Hot Diggity Dog

It's opening today! I swear no false alarms.

Rockstar Dogs (801 N. Ashland Ave., 312-421-2364)—the hyped-up hot dog joint with late-night hours, a stripper pole and sandwiches named after the likes of Kiss, Tommy Lee and Justin Timberlake—opens today. I peeked inside of it last night and this corner West Town joint is going to be sweet with cool music memorabilia on the walls.

Also, happening this weekend:

THURSDAY

Checked out Jesse de la Pena's set last week at JBar (610 N. Rush St., 312-660-7200). If you remember back in the day when he put Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand Ave., 312-666-1695) on the map, then you need to get here fast. This dope deejay spins an eclectic mix of stuff as a percussionist (or last week a saxophonist) plays. Another incentive to go are the $5 Stoli Elit cocktails! 9pm-2am. Free.

Is "Achy Breaky Heart" cool again now that Miley Cyrus is a big star? If you dig country jams, then head to Joe's (940 W. Weed St., 312-337-3486), where Billy Ray Cyrus will perform his top hits. 8pm. Tickets are free, but to get them you must listen to Drew Walker on US 99.5FM. (I cannot believe I am writing this!)

Speaking of getting a little bit country, Delilah's (2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771) is hosting Bourbon, Scotch and All Things Whisky tonight 6:30-9pm. Maker's Mark Master Distiller Dave Pickerell will lead the discussion that's followed by a tasting, appetizers and social event. $35.

The Make a Wish Foundation hosts a pre party for the 2008 Wish Ball at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard St., 312-645-6000). The $35 ticket price gets you apps and Effen cocktails. 6-8pm.

If you ever wanted to impress your friends, sign up for the
Mojito 101 Class at Carnivale (702 W. Fulton St., 312-850-3017) tonight. Victor Baheza, Carnivale's expert mixologist, will lead this hands-on class featuring two different mouthwatering mojito recipes from the restaurant's signature drink menu. The mojitos will include a classic mojito and a raspberry mojito. Participants will learn the history of this classic Cuban cocktail, while creating and sampling perfectly muddled mojitos and appetizers by Executive Chef Mark Mendez. 6:30-8:30pm. $25.

FRIDAY

The Ministry of Burlesque happens at Soirée Bar & Bistro (2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-8880), with a night of indulging the forbidden Kübler Absinthe and a taste of Soirée’s delectable French hors d’oeuvres specials for half price. A Moulin Rouge-style dance performance will highlight the sensual energy as well as the scantily-clad cocktailers dressed as Kübler Absinthe fairies. 9pm-2am. Free.

A pre-St. Paddy's Day celebration takes place at Enclave (213 W. Institute Pl., 312-654-0234), with the second-annual St. Patrick's Eve party hosted by Immerman's Angels. The $30 cover includes cocktails and appetizers. Deejays and breakdancers perform, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Immerman's Angels, a cancer support group. Oh, and don't forget to wear green! 8-11pm.

SATURDAY

Another green-themed gig occurs at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222), when DJ Hiroki spins. Get there early for free cocktails 9:30-10:30pm (must RSVP for that). 9pm-2am. $20.

Gibson's (1028 N. Rush St., 312-266-8999) is also getting into the spirit with an event benefiting the Misericordia Foundation. Guests are encouraged to wear green and donate $10 for an event that includes an Irish buffet, passed appetizers, drink specials, party favors and live music by the Shannon Rovers. 11am-5pm.

MONDAY

And tickets are still available for the third-annual World Festival, hosted by Common Threads. "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi is the honorary chair for the event, which includes high-profile local and national chefs. Look out for the likes of David Burke, Jimmy Bannos, Marcus Samuelsson, Gale Gand and Rocco DiSpirito to be serving their specialties. Also included in the $250 ticket are cocktails, bubbly, live music and more. 6-9pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.). Call 312-752-2674 for tickets.

'Top Chef Chicago:' Take 1

Stephanie Izard still cookin' on "Top Chef Chicago."


Whew. Local culinary stars Valerie Bolon and Stephanie Izard aren't forced to "pack their knifes and go" during the first episode of "Top Chef Chicago," reports The Stew.

Deal(s) of the day . . .

Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out event returns to the Great Hall at Union Station (210 S. Canal St.) today and tomorrow 5-10pm, with free drinks, beauty treatments, and up to 75 percent off designer merchandise. It's only $10 to get in (or $30 for admission and a goody bag). Purchase a group of tickets with girlfriends to receive up to 20 percent off. Advance tickets are required; buy them at chicago.sheckys.com.

And "Top Chef Chicago" debuts tonight at 9pm on Bravo! Watch the action at spots like Cans (1640 N. Damen Ave., 773-227-2277) for the $1 sliders and half price on cocktails, plus Halsted's Bar + Grill (3441 N. Halsted St., 773-348-9696), Citizen Bar (364 W. Erie St., 312-640-1156) or Piece (1927 W. North Ave., 773-772-4422), which also has $3 well cocktails, to cheer on local chefs Valerie Bolon and Stephanie Izard. A gripe: Tonight's first challenge for "Top Chef" is pizza. Now how can they do this and not get a local chef or food writer as a guest judge?! I'm just sayin' . . .

Get ready for Jill Scott

Jill Scott fans, get ready:

I just received an invite in my inbox for a Baileys Get Together hosted by Grammy award winner Jill Scott on March 23.

No details were listed on where the party is taking place, but all you have to do is sign up with the password "get together." That's it. There will be complimentary Baileys cocktails and appetizers at the event.

Dinner is on People Lounge . . .

. . . if you can handle a little frostbite.

Hey, you know how unpredictable Chicago's weather is, especially at the beginning of what is supposed to be spring. So, in order to test your stamina, People Lounge (1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-9339) is willing to pay for your dinner if you can stand to dine on their sidewalk cafe on March 25.

This is People Lounge's first-ever Spring Celebration, so make your reservations now (required for the free dinner) at 773-793-0508. I'd bring a coat, scarf and gloves if I were you—just in case. (The offer is limited to dinner only; alcohol not included.)

Deal(s) of the day . . .

If you've always wanted to volunteer but couldn't decide on a charity in which you could throw your support behind, an event is taking place tonight that should help you out:

The Chicago Associates Board Presidents' Council hosts a cocktail party to recruit members for their various organizations, including AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Associate Board of Literacy Chicago, Chicago Architectural Society, Field Associates, Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, John G. Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board, Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board and Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council. The party takes place at East Bank Club (500 N. Kingsbury St.) tonight 6-8pm. $10 donation.

Also happening tonight—and only a few blocks away from East Bank—is Tizi Melloul's (531 N. Wells St., 312-670-4338) weekly special of cocktails, appetizers and a hookah session for $10.

At NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030), it's Cellar Notes, as advanced sommelier Fernando Beteta leads his weekly wine-tasting event. Tonight is all about sake, and guests will have the opportunity to taste up to 10 varieties. 5:30-7:30pm. $30.

And it's 2nd Tuesday Tastings at Cru Cafe and Wine Bar (25 E. Delaware Pl., 312-337-4001). Tonight, they're featuring organic wines from around the world, plus organic hors d'oeuvres. 6-8pm. $40.

Deal of the day . . .

A sign of the times or is this just your lucky day?

Room21 (2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312-328-1198), Jerry Kleiner's South Loop sensation, is now offering a new "happy hour" bar menu that should make every wallet happy.

Get there between 5-6pm to take advantage of $2.10 select appetizers every Monday through Friday. Sample the spicy fried calamari, spinach and artichoke dip with housemade chips, traditional wedge salad or fried shrimp cocktail.

For those who come too late for the specials, Room21 has also unveiled a new bar menu that includes BBQ short rib sliders, a jumbo lump crab cake, grilled chicken salad and hand-formed burger.

They're finally here!

I've been blabbing on about a couple of spots for months, and now they're finally opening this week:

Rock Star Hot Dogs (801 N. Ashland Ave, 312-421-2364), nightlife impresario Dion Antic's nod to the likes of Justin Timberlake, Tommy Lee and Los Lobos, opens on Wednesday.

And Berry Chill (635 N. State St., 312-266-2445), the "couture," after-hours frozen yogurt shop from newcomer businessman Michael Farah, opens to the public on Friday.