Where to Hang to Cure That NYE Hangover

If you're looking for Chicago's most comprehensive New Year's Eve Guide, go here, but if you're in need of some place to go once you finally stumble out of bed the day after, you know 312DD's got you covered:

Both Dunlays locations (Logan Square, Lincoln Park) start a special holiday brunch Dec. 28 through Jan. 1. Just think how good stacks of oatmeal pancakes with maple butter, fried-egg sandwiches (with cheddar and bacon on thick Rye) or made-to-order Bloody Marys will feel going down. 10am-3pm.

You can roll outta bed wearing your PJs at HUB 51, whose New Year's Day brunch is an all-you-can-eat deal with short rib eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, Broiche French toast and thick-cut bacon. So you won't be roaming around too much, Bloody Mary and Mimosa carts will be at your disposal. 11am-2pm. $25 in advance; $30 at door.

If you attend Jake Melnick’s New Year's Eve party, you'll get 25 percent off your bill if you come back for the New Year's Day brunch. They're offering up some dishes certain to cure your "ailment," particularly the Hair of the Hog Breakfast Sandwich (sausage patty, spicy green chili omelet, chorizo-pepperjack cheese sauce on toasted Jalapeno ciabatta bread) and the Bloody Mary Skirt Steak & Eggs. Also, if you dare, $5 Bloody Marys and pomegranate Mimosas. 11am-until.

They're doing the regular brunch menu over at M. Henry, but if you expect to get a seat you're gonna have to arrive early. Hey, it's totally worth it for Fannie's Killer Egg Sandwich with Applewood bacon, sliced plum tomatoes and gorgonzola; the Blackberry Bliss Hotcakes or the bacon-wrapped baked eggs with polenta. 7am-2:30pm.

And Sunda's New Year's Day brunch lasts until 4pm! Get there for yummy Asian bites like the crab potstickers, Tempura French Toast Batons (served with caramel glazed bananas and brown sugar) and The Food Buddha’s Loco Moco, a hangover cure of hamburger steak topped with brown gravy and fried eggs on a bed of steamed rice.

'Tis The Season For Hot New Openings . . .

The dining room of Uptown's newest eatery, Ceres' Table. (Photo: Amanda Puck)


Let's just go ahead and call this week Restaurant Week, seeing how it's a big one for some prominent openings.

We already introduced you to Jerry Kleiner's latest project, The Lobby Lounge at ShowPlace Icon Theatre, in the South Loop (we're all in for the bacon-infused popcorn alone!).

Also new is Ceres' Table, owned and operated by Giuseppe Scurato. You might remember him as the opening chef at BOKA and Landmark, but he's doing a completely different menu in his new Uptown home. Our immediate goal is to get there for his innovative spin on traditional gnocchi, which comes with Gunthorp farm rabbit confit, arugula pesto, pine nuts and pecorino cheese.

And then there's Epic—not to be confused with Epic Burger. This one just landed in River North, with chef Stephen Wambach serving up chops and steaks, with the Seven Pepper Crusted Hanger Steak a highlight. Not a surprise, considering he's a vet of the famed East Coast BLT restos.

Looking for more things to do this weekend?! Of course, we've got you covered:

THURSDAY

Master mixologist Adam Seger's hooking up champagne cocktails during his monthly class at Nacional 27. Mingling, sipping, noshing included. You'll also get recipe cards so you can prepare them at your upcoming Xmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa party. 5:30-6:30pm. $20.

Reps from Maine brewery Peak Organic will be on hand to demo their signature beers at a tasting event at Dunlays on the Square. Get a flight of three for $6, which will pair well with beer cheese dip and beer-battered onion rings. 7-9pm.

Deejay Eric Cubeechee, who's currently starring on the new hit Bravo reality fashion design show, Launch My Line, spins for Underground's second-annual The Grinch Who Gave Back Christmas party. This time, the event benefits Make-A-Wish. 9pm-4am. Donation suggested.


If "Real Housewives of Atlanta" personality Kim Zolciak walks around like this at the Manor party on Friday, guests won't be subjected to her singing "Tardy for the Party." (Photo: Adam Bouska)


FRIDAY

Here's my "Bah! Humbug!" moment of the season: I'm so over Ugly Sweater Christmas Parties! The only reason why I'm letting this one slide through from Chaise Lounge is because they're doing a three-course special for $30, and you get to pick from the menu. Oh, and there are drink specials. Yay.

Someone please tell me why Kim Zolciak is famous again?! Oh yeah, she was on that catty Real Housewives of Atlanta show and sang a song. For some reason she's showing up at Manor tonight, but methinks her "style" would be more appreciated at notorious Boystown hang, Minibar. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Lava Lounge closes tonight. Hit it up for one last cocktail before it transforms into The Exchange in January. 9pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Speaking of Boystown, it's that time again for The Northalsted Naughty Elves Pub Crawl. Don an elf hat to enjoy $3 Stella beers and $4 Absolut cocktails at bars like Cocktail, Hydrate and Roscoe's. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. 2-7pm. $10 in advance; $15 day of event.

SUNDAY

And Balsan launches brunch this weekend. The upscale casual resto on the third floor of the Elysian Hotel is an instant hit, especially for its budget-friendly fare, but we have to warn you: The Mimosas will set you back $17 each. The scene is perfect for those needing to unwind after hours of shopping in the area. 11am-2pm.

Kleiner's Back in SoLo with Movie Theater Lounge

(Photo: Urban Daddy Chicago)


I can tell you right now that what I'm looking most forward to at Jerry Kleiner's newest spot, The Lobby Lounge at ShowPlace Icon Theatre, is the bacon-infused popcorn paired with a bottle of bubbly. Our obsession with it began when we first visited his 33 Club in Old Town.

Urban Daddy also gives us a sneak preview of what else to expect at Kleiner's big-screen debut in the South Loop, which opens Thursday:

"After getting off the escalator, you'll pass the concessions stand and follow the gilded-framed photos of De Niro, Depp and Uma up the stairs. First, you'll notice floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city.

Well, actually you'll probably notice a Fiat 500 sitting at the top of the stairs—that sort of thing kind has way of catching one's eye. And then you'll probably spy that magnificent central bar with white leather club chairs and a plush red seating area. And more Uma photos. But, trust us, you'll definitely get around to the view."

The Bristol Gets the Props It Deserves . . .

The Bristol was the only Chicago restaurant named to GQ's "Best New Restaurants in America" list. (Photo: Neil Burger)


After getting dissed and placed on Esquire's honorable mention best restaurants of 2009 list, The Bristol finally gets the recognition it deserves.

It was the only Chicago restaurant named to GQ's 10 Best New Restaurants in America list:

"Bristol is laid-back and luscious, a neighborhood restaurant with food the neighbors weren't sure they were going to like until they got the courage to stop in. If it all sounds too weird, have the chicken. It's a plain boneless bird with mustardy spaetzle, about as sensational as simple gets."

Look for them in the January issue.

Speaking of Best New Restaurants, don't forget to vote in the third-annual 312DD Best New Restaurant Poll!

Warm Up to Wrigleyville's Newest Attraction . . .

Not everyone wants to traipse down to Millennium Park for ice skating, so get ready for The Rink at Wrigley, adjacent from Wrigley Field at Clark and Waveland streets.

It's going down Dec. 19 through February, admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids and $50 for a season pass.

While you're over there in Wrigleyville, get some grub, get some drinks:

Nuts on Clark: What's winter without roasted nuts and toasted caramel corn?! You'll find it here at this 30-plus-year, mom-and-pop shop minus the crazy-ass lines down at the Garrett's Popcorn stores.

Rockit Bar & Grill Wrigleyville: They're whipping up extra special sippers for you to warm up to after skating, such as Hot Rockit Chocolate (freshly shaved Cadbury chocolate, fresh whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, Bailey’s and Butterscotch Schnapps) and Super Cider (apple cider, Kilo Kai Spiced Rum, cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, maple syrup, orange peels and apple wedge dusted in cinnamon for garnish). Both $8.

Socca: You'll find a number of share-able "pizzettes" on the menu, including our faves topped with shrimp, bacon or tomato basil. Owner/chef Roger Herring is also mighty proud of his signature burger, which comes topped with pancetta, caramelized onions and gorgonzola.

Uncommon Ground: The Wrigleyville landmark is best known for its java, but we also love it for the booze! If you really need a jolt, we recommend Neal Cassady’s Coffee, made with Madagascar vanilla bean house-infused Jim Beam whiskey, Black Cat double espresso and steamed maple cream.

Yak-Zies Bar & Grill: And there's no other place to get wings in this 'hood than Yak-Zies, which make them so tasty and hot we suggest you eat them before you take on the rink.

Burgers Are Coming to TRU!

The Bristol's burger will be getting more competition in 2010, now that TRU is adding a signature one to its menu. (Photo: The Bristol)


We'd been hearing the buzz for a few months now, but 312DD just got a confirmation from a highly placed Ultimate Insider that TRU will be adding a signature burger to its menu soon:

"So I now have clearance to tell you about the take-out burger window that TRU is adding. Managers recently went to NY to taste high-class burgers. Should be really good. Have to give credit to LEYE (Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises) for adaptability."

This will be indeed interesting to watch!

Night of the Sports Stars!

Over at Whiskey Bar & Grill, Lakers star Kobe Bryant hung out with his coach and a teammate before dinner at Gibson's.

And the Blackhawks' Patrick Kane celebrated his 21st bday with a number of high-profile athletes and celebs at Harry Caray's, including Vince Vaughn, Ernie Banks, Bobby Hull, Richard Dent, Adam Burish, Ron Kittle, Israel Idonije and Bill Kurtis . . . .

Sad News for Some Old Standbys

Bistrot Margot, the fashionable French eatery in Old Town, faces foreclosure.


Crain's reports that the recession has struck three well-known eateries:

"On the Near North Side, Bistrot Margot at 1437 N. Wells St. owes about $1.5 million on five past-due loans, according to a complaint filed by Associated Bank on Sept. 29 in Cook County Circuit Court.

Meanwhile, on the Near West Side, Izumi Sushi, a sushi and sake bar, and Jim Ching’s, a sister restaurant that specializes in Chinese takeout, filed for protection from creditors, with each venture listing assets of $1 million or less against debts of $10 million or less, according to petitions filed Nov. 30 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Chicago. "