Bobby Brown Still Has Fans

Just great. Now I won't be able to get "Don't Be Cruel" out of my head for the rest of the day.

He was the Usher and Chris Brown of his day when he ruled the pop and R&B charts back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and apparently troubled entertainer Bobby Brown still has fans.

That was at least the case late Sunday night at the West Loop's Market when he showed up on the sports bar's rooftop with a small entourage.

So Fresh . . . So New . . .

The main dining room at new Asian-focused eatery Arami, in Ukrainian Village. (Photo: Urban Daddy/stevenjohnsonphotography.com)


It's been a tremendously busy summer for bar and restaurant openings with no signs of slowing down.

This weekend's a big one for the team behind The Gage, who are finally opening the long-awaited Henri (it was originally supposed to open fall 2009) in a historically landmark building next door.

Dirk Flanigan, who is also exec chef at The Gage, oversees the seasonal menu that'll offer his spin on classic dishes like Maine lobster, peas and Porcini mushrooms over house-made Pappardelle; slow-roasted Illinois lamb for two and a 16 oz. veal chop cooked in the stone oven.

This is spectacular news for downtown crowds, who complain that there's not a lot of options in the area when it comes to chef-driven restaurants. And we have a feeling Flanigan won't let them down.

Henri opens for dinner Saturday.

More new spots to put on your radar this weekend and beyond . . .

Fire Sale This Weekend at Tizi Melloul

Now that Girl & the Goat is off to a great start, two of its main partners can concentrate on their next big project: the space once occupied by Tizi Melloul at 531 N. Wells St.

First things first, according to Kevin Boehm, one of the guys behind Boka Restaurant Group (which also owns Boka, Landmark Grill + Lounge and Perennial), is clearing out all the old resto's Mediterranean and North African decor this weekend.

More Kudos for Hot Doug's

(Photo: Hot Doug's)


Too bad Hot Doug's is closed for vacation until August 25 because I'm totally craving one of their signature encased-meat sandwiches after this latest honor.

Food Network Magazine named the Northwest Side spot one of the Top Ten Regional Classics in America.

They earned props for having the Best Hot Dog Menu:

Big Props for The Purple Pig!

The Purple Pig's whimsical charcuterie offering. (Photo: The Purple Pig)


We're not surprised one bit that Mag Mile sensation The Purple Pig made Bon Appétit's prestigious The 10 Best New Restaurants in America list, but we are surprised they're the only Chicago resto that made the cut (Hello, Balsan, Big Star, Gilt Bar?!).

Here's what they had to say about the bustling eatery best known for pork-focused dishes:

BLT Bonanza is Back!

Who doesn't love a good, crispy BLT?!

The Old School BLT Bonanza returns as a component of the annual TomatoFest, happening all over town August 23-Sept. 19.

R. Kelly Sets Off Shrine in Surprise Concert!

R. Kelly performs a surprise concert at The Shrine Friday as "106 & Park" host Rocsi Diaz stands by. (Photos: Richard Pack)


"106 & Park" host Rocsi Diaz was the special guest at ClubNet360.com's Friday night party at The Shrine, but she brought along a mega celebrity who sent the South Loop nightclub into a frenzy.

Not only did R&B star R. Kelly hit the stage to greet the crowd, but he also performed an impromptu hour-and-a-half long concert, according to ClubNet360.com's head honcho Teddy Gilmore.

Foss is out at Lockwood

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


One of the most prominent chefs in the city is out of a job.

Phillip Foss was dismissed from his executive chef position at Lockwood Friday.

He wrote this on his blog: