Thursday, November 12, 2009

Burgers, Booze and Benefits . . .

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DMK Burger Bar's "No. 4" (roasted hatch green chile, fried farm egg, Sonoma Jack cheese, smoked bacon) paired with sweet potato fries. (Photo: Ben Reid/FoodieRegistry.com)


DMK Burger Bar is now open.

That's the latest collaboration between longtime buddies and biz partners David Morton (Morton's Steakhouse) and Michael Kornick (MK), who're also behind the powerhouse N9NE restaurants in Chicago and Vegas.

On its second night Wednesday, the rockin' burger joint was definitely jammed packed with neighborhood types who are probably grateful to have something like this in close proximity. You'll find 12 grass-fed and naturally raised burgers on the menu, and we tried to order damn near everything because they're all eight bucks.

Big winners were the No. 1 (aged Cheddar, smoked bacon, charred balsamic red onions, Rufus Teague’s BBQ sauce), No. 3 (NY pastrami, Grand Cru Gruyere cheese, sauerkraut, Leroy’s remoulade), No. 4 (roasted hatch green chile, fried farm egg, Sonoma Jack cheese, smoked bacon) and the No. 10 (grass-fed lamb, sheep’s milk feta, olive tapenade, tomato & onion salad, tzatziki)—which came highly recommended by MK exec chef Erick Williams (who was working the line that night).

And then there were the milkshakes.

They were chocolatey, malted and so thick that we had to scoop up all that goodness with spoons . . .

Speaking of scoops, you know 312DD's got you covered when it comes to the weekend:

THURSDAY

Get a head start on that holiday shopping with the Women Helping Women benefit hosted by The Chicago Chapter of the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails ("Chicago LUPEC") and Maeve. More than 10 West Loop boutiques participate, where you'll get discounts on merchandise and comped classic cocktails and apps. A portion of proceeds benefits the Greenhouse Shelter for Women, and you can find the complete list of shops here. 5-9pm. Donations/tips.

While the girls will be shopping till they drop in the West Loop, guys will flock to Haberdash (1350 N. Wells St.) in Old Town for the Try Something On Event. Spend at least $100 and get a $50 savings toward purchases, plus you'll be treated to wine, beer and pizza. A portion of the proceeds benefits Big Love, Little Hearts. 6-9pm. No cover.

The third-annual Chill event benefits the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Taking place at LuxeHome at Merchandise Mart, the cocktail party includes tastings from some of our fave chefs, including Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Randy Zweiban (Province) and Roger Herring (Socca). Get tix here. 6-8:30pm. $85.

FRIDAY

A new Greek BYO opened in Lakeview this week, and in addition to classic items, Melanthios Greek Char House will definitely get major props for its weekend roasts of whole pigs and lamb. Yum.

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NYC’s DJ Kiss spins at Angels & Kings on Saturday. (Photo: DJ Kiss)

SATURDAY

Discounted tix are still available for Pinot Days, occurring at Navy Pier. 1-5pm. $50.

A free wine-focused event goes down at the Goddess and Grocer in Bucktown, where author Jean Iversen will be on hand for a booksigning for BYOB Chicago. Get there early for samplings of her fave wine picks, plus apps. 2-4pm. No cover.

Sniff. Sniff. Tonight's the final night for Sonotheque, as the trendy West Town tavern has been sold to a New York entrepreneur. This last event will include performances by deep-house deejays Torin Edmond, Joe DePresser and Anthony Nicholson. 9pm-3am. Cover TBD.

DJ Kiss—New York's most glamorous spin star—returns for a late-night set at Angels & Kings. Look for her to rock the tables with soul, mashups, funk, hip-hop and of course, mad sex appeal. 11pm-5am. No cover.

SUNDAY

If you think weekend nights are nuts over at 33 Club, wait until their new brunch service catches on. Jerry Kleiner's latest sensation in Old Town now serves up heaving plates of whole wheat banana pancakes, Challah French toast and several omelet dishes each Saturday and Sunday. Oh, and since the game's on in the lounge, expect a solid singles scene. 10am-2pm.

MONDAY

Shift Drinks continues one of the city's most popular industry nights at Pops for Champagne. Guest bartenders this week are executive chef Sarah Stegner and mixologist Daniel Sviland from Prairie Grass Cafe. 9pm-2am. Free.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

omg i can't wait to go to DMK!!!