many higher-end restaurants, the thin-crust pizzerias make a point of using (and telling you that they use) fresh, local, even artisanal ingredients. Spacca Napoli, for example, has its mozzarella delivered weekly from Italy. Great Lake makes its own.

"It also seems the thin-crust pizzas offer something that has long been associated with some of the city's finest restaurants and famed chefs such as Charlie Trotter, Jean Joho and Grant Achatz, but not pizzerias: the artistry of the chef, er, pizza maker."

Newest Old Town bar off to great start

(Photo: Old Town Social)


We've been waiting a long time for something super hot to land in Old Town, so it was a pleasant surprise to hear Old Town Social got major props from the people who showed up on its first weekend.

The mostly neighborhood crowd loved it for its unpretentious, yet upscale neighborhood vibe. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that the menu didn't disappoint either.

Urban Daddy gets to the bottom of what's sure to keep OTS on top for months to come:

"Strong brew like Bell's Two Hearted Ale (and about 59 others) await, but first pull up to the charcuterie bar where house-made soppressata, mortadella and pepperoni flow freely from the tap (by which we mean an antique hand-cranked meat slicer). Drop by early for a quick polish at the vintage shoe-shine station before sneaking a date into one of the secluded two-person cubbyholes and making a dinner of Smoked Sausage and Waffles, Crispy Duck Wings or Scotch Woodcock (um, not what it sounds like)."

EXCLUSIVE: Artisanal Bistro is coming to the 312!

(Photo: www.nyc.go)


Just when other media outlets had given up hope on whether Terrance Brennan's spiffy NYC bistro Artisanal Fromagerie, Bistro & Wine Bar was coming to Chicago, an Ultimate Insider dropped this in the 312DD inbox:

"NYC Artisanal is going in (the former) Brasserie Ruhlmann space. They already started construction."

A call to the Big Apple original confirmed that yes indeed, plans are underway for another location.

An opening date was not confirmed, but we're on the case . . .

Braziliance!

Brazilian Independence Day happens on Sept. 7, and to heat up our city during the final stretch of summer, The Drawing Room's hosting a special dinner.

They're going all out down in the sexy subterranean room with a multi-course dinner paired with cachaca-infused cocktails created by award-winning mixologist Charles Joly. And after dinner, guests will be treated to an authentic Capoeira performance by Gingarte Capoeira.

Event happens 7-9pm Sept. 8. $45.


Also, look for Sonotheque's monthly Braziliance bash to amp it up for the special occasion.

Deejay Joe Bryl spins an intoxicating blend of Samba, soul and hip-hop beats to encourage uninhibited dancing all over the space. They've also collaborated with neighboring restaurant Flo for a special Brazilian menu (those dining at Flo get in Sonotheque free).

And of course, they're doing a number of Rio-themed drinks, including Cococabana (coconut rum, splash of Amaretto, Grenadine, pineapple juice with an orange slice), a signature Braziliance Mojito (muddled fresh mint, Maker's Mark bourbon, sugar and lime juice on ice) and the Ipanema Martini (tequila, coconut rum, pineapple juice and sugar).

9pm-2am Sept. 3. Free before 10pm; $5 after.

FREEBIE FRIDAY: Mini-Keg, mini-burgers for 4!

Small Bar's "mini" keg. (Photo: Small Bar)


This week's FREEBIE FRIDAY takes place at Small Bar, the neighborhood micro-brew sports lounge with locations in Ukrainian Village and Logan Square.

One person will get a chance to experience their great new table service mini-keg paired with 12 specialty mini burgers. Bring three friends and it's an all-out party.

Winner will be announced after noon Friday!

Toast on the town . . . for charity

One night. 20 bars. Lots and lots of booze.

It's that time of year again for Bar AIDS, the sixth-annual event when a number of establishments all over town donate a portion of the evening's profits to AIDSCare.

The leading organization does everything it can to improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS, so props go to the likes of Chaise Lounge, Fat Cat, The Village Tap and Zocalo for lending a hand.

Bar AIDS takes place tonight all over town. Get the entire list of participating bars here. No cover, but some spots may offer drink specials.

It's raining like hell, but you won't let that stop your weekend . . .

THURSDAY

You love pork as much as you love beer, so there's no excuse to miss the pig roast going down at Landmark. They're doing it up with savory pork sliders paired with beer from Three Floyds, so it's guaranteed to be a squeal. Deejay J. Rose spins. 9pm-2am. $30.

The cool, kick-off bash for the annual Bucktown Arts Fest
happens tonight at The Bristol, giving you a chance to meet participating artists. Expect the offbeat eatery to lay out delicious bites, plus two beverages are included in the ticket price. 6-10pm. $30 in advance; $40 at door.



Kit Kat and Purgatory host tribute parties for what would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday.


FRIDAY

Still relishing in summer hours?! Grab a late lunch at Publican, in the West Loop, where the celebrated pub offers a nice menu of casual grub like a lamb pastrami sandwich, spicy pork rinds, frites with George's organic egg and Bouchot mussels. Menu available 3:30-5:30pm.

To fete what would've been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club throws a tribute bash featuring all of his celebrity "friends." Look for Liza Minnelli and Liz Taylor, plus performances by lil sis Janet and the King of Pop himself. Toast his b-day with the signature $5 Black & White Martini (VOX vodka, dark chocolate liqueur, vanilla), and of course they'll be showcasing all his videos on large screens all night. 5:30pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Glazed, our fave local donut maker, is holding a Donut Fan Appreciation Party at Green Grocer. That's right, that means you'll get these tasty organic donuts using all local and sustainable ingredients for free! 5-7pm.

Purgatory hosts a Michael Jackson tribute party on his actual birthday. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as the King of Pop for free entry, and to dance along to a night of all MJ music. Look for the Carlton Bradley Dance Crew to teach guests a few of MJ's more famous moves. 9pm-2am.

The Eat Well, Drink Well guys (English, LaSalle Power Company, Angels & Mariachis) have added Rockwood to their little empire this week. Expect the usual casual neighborhood vibe this team is known for. 11am-2am.

SUNDAY

Too bad we cannot transport ourselves to Timothy O'Toole's right now for the bottomless Mimosas and Bellinis during brunch. That'll cost you $12, plus they pair easy with super-savory dishes like the breakfast nachos (tortilla chips with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, scallions, jalapeño, and two eggs any style), a half-pound Angus burger, or corned beef hash served with two poached eggs. 10am-2pm.

Flatwater also jumps on the pig roast trend with its first-ever event offering guests all-they-can-eat Swan Creek Farm suckling pork paired with grits, grilled corn and pineapple. Microbrews also included in the deal. Starts at 5pm. $75.

MONDAY

And Monday night revelers should slip into Spring for the weekly Fling. For $20, you'll get small plates paired with hand-crafted cocktails. 6-11pm.

Your FREE tix to hottest game in town!

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


So it happened again.

Stephanie Izard's second Wandering Goat Dinner sold out earlier this morning when the tickets went on sale. This time it happened in 90 seconds flat. Wow.

But have no fear. There's still a chance to get in on the hottest game in town if you follow her on Twitter, as she's "hiding" some free tickets at several secret locations around the city.

Good luck!