Monday, June 30, 2008

Tips for a first timer

Local folks on the Chicago Chowhound message boards come to the aid of someone going by the name "CookieEater," who is looking for some good, inexpensive spots while in town for the holiday weekend.

Recs are pretty much across the board, from ethnic eats like Habana Libre for Cuban and Hopleaf for Belgian to coffee hangouts such as Sip and Caffe De Luca.

It gets pretty heated . . . especially when they start discussing pizza.

BARBQ, beats and the 'Bubble Bar'

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One sixtyblue offers a number of cocktails during its nightly BARBQ event, including a Cool Mint Margarita, Cabo San Loco and Veev-a La Summer. (Photo: one sixtyblue)


It's a short week, so let's get it started early:

one sixtyblue's BARBQ is executive chef Martial Noguier’s signature twist on a summertime tradition. Guests get to enjoy delights such as Swan Creek Farm suckling pig (in a galanga pineapple BBQ sauce!), herb-marinated Australian lamb loin and Swan Creek Farm chicken wing lollipops. Pair those with refreshing cocktails like the Cabo San Loco with Absolut Peppar or the Cool Mint Margarita. Menu is available Monday-Friday at the bar only.

It's Movie Night over at the Terrace, and tonight's feature flick is "Dreamgirls." Chill out with truffled popcorn and selections from the Bubble Bar (bubble tea cocktails infused with vodka or champagne) and Asian-inspired dishes from the eco-chic StaxX menu. Movie starts at dusk, and you get an amazing backdrop of the city's skyline.

Crust offers one of the most welcoming, coziest patios in the city, and guests can enjoy their specialty organic flatbread pizzas, salads and sandwiches. Every Monday, diners get half price on bottles and glasses of wine.

And tonight's Beats + Bass + Rhythm bash at Debonair Social Club is a Large Records music event with deejays Jeff Craven and Hector Lopez. Music 101's weekly event including $5 Stoli drinks and $3 domestic beers to go along with the deep house set. 9pm-2am. No cover.