'Humboldt Park' soon to hit the big screen

Actor Freddy Rodriguez


Found out last night that filmmaker George Tillman, Jr., who attended Columbia College but hails from Milwaukee, begins filming a Latin-flavored Soul Food entitled Humboldt Park at the end of January or beginning of February. Expect him to use a lot of those cool restaurants, coffeeshops and bars in that 'hood as background. John Leguizamo (Love in the Time of Cholera) and Freddy Rodriguez (Grindhouse: Planet Terror) will star.

You may remember Tillman as the force behind such hits as Barbershop, Barbershop 2: Back in Business, Beauty Shop, Men of Honor and, of course, Soul Food.

Another closing—and an opening

There's yet another popular restaurant closing on New Year's Eve. If you dig the Nuevo Latin fare, make your reservations for the last dinner service at Mas (1670 W. Division St., 773-276-8700) in Wicker Park. No word on what they're doing yet on Dec. 31, but expect them to make a lasting impression. And remember that they still own Motel Bar (600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-2900), which is right down the street in the River North neighborhood.

So, in with the new: Takashi finally opens on Dec. 30. The award-winning chef Takashi Yagihashi melds contemporary French and American cuisines with Japanese influences to bring on this exciting new Bucktown option. You'll want to indulge in hot small plates like the soy-ginger caramel pork belly or crispy organic chicken wings; or large plates like the sauteed skatewing, roasted New York strip steak or seared local loin of pork "on the bone." The wine list offers a unique sake program featuring sake (and beer) from Ibaraki Prefecture, Yagihashi’s hometown. Look for this one to win many awards in 2008. 1952 N. Damen Ave., 773-772-6170.

A weekend of holiday cheer

Put down that carton of eggnog and get out this weekend, beginning with hot events happening tonight:

Bella Lounge. It's the holiday edition of Miracle Entertainment's Music & Martinis party, so get there for the $20 manager's special of a full dinner buffet as well as unlimited specialty martinis and imported beer. Also, deejays C-Vicious, Mark Fullaflavor and Malik Shabazz spin all the hits you like to hear. 5pm-2am tonight. RSVP to RSVPMe@SLDMarketingGroup.net for free admission. 1212 N. State Pkwy., 312-787-9405.

evilOlive. Lip Service Productions hosts its annual Jingle Bell Jam, featuring dozens of local and national musicians doing what they do best. Highlighted performers include Phil Baron, Brad Peterson, Brad Elvis, Ruby Harris, Chip Z'Nuff and Kevon Smith. The evening features all types of music, including rock, reggae, funk, blues and jazz. The $10 donation benefits Rock For Kids, a nonprofit organization providing support to young homeless people. Dec. 23 9pm-4am. 1551 W. Division St., 773-235-9100. UPDATE FROM THE EMAIL BAG: "There is a good chance that George Clinton (the Grad Daddy of Funk, himself!!!) might be doing the Jam on Sunday!! It's not 100 percent for sure yet . . ."

Latin Street Dancing Studios. Wanna show off some fresh dance moves at all your holiday and New Year's Eve parties? There's still time to sign up for Latin Street Dancing Company's Bootcamp, a three-hour crash course in salsa, cha cha cha, bachata and other sexy dances. The classes are tonight from 6-9:30pm and Saturday noon-3:30pm at 540 N. LaSalle St., 312-427-2572. $35 for each three-hour class.

Manor. It'll be a hip-hop hooray holiday tonight at this swanky River North lounge as old-school rappers Naughty By Nature perform their classic hits. Has it really been that long that OPP and Hip-Hop Hooray are considered oldies, but goodies?! 9pm-2am tonight. 642 N. Clark St., 312-475-1390.

Provenance Food & Wine. Stop by this casual, holiday wine tasting sponsored by Fine Vines. 6-8:30pm tonight. 2528 N. California Ave., 773-384-0699. Or for a Champagne experience tonight, head to WineStyles Chicago (1433 W. Belmont Ave., 773-549-2227). From 6-8pm, you'll get to sample wonderful products from Heritage Wine Cellars.

Soiree. Check out this sneak peek holiday party in Lincoln Park. They'll have drink specials, menu sampling and shadow dancers. Also, if you'd like to make things simpler, go for the $35 package that includes cocktails, beer and table service. Those who bring a nonperishable food donation receive a free cocktail. Dec. 22, 9pm-3am. 2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-8880. Free admission.

Tini Martini. If you've got six friends who are ready to party this Saturday, book your table now for the champagne party where each table gets a free bottle. There's also complimentary cocktails from 9-10pm. Deejay Dino Latino spins all the Latin and popular hits. Dec. 22 9pm-3am. 2169 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-269-2900. Free.

Victor Hotel. New Euro-style boutique Funkshion throws a fashion show and party with free gifts and some other surprises. Dec. 22 9pm-3am. 311 N. Sangamon Ave., 312-733-6900. Free.

Update on Rustik in Logan Square

(Photo: Rustik)


I've got some more news you can use if you're heading over to Rustik (2515 N. California Ave., 773-235-0002) in Logan Square this weekend:

Partner Tim Leahy tells me that it's looking good that they'll have a liquor license by the weekend. Just to be on the safe side, I'd take a bottle or two with me if I were you.

He also gave me details on their menu, and it turns out that the team behind this restaurant has quite a history.

Executive Chef Pedro Angel is best known for Angel's, his Latin-influenced, family-owned eatery in Andersonville that was closed over the summer (they're scouting for a new Angel's location in 2008). It was always mad crowded for brunch, so look for Angel to gain another cult following once Rustik begins brunch service sometime in January. He'll probably even add a little Latin spice to it, too.

Rustik's daily menu consists of modern American comfort food, including meatloaf stuffed with Boursin cheese and topped with caramelized mushrooms and onions; mac 'n' cheese with smoked gouda; a "Rustik" burger stuffed with chorizo, smoked gouda and bacon; root vegetable pot pie and grilled hangar steak.

It's only 50 seats, plus a communal, “showpiece” table in the middle of the dining room.

Don't forget to vote

The Nightlife Poll is still open, so cast your vote for the top new hot spot of 2007. Fat Cat (4840 N. Broadway, 773-506-3100) is still dominating, so if you disagree, then get on it!

NYE: Last call

It's official. These popular restaurants will serve their last dinners on New Year's Eve. Want to get a taste of what's certain to be memorable, emotional events? Make your reservations now at:

The Grotto. The Gold Coast hot spot will offer an Italian buffet,
two champagne fountains, two chocolate fountains and two deejays spinning dance music. Of course, there's going to be a midnight champagne toast and party favors for revelers. 9pm-2am. $150. NOTE: Guests are required to show ID on the night of the event. A manager added that they're opening a new location in Oakbrook in February and also they're shopping for a new downtown location later in 2008. 1030 N. State St., 312-280-1005.

Meritage. The swanky, wine-focused Bucktown restaurant will serve a seasonal, five-course dinner with seafood and steak entrees. There's open seating and alcohol will not be factored into the $85 cost. For those who just want to say a final farewell, a cocktail party takes place 11pm-2am. And you get one more chance on New Year's Day for a special brunch. 2118 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-6434.

Timo. After 10 years, John Bubula is closing his award-winning, Italian-style restaurant in River West. And he plans on doing it in high style with two seatings: the first, at 5:30pm, is three courses for $50; the second, at 9:30pm, is four courses for $80. Guests choose from a list of 20 signature items, among them risotto with sausage, smoked Gouda, and asparagus; “chef’s whim” house-made ravioli; steak in red wine sauce; pork shank with gnocchi, bacon, and roasted onions; and six desserts, including a creme brulee trio and a chocolate gateau. Both packages come with a complimentary glass of champagne, and the Dan Cray Trio plays jazz at the second seating. 464 N. Halsted St., 312-226-4300.

Herban Gourmet expands to Mag Mile

Josh Gelvan, who's done well with his Lincoln Park catering biz, Herban Gourmet Catering (1750 N. Clark St.), expands to a full-scale retail space in January.

Look out for Herban Gourmet Cafe and Smoothie Bar to open on Jan. 7 in the 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave.) with gourmet sandwiches, soups and smoothies.

Deal of the day . . .

Spend quality time with your sig other at this Couples' Night Out event at the Denim Lounge (43 E. Oak St.) on the Gold Coast. It's a chance to grab some last-minute gifts as four local independent business owners are joining forces to offer some serious deals. G Boutique, Sarah's Pastries, Lush Wine and Spirits along with Denim Lounge will offer discounts on denim, tops, lingerie, "adult" items, chocolates and wine. Also, enjoy appetizers and a wine tasting provided by Lush. For more information, call 312-642-6403. 5-8:30pm tonight.


Or head to Wicker Park's Smoke Daddy (1804 W. Division St., 773-772-6656) to celebrate the arrival of their new, state-of-the-art smoker with a barbecue celebration. They're retiring the Lil Red Smoker—which has been smoking meat for more than 26 years—tonight from 8pm-midnight. They're celebrating with complimentary cake and live music.