A Smashing Pumpkin Surfaces; Stella & Dot Party

(Photo: Jason Lewis, ChicagoPhotoshop.com)


Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan headlined a benefit at LaSalle Power Co. for the 10th anniversary benefit for NorthShore University HealthSystem's Integrative Medicine program, and our friends at NBCChicago.com had a front-row seat.

Corgan's still got juice, evidenced by the large turnout at the massive River North bar. Peep the pics here if you don't believe us . . .

Also hot last night: the Outlaw Graffiti party at the Blackstone Hotel and Stella & Dot's fabulous fete at Vertigo for its spring/summer jewelry line.

Get Ready for an Izakaya in the City . . .

Steve "The Hungry Hound" Dolinsky introduces us to Masu Sushi, what he considers to be Chicago's first-ever izakaya, or Japanese gastropub.

It's going into the old space vacated in 2009 by Minnies, in Lincoln Park, and here's what Dolinsky has to say:

"Izakayas are convivial places, with a bit more of a male-driven culture. They are boisterous, full of conversation, premium sake and tall bottles of Japanese beer. While they offer some raw sushi and sashimi, it’s the small, cooked items that set them apart from their Japanese brethren.

"(Masu Sushi owner Steve) Song says he’ll offer basic, home-style cooking, with a lot of rice bowls. Typical Japanese drinking snacks like dried salted filefish or seasoned fried anchovies, sardines or smelts will be commonplace. Grilled yakitori (skewers), braised dishes, fresh sashimi, and alcohol-soaking fried foods will round out the menu."

Nice. Something totally new and needed for that area! Masu Sushi is set to open the first week of March.

Cheers to National Drink Wine Day Weekend!

Master Sommelier Alpana Singh (Photo: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises)


Today's National Drink Wine Day, but bump that. Just for you, we're going to extend it through the weekend!

312DD searched high and low for the absolute best wine deals in the city, starting with Master Sommelier Alpana Singh's event tonight at Frankie’s Fifth Floor.

Singh—who was just nominated for a James Beard Award in the "Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional" category—will mingle with the crowd, introducing guests to interesting new vino as they munch on apps and thin-crust pizza. Guests will also get gift certificates for a future trip to Frankie's as well as meet with DNA 2050's denim specialist. The party's $15 and 5-7pm Thursday, but if you stick around you can enjoy amazing glasses of wine for $5, which are available in the restaurant every day.

Raise your glass to even more wine-focused events this weekend:

THURSDAY

BIN 36 reopens tonight since shutting down after Valentine's Day. The wine/resto/boutique turned 10 in 2009, so it's about time for them to make some changes. They've adding more artisan cheeses to pair with their magnificent wines, plus Beard nominated wine director Brian Duncan and exec chef John Caputo just launched a blog offering a new approach to wine, travel and food coverage.

More than 25 wines will be waiting for you at Red Canary during the Chicago Wine Council's first event of the year. It'll be a great chance to meet like-minded oenophiles and check out one of the hottest spaces in River West. 6-9pm. $40 at door (cash only).

Lakeview's fave pizza-wine joint Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar may be one of the few spots in town really celebrating National Drink Wine Day. A four-course feast pairs each bite with booze, which you should definitely appreciate. 7pm. $50.

To fete 10 years in biz, Randolph Wine Cellars/The Tasting Room is giving away a free bottle of wine to every 10th customer in February.

We'll take a blind tasting over a blind date any day! Just Grapes pits pricey potions against wallet-friendly wines to see if you can tell the difference. Location's in the West Loop, so you can scoot right after work. 5:30-7:30pm. $25.


Main bar at In Fine Spirits (Photo: In Fine Spirits)


FRIDAY

One of the best-kept secrets in Ukrainian Village is A. Vision, where the Friday night wine tastings attract a good neighborhood crowd. They're generously pouring wines you can buy in this nifty boutique setting. 5:30-7:30pm. Free.

More wine's being poured at the annual Wine, Beer & Art Party hosted by the 20/30 Club. Party's ideal for single guys and gals alike, as last year it attracted almost 200 young professionals. All proceeds benefit Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Horizons For Youth, HighSight, HFS Chicago Scholars and MGR Foundation. 7-11pm at Mars Gallery (1139 W. Fulton Market). $35 in advance here; $45 at door.

SATURDAY

Every Saturday, Red & White does free vino tastings 2-5pm. Get your drink on and then take a couple of bottles to enjoy at nearby Costa Rican BYOB Irazu.

Twice a month, you'll get to indulge in free wine tastings at In Fine Spirits, and this is your lucky week! We're not sure which bottles they'll be pouring, but expect something exceptional. 3-6pm.

SUNDAY

We don't do wine for brunch, but we're all about the sparkling wine deal at Angelina Ristorante, in Lakeview. For $20, you'll get bottomless bubbly/Mimosas to complement your brunch items of Eggs Benedict, French toast or the house specialty, Fritatta Toscano. 11am-2pm.

All Lush locations (Roscoe Village, University Village, West Town) hold free tastings on lazy Sunday afternoons. It's up to the staff to decide which bottles they'll pop open; all you have to do is show up. 2-5pm. Free.

And The Bluebird teams up with painter Leslie Baum for The Salon Series. They're pairing three courses with wine that's followed by a discussion about Baum's art. Starts at 7pm. $35; reservations required.

'Top Chef' Alum Takes Over at English

Radhika Desai has been named executive chef of English. (Photo: Radhika Desai)


Former "Top Chef" contestant Radhika Desai is taking over as executive chef at English, in River North.

An Ultimate Insider tells us that she'll start in mid- to late-March, and we're looking forward to the changes on the typical pub grub menu.

Our source says to expect seasonal items, plus Desai plans to incorporate her rich ethnic background into the mix. Look for contemporary Indian accents to blend seamlessly with English-focused dishes and appetizers.

Desai was previously exec chef at Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge, which is now up for sale because its owners are working on a new project in Downers Grove.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Tea Party!

OK, so we're all really just big kids at heart, right?!

Put 312DD 100 percent down for Four Seasons' Mad Afternoon Tea Party happening opening weekend of Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" (starring Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway and Johnny Depp!).

In addition to finger sandwiches and Wonderland-inspired pastries, expect a truly mad décor, tea cup decorating, Royal Chess and Red Queen’s Croquet, using the traditional pink flamingos as mallets.

Seatings begin at 3pm on March 6; reservations highly recommended. It's $15 for kids and $32 for big kids.

You're certain to have fun, but just don't lose your head!

Our Chefs Are Much Nicer on Twitter

Phillip Foss, executive chef at Lockwood (Photo: Lockwood)


Lockwood's Phillip Foss is perhaps the most daring chef in town—when it comes to Twitter.

Gems like this, this and this get him noticed for his humor as much as for his food—but he always plays nice.

But that's not always the case in New York, says the New York Times, which highlights some rogue chefs using Twitter to go after competing chefs, suppliers, critics, bloggers and even customers:

"For many chefs in the current economic climate, cooking no longer seems enough. To make their names, they need to develop online personas as well as culinary ones. And with instant access to the Web, chefs—who have traditionally been walled up behind the dining room—are bursting out and talking back, often more profanely than can be conveyed here."

Thank God Chicago's chefs have more restraint, but for the best info—and laughs—you should definitely be following the engaging Stephanie Izard, John des Rosiers, Mark Mendez, Grant Achatz, Rodelio Aglibot, Rick Gresh, Rick Bayless and Dan Tucker.

500 Benjamins or Bust . . .

Kyle McHugh of Drinks Over Dearborn (Photo: Kyle McHugh)


. . . is what Drinks Over Dearborn owner Kyle McHugh says he needs in order to continue to do business in his River North venue.

The self-described "boozehound" appeals to the public on his website to get his specialty spirits, wine and beer boutique back in black:

"I have done everything I can possibly imagine to help Drinks Over Dearborn weather our country's current financial situation, but I'm now out of money, out of credit, and out of time. We simply can not continue to go forward in the state we are in financially, and there is still no money available from banks or the SBA for a small alcohol-related business from any of the many sources I've tapped in the last few weeks."

McHugh says he needs 500 people to start an account ($100 minimum) at his shop by 5pm Feb. 28 in order to stay in business. Participants would be able to purchase spirits, glasses as well as upcoming classes and events. Customers will also get a five percent discount on all items in the store and access to VIP in-store events.

He'll be doing a 24-hour webcast telethon—live from Drinks Over Dearborn—beginning at 5pm Feb. 27 and ending at the deadline of 5pm Feb. 28. The in-store event will feature live music and comedians, plus there will be plenty of booze to abuse, just in case this is the last call.

UPDATE: In less than 24 hours, they've managed to get 97 pledges! McHugh posted an update on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

Don't Forget to Cast Your Ballot . . .

. . . in the annual Time Out Chicago's Eat Out Awards.

A number of noteworthy chefs, restos, mixologists, specialty shops and bakeries deserve your vote, plus your girl is also up for Best Indie Restaurant Blog.

That's right! 312 Dining Diva has finally been recognized for its tireless and unique coverage of Chicago's vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Vote here; you've got until 9am March 15 . . .