Thursday, April 23, 2009

Tony Romo spotted around town . . .

Photobucket
Romo’s Eastern Illinois University teammate Paul Massat (from left), Romo, Fifty/50 co-owner Scott Weiner, Fifty/50 manager Eddie Mahoney (Photo: Fifty/50)


Stella's Column had the scoop:

"The NFL's Tony Romo and the Rockies' Glendon Rusch were spotted at the Fifty/50 . . ."

But 312DD has the pics to prove he was there hanging last weekend with about five college and high school buddies.

While he was in town, Romo also attended a Blackhawks game Saturday with girlfriend Jessica Simpson.

Who knows who'll hit the Fifty/50 this weekend!

It's a Heatwave!

Photobucket

There's just no excuse not to be walking around with a smile on your face this weekend. We've got 80 degrees coming our way, so get out and enjoy!

THURSDAY

If you're female and swingin' single, make an excuse to be in the Gold Coast this evening. Producers from ABC's The Bachelor will be holding an open call at the Talbott Hotel. Grab after-work cocktails or cuisine at the hotel's Italian-focused eatery, BICE Bistro, or make your way across the street for vino and comfort fare at Feast Gold Coast. Some of the most eligible men in town are certain to be milling around. 5-9pm.

The Tour de France wine-tasting series at Bistro 110 kicks off with vino from the Provence region of Southeastern France. Highlights include a number of fine wines paired with pissaladière (Provençal pizza), ratatouille (roasted chicken with honey lavender lemon glaze) and sardines a l’escabeche. 6-8:30pm. $25. Reservations recommended for this open house-style event.

Your perfect date night happens at Broadway Cellars, in Edgewater. The romantic, wine-charged restaurant offers three courses every Thursday for $23, plus for an additional $7 you'll get three-ounce wine pairings.

At Matisse Tavern & Grill, they're doing an Uncork Spring soiree featuring wines from around the world. Get ready for bubbly from Champagne, rosé from California, Malbec from Argentina . . . you get the idea. Party happens on the patio and includes appetizers. You'll also be able to order featured wines by the glass for $5. 7-9pm. Free.

Chicago's roving scotch ambassador makes his way to Sullivan's Steakhouse tonight. It won't cost you a thing to sample cocktails by Chivas 18. Just look for the well-dressed dude—or better yet, he'll find you! 6-8pm.

FRIDAY

The Cheeseburger Show's already collected a rabid fan following, so tonight they're hosting The Cheeseburger Show Tweetup, at Sheffield's. Get there early for a seat, so you can stuff as many cheeseburger sliders in two hours as you'd like. 8-10pm. No cover.

Yoga enthusiasts, get ready for beer and heavy breathing. Start at Logan Square's Stellaria Natural Health (2519 N. California, 2nd floor) for a 90-minute class, then head across the street to Provenance Food & Wine. In honor of Earth Day, they've picked some pretty good local and organic beers for sampling. 7:30-9:30pm. $30.


Photobucket
"The Cheeseburger Show" checks out the best burgers in town every week. We're hoping they make it to The Bristol for this burger and fries combo one day.


SATURDAY

Trailblazing chef-tress Alice Waters makes an appearance at Green City Market to sign copies of The Edible Schoolyard. This is one not to be missed as Waters' influence on the organic movement gets props for turning chefs as well as children onto healthier cuisine. That event is free and happens 10:30-11:30am in the eco-parking lot at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.).

Hard-cord beer enthusiasts don't play when it comes to Dark Lord Day—the event hosted by Indiana-based Three Floyds Brewery. So in order for participants to fully enjoy themselves, the folks behind Lush Wine and Spirits have charted a big bus for a boozy field trip to the annual event. Guests will get brunch from Twisted Spoke on the bus. Meet at Lush at 11am, and the bus leaves Munster, Ind., at 7pm. $30; reserve your seat at erin@lushwineandspirits.com. We likey.

This sounds like an ideal afternoon: The Fries & Champagne Party. Over at The Wine Consortium (110 E. 23rd St., 773-575-5410), you'll get bubbly paired with fries with an international focus, including the Netherlands (fries with tartar sauce), New Zealand (fries with tomato sauce), Philippines (fries with barbecue sauce) and France (fries with Bearnaise). A portion of the proceeds go to PAWS Chicago. 4-6pm. $25.

Sultry soul superstar Robin Thicke hosts an after-party at Rednofive, immediately following his show at the Arie Crown Theater. 10pm-5am. $20.

SUNDAY

Le Lan's delightful Asian brunch is turning out to be one of the hottest a la carte deals this spring. That's because you cannot go wrong with choices like buttermilk pancakes with Malaysian-style bananas, Asian Five Spice Brioche French Toast with Thai basil, or the signature omelet with house lemongrass sausage, jumbo crab and curry potatoes. Also: Get a Blood Orange Mimosa on the house when you mention you read about 'em here. 10am-2pm. All items under $15.

And, if you're still at a loss of what to wear this season, you might want to check out Akira's Casablanca-inspired show happening at a New York-styled warehouse at 114 S. Racine St. Romance, intrigue and danger are the theme of the show, where guests will enjoy cocktails and passed appetizers. After party: Victor Hotel. 5:30pm-midnight. Mandatory RSVP to events@akirachicago.com for this free event.