Deal of the day . . .

(Photo: Dogfish)


Embrace the beer craze tonight with Vertical Tasting, in which guests get to sample an awesome selection of Dogfish Head craft beers. The event's held at Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771) with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery owner/brewer Sam Calagione and Delilah's owner Mike Miller leading the largest single sampling of more than 20 Dogfish Head beers ever attempted in Chicago, including many rare beers and vintages of World Wide Stout and Immort Ale. Tonight 9pm-midnight. Free.

As usual, "Greazy & Sleazy" DJ Jason Larsen spins, and for those not into Doghead, the Wednesday specials are $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon Longnecks and $2 Ten High Bourbon.

If you can't make it to Delilah's tonight, head here on Saturday, Feb. 23 for Vintage Strong Beer Fest 2008. It's the 10th annual festival for this event, and guests will get to sample more than 70 beers, primarily strong ales, from over 50 breweries. Just some of the ales include Three Floyds, Goose Island, Greg Browne Brewing, Capitol, Two Brothers, Rock Bottom, Flossmoor Station, Flatlander’s and Bell’s & Lakefront Brewing. Many of the brewers will also be in attendance. Noon-6pm. $20.

Do you want to get DIRTY?!

Last month, gastro-pubby The Filthy Libertine (1615 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-654-1782) opened in the old Aldente space in Lincoln Park.

Now, we've got an update on another naughty-named night spot that we told you about last year.

Look for DIRTY to open soon in the recently vacated Mas home at 1670 W. Division St. in Wicker Park. Owned by Dion Antic—whose Rock Star Dogs (801 N. Ashland Ave., 312-421-2364) opens in Ukrainian Village in early March—DIRTY will have some big-name celebrity involvement, "DIRTY" burgers on the menu and porn stars coming through on a regular basis. Just how "dirty" will Dion get? If you remember some of his most memorable projects like Liquid Kitty, (the first) Harry's Velvet Room and Get Me High Lounge, then you know that he does it with kick-ass flash.

The Beer Bistro takes the plunge

(Photo: Chicago Polar Plunge)


West Loop gastropub Beer Bistro (1061 W Madison St., 312-433-0013) is sending out a call for help so they can participate in the annual Chicago Polar Plunge, which is taking place on Sunday, March 2 in the freezing waters of Lake Michigan.

Hundreds of brave souls take the plunge every year to raise funds for the Special Olympics Chicago. This year, the Beer Bistro staff is going as the Polar Beers (ha!), and they're looking for donations of $100 per person.

Those who donate $100 (or more) will be able to join the Beer Bistro folks back at the bar following the Polar Plunge for a party that includes an open bar and food. Go here for more info.

Deal of the day . . .

It's the third Tuesday of the month. Do you know what that means? Probably not, so here it is:

Randolph Wine Cellars (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1212), in the West Loop, hosts its Third Tuesday Tasting, a fabulous event where you get to sample more than 30 different wines that are complemented by appetizers. They'll be pouring big, bold wines for the night. Also, if there's something you particularly loved, you will also get a discount on bottles you purchase. Reservations required. 6-8pm. $30.

Also happening tonight at 6pm is a special event at Custom House (500 S. Dearborn St., 312-523-0200) in the South Loop. Guests will have the opportunity to sample vino from boutique winery Tensley Wines with small bites from Chef de Cuisine Richard Camarota in the private dining room.

The winery produces more than 3,300 cases, including seven single-vineyard Syrahs—the most in Santa Barbara County.

To be tasted:

2006 Lea Black Oak Syrah Rose
2006 Camp 4 Vineyard Blanc
2005 Three Creek Syrah
2005 Tierra Alta Syrah
2006 Colson Canyon Syrah
2006 Three Creek Syrah

Space is limited; event is $40.

Holy Cow! Harry Caray gets BIG props . . .

(Photo: Harry Caray's)


Thursday, Feb. 21 marks the 10th anniversary of late Hall of Fame baseball announcer Harry Caray's passing.

And to commemorate the anniversary, Harry would not have had it any other way than what they're planning over at Harry Caray's (33 W. Kinzie St., 312-595-3500) that night. At 7pm—your time, anywhere in the world—it's the 10th Annual Worldwide Toast to Harry. Bars and restaurants worldwide in more than 100 countries will also be participating.

During the toast, Harry Caray’s in Chicago will attempt to break the Guinness record for the World’s Largest Glass of Beer. The vessel is two feet wide by four feet high and will hold 100 gallons of Budweiser. Full, the glass will weigh 1,000 pounds. The previous record of 4 gallons was set in New Zealand in 2004. Prior to the toast, they're filling the vessel with 100 gallons of Budweiser and will sell commemorative cups containing beer from the record-breaking glass for $5 each. All proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of Cubs legend Ron Santo.

Celebrities around the world will toast Harry’s memory on Thursday, including Will Ferrell, Jim Belushi, Harold Ramis, Max Weinberg, Stephen Baldwin, William Petersen, Jeremy Piven, Jeff Garlin, Jay Mohr, Joe Mantegna, Fisher Stevens, Dennis Farina, Linda Fiorentino, Bonnie Hunt, Dennis Franz, Will Arnot, Woody Harrelson, Lorraine Bracco, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minnillo and former Harry Caray’s server, James Denton, comedian Frank Caliendo, Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney, General Manager Jim Hendry, Coach Lou Piniella, Alfonso Soriano, Kerry Wood, Felix Pie and Derrek Lee, Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg, Harry’s broadcasting partner Steve Stone, current announcers Bob Brenly, Len Kasper and Pat Hughes, Chicago White Sox Jim Thome, former TV newsman Bill Kurtis, Mayor Richard M. Daley, President Bill Clinton, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, rock bands The Fray and Fall Out Boy, including Pete Wentz, and many others.

WLS AM Radio’s The Roe Conn Show will broadcast live from Harry’s Bar from 5-7pm.

Quote of the month: 'Anything you cats don't eat?'

(Photo: Chicago Tribune by Jeff Sciortino)


That's Michael Carlson at his highly anticipated (re-)opening of his hot Wicker Park eatery Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-752-1466). The Stew has the deets.

What's going on now

(Photo: Yelp)

So it looks like Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge (1553 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-8410) didn't survive the new Illinois Smoking Ban. There's a little note in the window that simply says, "We are now closed." No further information is given.

But on a good—and much healthier—note, word from Berry Chill ( 635 N. State St., 312-640-0312) owner Michael Farah is that the specialty "froyo" spot is set to open the first weekend of March. Right now he's conducting a series of VIP focus groups and tastings, so if you want in, get on it now.

Also, BomBon Cafe (170 W. Washington Blvd.) closed its Loop location, according to Time Out. But have no fear. You can still get their pastry goodies in Pilsen and Little Village.

And finally, Nia (803 W. Randolph St., 312-226-3110), which we wrote about here before any other media outlet, opened last week in the West Loop.

Deal of the day . . .

(Photo: Tizi Melloul)


Jump start your week with a smile—whether you have today off or not for Presidents' Day—with this deal certain to please all:

Super exotic eatery Tizi Melloul (531 N. Wells St., 312-670-4338) offers half-priced appetizers and $3 martinis every Monday and Tuesday in the lounge. Pick from favorites like the Rockin' Moroccan (UV 80 vodka, lime juice, fresh mint, soda and a splash of Sprite), Cucumber Martini (vodka, cucumber, mint, simple syrup, lime juice, garnished with a sliced cucumber) or the Fizi Tizi (sparkling wine with fresh seasonal fruit puree, garnished with fresh berries).

Tizi Melloul will celebrate 10 years in 2009, but you'd never know it by its slick, futuristic design and always on the edge cuisine. It's also one of River North's best-kept secrets.