Uhmmm, just yesterday Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn St., 312-923-2473) was waaaay ahead in the Nightlife Poll for "2007's Best New Bar" at the bottom of the page. But I just checked it a few minutes ago, and Fat Cat (4840 N. Broadway, 773-506-3100) is back in the lead.
Agree? Disagree? Click on your favorite bar at the bottom of the page. You've got 19 more days to vote!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
North Pond chef to demo at Green City Market
He's got a quirky sense of humor and he's one of our hometown heroes when it comes to supporting small local farmers.
And now Bruce Sherman, chef/partner of the esteemed contemporary French-American North Pond (2610 N. Cannon Dr., 773-477-5845), will take his turn as the demonstrating chef for the day at Green City Market, tomorrow at 10:30am.
His Lincoln Park eatery is known for its innovative, seasonal cuisine, so expect his loyal followers to come out in full force.
As always, Green City Market occurs every Wednesday and Saturday (through Dec. 22) 7am-noon at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's North Gallery at 2430 N. Cannon Dr. Free admission.
Fahrenheit turns up the heat in St. Charles
Chef Peter Balodimas' duo of organic Berkshire pork grilled belly and confit shoulder served with six-year cheddar grits, shaved apple and Blis 30-year sherry
Every once in a while 312 Dining Diva will kick it to the suburbs, and last night's venture to the 630 didn't disappoint.
New American eatery Fahrenheit & Celcius Lounge, with chef/owner Peter Balodimas at the helm, has only been open for a month and is already getting plenty of local and national buzz.
The 27-year-old Balodimas picked up his skills in the kitchens of such well-known spots as Spiaggia and Heaven on Seven, and it shows. In his new St. Charles restaurant, he's dabbling in different flavors and presentations, so many of those dishes have unexpected twists.
Take, for example, the amuse he served last night of a truffled beef tartar "burger." The tiny, flavor-packed delight—that you popped in your mouth in a single bite—made Minnies' sandwiches look like Burger King's Whoppers. Also, the organic Berkshire pork grilled belly paired with six-year cheddar grits was a brilliant combo, especially when dipped in the 30-year sherry drizzled on the plate.
And how could we forget the "BBQ" Kobe beef brisket, which was marinated in Guinness and Balodimas' secret "BBQ" sauce and complemented by the tiniest portions of corn bread I had ever seen in my life. Somehow he made it work.
The wine list here is pretty good too (with a nod to Balodimas' Greek heritage), but the by-the-glass selections are pretty steep, ranging between $12-$28.
Fahrenheit & Celcius Lounge: 1890 West Main St., 630-444-1350. Open Tuesday-Sunday; lunch service begins today.
Deal of the day . . .
Cozy little BeviAmo Wine Bar (1358 W. Taylor St., 312-455-8255), tucked away in Little Italy, doesn't have a huge menu for food, but they've got nice small plates for when you just want to nosh.
Every Tuesday they're hosting a wine tasting event featuring wines from different regions for $25. 7-11pm.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Top designer Suhail takes a stand against poverty
If you don't recognize his name, you'll certainly recognize his memorable, high-profile projects with a definitive edge.
Suhail—the master designer/architect behind such hot spots as DeLaCosta, Lava Lounge, Sonotheque and Tizi Melloul (also del Toro, Fahrenheit 212, Mod. and Sugar RIP)—is working on the most important project of his life: rebuilding Kashmir following its devastating earthquake in 2005.
His life was forever changed when he visited and volunteered in the region last year, and he wants to do even more by returning with more volunteers. Thursday's event is his biggest benefit to date in an effort to raise funds for this cause. All proceeds will be used to directly improve and rebuild schools, provide educational supplies and establish scholarship funds.
But don't expect this to be a stuffy event: Being Suhail, you know that it's going to be hip and happening. The multi-culti, creative black tie includes live traditional Indian music, DJ Madrid spinning global beats, a video installation by Brian Cho, open bar, photography exhibition and Kashmiri fusion menu. Premium silent auction items are donated by such favorites as avec, Blackbird, Moto, Orange Skin, Randolph Wine Cellars and the Joffrey Ballet.
Deets: 1101 W. Fulton St., Dec. 13 7-11pm. For more info, call 312-733-9411. $100 in advance; $125 at door.
Suhail—the master designer/architect behind such hot spots as DeLaCosta, Lava Lounge, Sonotheque and Tizi Melloul (also del Toro, Fahrenheit 212, Mod. and Sugar RIP)—is working on the most important project of his life: rebuilding Kashmir following its devastating earthquake in 2005.
His life was forever changed when he visited and volunteered in the region last year, and he wants to do even more by returning with more volunteers. Thursday's event is his biggest benefit to date in an effort to raise funds for this cause. All proceeds will be used to directly improve and rebuild schools, provide educational supplies and establish scholarship funds.
But don't expect this to be a stuffy event: Being Suhail, you know that it's going to be hip and happening. The multi-culti, creative black tie includes live traditional Indian music, DJ Madrid spinning global beats, a video installation by Brian Cho, open bar, photography exhibition and Kashmiri fusion menu. Premium silent auction items are donated by such favorites as avec, Blackbird, Moto, Orange Skin, Randolph Wine Cellars and the Joffrey Ballet.
Deets: 1101 W. Fulton St., Dec. 13 7-11pm. For more info, call 312-733-9411. $100 in advance; $125 at door.
Bring on the bubbly
(Photo: Paulus Rusyanto)
If you haven't had enough of the good stuff, we've uncovered even more. Hey, it's the holiday season: Drink UP!
Since last week, Geja’s Café (340 W. Armitage Ave., 773-281-9101) has been celebrating its 28th Annual Champagne Festival, featuring sparkling wines from around the world. During the two-month festival, which ends on Jan. 31, they're offering an impressive assortment of Champagnes by the glass and the bottle at special promotional prices. Guests may also enjoy Geja’s yummy fondue cuisine, including hot cheese dripping from chunks of bread; lobster, beef tenderloin and chicken breasts sizzling in a pot; and sweet fruit and tender marshmallows covered in creamy chocolate.
Or, if you're shopping along the Mag Mile, head over to Park Hyatt Chicago (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4051) each Tuesday-Saturday from 4:30-6:30pm for "Truffles & Champagne" in their elegant Library. Settle in for a trio of handmade chocolate truffles from Coco Rouge (1940 W. Division St., 773-772-2626) paired with a nice selection of champagnes and cognac by the glass. There's also a classical guitarist for background sounds. Prices range $14-$20 and this is going on until Dec. 22.
And then there's the half-priced Mondays at The Tasting Room (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1313). Their more than 115 wines, including dessert and sparkling wines, by the glass are all half off. Sip and swirl as you chill out in their simply gorgeous two-level lounge.
Rock Star Dogs update
Looks like Weiner Circle (2622 N. Clark St., 773-477-7444) is finally getting some competition with the arrival of Dion Antic's Rock Star Dogs in Ukrainian Village.
The pioneering restaurateur behind such memorable joints as Liquid Kitty, Get Me High Lounge, Harry's Velvet Room and of course Iggy's (now Iggys3 at Chicago and Dearborn) opens his late-night hot dog spot in January. There's about 20 dogs on the menu with cool names like Tommy Lee (our foot-long tribute), Los Lobos (Latin-style bacon wrapped dog), Sting (Tantric tofu dog) and the J. Timberlake (Our Cheezy Dog . . .Dawg!). And non hot dog lovers can get The Misfits, two mini cheeseburgers. All sandwiches come with fries and a can of soda, and range $4-$6. It will stay open 'til 4am on most nights, 5am on Saturday. 801 N. Ashland Ave.
The pioneering restaurateur behind such memorable joints as Liquid Kitty, Get Me High Lounge, Harry's Velvet Room and of course Iggy's (now Iggys3 at Chicago and Dearborn) opens his late-night hot dog spot in January. There's about 20 dogs on the menu with cool names like Tommy Lee (our foot-long tribute), Los Lobos (Latin-style bacon wrapped dog), Sting (Tantric tofu dog) and the J. Timberlake (Our Cheezy Dog . . .Dawg!). And non hot dog lovers can get The Misfits, two mini cheeseburgers. All sandwiches come with fries and a can of soda, and range $4-$6. It will stay open 'til 4am on most nights, 5am on Saturday. 801 N. Ashland Ave.
Deal of the day . . .
In West Town, Five Star Bar and Grill's (1424 W. Chicago Ave., 312-850-2555) got it all: a pool table, plenty of plasmas to watch the game or news, one of the largest selections of bourbons in town and that infamous stripper pole in the back room.
But it's their nightly specials driving the crowds earlier in the week, such as tonight's: 50 cent mini sandwiches (cheeseburgers, pulled pork or Sloppy Joes), ribs ($6.75 half slab/$10.75 full slab) and the $2 Old Style cans. No takeout.
But it's their nightly specials driving the crowds earlier in the week, such as tonight's: 50 cent mini sandwiches (cheeseburgers, pulled pork or Sloppy Joes), ribs ($6.75 half slab/$10.75 full slab) and the $2 Old Style cans. No takeout.
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