Risque Cafe is open and ouch!, a 'review' is in

So a poster from LTHforum.com just checked out the new smokehouse Risque Cafe (3419 N. Clark St., 773-525-7711) in Wrigleyville, from the team behind the recently closed Meritage, and it sounds like they may want to tighten it up a bit:

"Unfortunately, the bbq did not measure up, although there is some hope. I tasted the brisket, pulled pork and baby back ribs (no spare ribs offered). Let me first start by saying that they offer dinners and sandwiches. Strangely, although the only difference between the two is that the dinners (at least for the pork and brisket) come with coleslaw and a piece of bread, the dinners are about $5 more (again, if I recall correctly) than the sandwiches. In fact, it seemed as if the sandwiches contain more meat. The dinners themselves offered inexcusably tiny portions and this must be changed for me to consider returning. I refuse to pay $18 (the approximate cost of my brisket and pork combo) for a few slices of brisket and tad bit more pork. I would have expected to pay a little more than half of that amount at Smoque for a slightly larger portion."

Here's the full post.

Update on the Trump Tower's Rebar lounge

We reported here exclusively on the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago's fabulous Rebar lounge back in November.

Now word comes that because the hotel's construction plans are running behind schedule, so is the opening of this bar overlooking the Chicago River. Look for it to open now in late February. 401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8000.

Your guide to the hot weekend activities

Red-hot "Rescue Me" star Daniel Sunjata heats up Crobar's weekly "Pop-arazzi Fridays" tomorrow night.


Speaking of hot, that's exactly what I dig about this town. No matter what your friends say, there is always something going on during the weekend. So make those dinner plans with a sig other or your crew and head over to:

Jbar (610 N. Rush St., 312-660-7200). Tonight's limited-series party spotlights the talents of the one and only Jesse de la Pena. Known for his unique skills behind the turntables, he goes back to his roots with rare groove and other stuff we all need to be up on. The Sounds Good series occurs every Thursday until further notice, and also features "live" art. Tonight only, Dom Perignon hosts the first hour with a complimentary champagne reception. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark St., 773-929-3680). For something completely chilled out, grab a seat in the cozy new lounge at this Lakeview coffeehouse for the Green Room Sessions, a free monthly live music and eco-awareness seies featuring complimentary appetizers (provided by a local farmer or producer). This event occurs every second Thursday of the month (tonight!), and you'll be entertained by Green Elvis and the Andrew Thomas Band. Mora & Mahogany, who supports not-for-profit groups by providing them with a fair-trade fundraising program, hosts the event. The featured farmer is Heartland Meats, who is nationally recognized for bringing high-quality naturally raised beef with no hormones, animal by-products or antibiotics to Chicago. Also, the Green Room features the TreeTini, made with organically produced Rain Vodka. For every TreeTini ordered, Live it Green plants a tree.

Room 21 (2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312-328-1198). Also launching tonight: Infusion Thursdays features this trendy South Loop restaurant's unique infused cocktails for $8 (regularly $13). Get winter warm-ups now, including the Dewars Infused, with vanilla beans, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, hot water, served with a sugar rim and lemon wedge; and Woodford Reserve bourbon infused with green apple and clove (hot apple cider, simple syrup, served with a cinnamon sugar rim and garnished with a lemon twist).

Crobar (1543 N. Kingsbury, 312-266-1900). FX fans take note: Red-hot actor Daniel Sunjata, who stars on the Golden Globe and Emmy nominated show "Rescue Me," is the latest celebrity to heat up Crobar's famous Pop-arazzi Fridays tomorrow. Chicago firefighters—including the 12 firemen from the 2008 Calendar—will hit the stage for a runway show where guests can vote on Chicago's Sexiest Firemen. Following the runway show, the firefighters will be available for photographs and to autograph purchased copies of the 2008 Chicago Firemen's Calendar. All ticket proceeds and calendar purchases will be donated to firefighter's charities—Ignite the Spirit, The Gold Badge Society and the Firefighters Chaplains Fund. 9pm-4am. Friday. $20.

David Leonardis Gallery River North (217 W. Huron St., 312-863-9045). Art lovers should head to the River North area as this gallery as well as many in the area are hosting receptions from 6-9pm Friday. David Leonardis's new installation, Boom Box, should be a hit with visitors. Free.

House of Glunz (1206 N. Wells St., 312-642-3000). Every Saturday, this venerable Old Town wine store hosts an in-store, open house tasting featuring new arrivals, seasonal specials and end-of-bin deals. Tastings are 2-6pm and no reservations are required. Free.

Congress Theater (2135 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Eyeliner-loving rocker Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy hits the 'tables for the Malibu Winter Beach Bash, an indoor beach party hosted by Malibu Rum. Doors open at 9pm, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are free, and all you have to do to get in is RSVP to rsvpmalibu.com/chicago.

Local chefs trade flab for fitness

Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill.


Just in case you were thinking about bailing out on that New Year's Resolution to shed a few pounds, the Chicago Sun-Times publishes an article today to make you think twice.

They've talked to a few local chefs who have successfully fought off the temptation of the decadent meals coming out of their kitchens. So, if they can do it, so can you.

Interviewed were:

Kevin Hickey of the Four Seasons Chicago (120 E. Delaware Pl., 312-280-8800), who, in eight months trimmed 88 pounds from his 6'2" frame by exercising and snacking wisely: "There are no diets, no weight loss plans, no pills, no plans that work. The only thing that works is changing your life for the rest of your life."

Frontera Grill's (445 N. Clark St., 312-661-1434) Rick Bayless, who has maintained 157 pounds for 10 years with a regimen that includes acrobatic yoga: "Don't think about good and bad foods, lean or rich foods. Instead, choose to eat whole foods -- cut out all processed foods ... And never let yourself get hungry -- if you do, you'll eat too much."

Gabe Viti of Gabriel's (310 Green Bay Rd., Highwood, 847-433-0031), who credits Iron Man competitions, marathons and climbing for his fit, 6", 182-pound frame: "Watch what you eat. Choose proteins, egg whites, fruits, vegetables and sources of energy. Oatmeal is like rocket fuel -- but no sugar; instead, add raisins."

Joe Decker of Wildfire (159 W. Erie St., 312-787-9000), who gets to the health club at 5am daily for weight training, spinning, cycling, swimming, Pilates and yoga: "Eat smaller portions and a lot of grains: whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, stir fries with brown rice. There are no shortcuts that work; moderation is the key. "

Deal of the day . . .

Intimate Andersonville eatery La Donna (5146 N. Clark St., 773-561-9400) offers a low-key environment for customers wanting to enjoy the regional Italian fare.

And every Wednesday proprietor/chef Antonella Barbanente, who opened the restaurant in 1995, offers a deal you don't want to pass up. The three-course dinner special is only $19.95. It gives customers a chance to explore the menu of handmade pastas that are made on premises daily. How about the Rigatoni alla Sorrentina (pasta tossed in red sauce topped with fresh mozzarella & sweet basil)? Or perhaps you'd rather do something lighter like the Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino (spaghetti with virgin oil, garlic & crushed red pepper)? Or just go for one of the risottos like the Risotto Della Donna (with butternut squash, goat cheese & fresh sage) or Risotto Fantasia (with chicken, red apple slices, sugar, onions & brandy).

Whatever the case, you cannot go wrong. Also, pair your dishes up with select glasses of Merlot or Chianti, which are half off every Wednesday.

If money was no object?!

Hmmmmmm, if that question was posed to you, where would you dine in Chicago?

A Chowhound.com poster recently asked that question to fellow posters:

"Okay. I have a friend coming into town from Columbus, Ohio. We are going to dinner on March 14th and 16th. He told me last night - 'let's go somewhere very nice and money is not an object.' I told him to let me know what he liked and I would find a place knowing I would get good advice from the Chowhounds. He said he loves Italian and American foods. Something where it is relaxing, the atmosphere is great, as well as the food. He not been to Chicago in 10 years. He is staying at the W Hotel on Lakeshore for his conference. And is Spiaggia THE place for Italian?"

And here is just a taste of the interesting responses that came immediately flooding in:

"If someone told me, 'let's go somewhere very nice and money is not an object,' meaning that he is looking for something totally above and beyond anything else, the first three places I would try to get a reservation at are Alinea, Everest, and Avenues."

"Spiaggia would absolutely be the top high-end Italian. If money were no object I would do the Tour at Alinea with upgraded wine pairings. That will set you back about $400 per person without tax or tip. You're a bit too late for this, but the Foie Gras tasting menu at Avenues (pre-ban) was really outstanding. It was about $250 pp, not including wine, tax or tip. Tru would be another option, but the atmosphere might not be exactly what you're looking for (I love Tru, but it's a little like eating at an art gallery)."

"There is no question Spiaggia is the best Italian restaurant in the city. Other top restaurants are Everest and Les Nomades. I don't like Trotter's; Alinea is a diffrent game - small plates, unusual food; high quality."

"I had dinner tonight at Les Nomades . . . . It was a very, very good meal, and I would heartily reccommend it to anyone. The cost, with two bottles of wine and cocktails for a party of four was reasonable: $600 or so before tip. The food and the service were both outstanding."

"Of course it is all subjective, but I think Alinea is absolutely worth every penny. While Everest is good, Alinea provides a truly unique experience. I just don't think Everest stands out...it is very solid fine dining though."

And here's the one that had me cracking up to no end:

"Having read through this whole thread, I am wondering whether your friend realizes that Chicago isn't Columbus, Ohio. When your Country Mouse says 'money is no object,' does he know what he's getting into? Could you google and find out what 'somewhere very nice' means in Columbus? Because there is a whole world out there where a $600 dinner isn't in the picture—not anybody's picture."

The next big thing?

Artist Preach (center) with fans
(Photo: Nightlife Mag)


Who knows.

But if you're looking to get into the mix tonight, why not go over to Mix (2843 N. Halsted St., 773-528-7569), when new local artist Preach drops some hip-hop with a live band during his album release party, hosted by Konstant Groove Entertainment. Gotta warn you that the lyrics are a bit explicit, but hey, we're all adults here, right?!

Preach performs right after work from 6-9pm at this Lakeview video lounge. Tonight at Mix is also Flip It Tuesdays, when you flip a coin, call the cocktail, and they buy it. Huh?! OK, then!

Deejays Bliss, Abel and Vinny V spin hip-hop and house immediately after the show. Free parking.

Deal of the day . . .

Here are two great wine tasting events happening tonight that you don't want to miss:

Make your way to the seventh floor of NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030) as Cellar Notes returns. Advanced Sommelier Fernando Beteta is on hand to educate guests on ports and madeira. Offering the unique option to blind taste the selections for the evening, Cellar Notes gives guests the opportunity to learn how to taste and evaluate wines or spirits, based on the subtle nuances in flavor, acidity, clarity and color of each selection without any knowledge of their identities. Other Cellar Notes events happening for the rest of the month: Jan. 15, Cotes du Rhone; Jan. 22, Spain; and Jan. 29, Whiskey. 5:30-7:30pm. $30.

Also, happening tonight is 2nd Tuesday Tastings, occuring at Cru Cafe and Wine Bar (25 E Delaware St., 312-337-4001). Guests will be treated to A Taste of Spain as they explore the regions of Rioja, Yecla, Ribera Del Duero and Jumilla as well as sample some of the delicious tapas of the Mediterranean. 6-8pm. $40.