Hot new nightlife blog coming . . .

Word is that supergirl nightlife promoter and impresario Sarah Vargo is launching a new blog any day now. Look for Stargo in the City to cover local nightlife in a way never seen before. I.cannot.wait.

This thing is gonna sell out for sure!

Stephanie Izard


Stephanie Izard—who's still in the running to become Bravo's next "Top Chef"—gets props at the The Drawing Room with a dinner in her honor.

She's teaming up with Drawing Room executive chef Nick Lacasse to prepare a four-course feast with contemporary and creative twists on some classic dishes as well as a course devoted to the newly "legalized" foie gras. Each course will feature a cocktail and/or wine pairing overseen by master bartender and chief mixologist Charles Joly. 6-9pm June 15. Reservations required. $65.

More on that $4,000 'lounge'

Chicago-Scene.com reports in its weekly newsletter more info about the Lifebook Lounge:

Saturday, 5/31, 7 PM
Indulge at the Lifebook Lounge
Lifebook Lounge
1200 W. Lake
Invitation Only (must RSVP)
The world's first personal development lounge: Indulge in a relaxing and inspirational personal development preview and cocktail party in the luxurious Lifebook Lounge. This is intelligent nightlife at its finest. Within our lounge, you will be surrounded with uplifted, motivated people. Talk about the things that really matter in life, and do it in style! We use our nightlife as a way to develop ourselves, and that's what makes the Lifebook Lounge the most unique social experience in Chicago.
Cocktails begin at 7 PM, preview at 7:30 PM. Proper attire required.
RSVP mandatory: mickey2374@aol.com or 847-422-3112.

Will someone kindly tell these people we are in a recession!

Gaper's Block uncovers some kooky new lounge that's gonna cost ya $4,000 to get in!

Ouch.

Someone's not going to have a good day after reading Phil Vettel's review on Shochu.

Roots rock out . . .get Religion and more . . .

Hip-hop supergroup The Roots makes an appearance at two parties this weekend.


Can you believe there's other stuff going on beyond "Sex and the City" parties?!

THURSDAY

The MidWasteland hosts an offbeat performance art event at Lava Lounge to be posted on their "street style blog." Deejays spin dub, reggae and other cool joints for your head-nodding pleasure. 9pm-2am. $5.

If you haven't heard yet, SKYY vodka recently introduced new flavors, and you'll get to sample them all at Lincoln Park Young Professionals' event at Devon Seafood. Flavors include citrus, passion fruit and cherry, and they'll be paired with light bites from the restaurant. 6-8pm. $25 in advance; $35 at door.

The American Red Cross Auxiliary Board and the Junior League of Chicago team up for a wine-tasting party at Dragonfly Mandarin. Included in the ticket price are cocktails, wine, hors d’oeuvres and spa treatments. All proceeds benefit the organizations. 6-9pm. $20 in advance; $25 at door.

FRIDAY

Get to The Joynt for a cool benefit hosted by HighSight, the group that puts on the infamous Eve of the Eve at Union Station. Party includes cocktails, wine and passed appetizers. 6-9pm. $25 for general admission; $35 for VIP.

Red or White Ball, the sixth-annual charity event hosted by the Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council, takes place at 8pm at the Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 E. 21st St. Expect Chicago's movers and shakers to make an appearance at this party that includes an evening of cocktails, food, entertainment, a silent auction and raffle prizes. A limited number of $500 VIP packages are also available: Each includes two event tickets, access for two to a private cocktail reception at 7pm with Steppenwolf ensemble members, enhanced goody bags and a one-year membership in the Auxiliary Council. Tickets, including the $135 general admission, are available by calling 312-654-5672.

Music 101 helps usher in hot new VIP lounge Religion, which is on the penthouse level of Club 720. The sneak-preview party includes a performance by the Martinez Brothers. 9pm-4am.

Hip-hop supergroup The Roots is in town, and tonight mad drummer Questlove spins a special set at Funky Buddha Lounge. Look for him to kill it. 9pm-2am. No cover before 10:30pm.

SATURDAY

The Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale runs today and tomorrow from noon to 10pm with live music, treats and discounts at the shops along Division Street from Ashland Avenue to Leavitt Street. Go here for more information.

Following the Erykah Badu/Roots concert at Chicago Theater, head to Victor Hotel for the after party. Questlove spins yet another special set, in addition to the soulful stylings of Mark Fulla Flava and Funky Couture. 9pm-3am. $20.

Chart-topping girl group Danity Kane are also in town for a concert, so of course there's an after party! They're not only hanging out at Lumen, but they're also promoting their second album, Welcome to the Dollhouse. Doors open at 9pm.

Mmmmmm, fries

Chowhounders weigh in on Chicago's best french fries.

Hot Doug's duck fat fries, the shoestring fries at Hugo's Frog Bar and Mon Ami Gabi's generous portions of potato bites were just a few of the faves.

Get ready for a mighty BIG weekend

The "Mr. Big" cocktail is only available at Blue Water Grill. (Photo: Blue Water Grill)


OK, y'all have officially gone Sex and the City: The Movie crazy!

Never have I seen so many parties in anticipation of one little movie. In fact, it's like it's not even a movie anymore; it's an event. But there's so many other goings-on happening this weekend that I've decided to post all the SATCTM madness here so that you don't have to go anywhere else:

WEDNESDAY

Tonight's the last night for you to bring your crew to Nailed in the City, a ladies’ night event at Sheffield’s. They’re showing re-runs of the much-loved series, plus giving away free tix to the movie. Guests will be able to indulge in $8 manicures from Nail Fetish (525 N. Ashland Ave.) as well as other treatments. Also, go for the $5 Lemon Drop, Cosmos and other martinis. Free admission.

Do you want a taste of Mr Big?! You'll get it in the form of The Big cocktail—served only at Blue Water Grill. The thing is, you'll need three girlfriends to help you take it on, as it's served in an oversized martini glass with a scoop of raspberry liquor sorbet, vodka and St. Germain. It's $40 and comes with four extra-long pink bendy straws. The special cocktail will be on the menu for awhile.

THURSDAY

The Cosmos will be flowing at Guise/Chic as stylish guys and gals get ready to overdose on SATCTM. The series, of course, will be playing on monitors all over the store as guests get ready with blowouts, shopping and more. There's also 20 percent off on all purchases and free scotch for the dudes! Party happens 6-9pm when you RSVP to rsvp@guisechic.com.

You can also get your shopping on at Kenneth Cole (540 N. Michigan Ave.), which will be hosting a special party all day long with 20 percent off on all purchases. They'll be giving out comp beverages all day, and after 5pm you'll get the cocktails. After shopping, head to the after-party at Jbar, where you'll be able to win a dinner for two at David Burke's Primehouse or a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes.

The Think Pink! event is all about delicious, refreshing rosés. WineStyles Belmont will be sampling Pinot Noir based rosé, Cabernet based rosé and others for your tasting pleasure. 6-8pm. Free.

And speaking of pink, you don't want to miss the Pink Carpet Party to Fight Breast Cancer happening at Flirty Girl Fitness. The dazzling party includes signature flirtinis, pink feather boas, aerialists performing on pink silk ropes high above the crowd, jaw dropping synchronized pole dancing routines and more. Hosted by NBC-5's Ginger Zee with celebrity deejay Spinderella (of Salt N Pepa fame!) on the turntables and a performance by Chico Debarge. 9pm. For more info, call 902-877-5669.

Enclave gets into the mix with an after-party for the Chicago SATCTM premiere. Guests will indulge in massage stations, free astrology readings, dessert and various raffle prizes, including Cosmo gift bags and a $1,000 gift certificate to the Jimmy Choo boutique. Get your complimentary mojitos if you RSVP to 312-654-0234 and arrive before 11pm. Free.

FRIDAY

Nacional 27's mad mixologist Adam Seger has designed a specialty Cosmo menu in honor of the ladies—as well as to kick off the restaurant's new summer early lounge hours. Every Friday, the hot Latin spot opens at 3pm with complimentary passed tapas and ceviches until 5. You'll also get to enjoy The Charlotte (Skyy Citrus, homemade hibiscus infusion, lime), The Carrie aka 'Le Smoking Cosmo' (fresh-squeezed cranberry Cosmo made with Grey Goose, finished with dry ice), The Miranda (house-fresh squeezed cranberry Cosmo with Skyy Infusions citrus vodka, Grand Marnier, fresh lime) and The Samantha (Belvedere, splash of fresh cranberry juice, Grand Marnier Centennaire, essence of red roses, splash of Domaine Chandon Brut, rose petal float).

If you'd rather do you own little foxy foursome fete, head to upscale Exhale spa and let them create your very own Sex and the City Package. It's valid May 30-June 15 and for parties of four or more. Your treat will include a Mindbody class (Core Fusion, Core Energy Flow or yoga), choice of TRUE facial (60-min) or Deep Flow massage (60-min), a catered lunch by Ra Sushi and a gift bag. $160 per person. 945 N. State St., 312-753-6500.

The Models & Motals party occurs at Victor Hotel, featuring a special runway show by Italian designer Dismero, comp SATCTM-inspired cocktails, goodie bags and more. 9-11pm. RSVP to lbredfeldt@gmail.com for VIP admission.

There's no place like Ohm when it comes to sexiness, and they're taking it up a notch with cocktails inspired by the characters during the weekly Girls' Night Out event. Get your peeps together for sips like The Carrie (Cosmo: Skyy 90 X-Rated), The Charlotte (Zen Mojito: Zen green tea liqueur Flor De Cana mint rum), The Samantha (Midori Cabo Margarita: Cabo Wabo tequila, Midori, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice) and The Miranda (Jean Marc XO vodka, X-Rated, Midori, coconut juice, pineapple juice). And for the guys: Mr. Big (Bowmore: whiskey, Apple Pucker).


NEXT WEEK!

OK, if you're not burned out on 'Sex' by next week, here's one more: There's a SATC marathon happening at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club. Next Thursday—from 5:30pm-2am—they're showing back-to-back episodes on five jumbo screens to celebrate the series' 10-year anniversary, which is on June 6. The Divas will perform throughout the evening, and guests may enjoy $5 Absolut Hunk martinis (regularly $10) as well as themed menu specials by chef Matt Stovey. In addition, from May 30 to June 13, guests are invited to bring in SATCTM ticket stubs to receive an Absolut Hunk martini for $5. Other menu specials include The City (Manhattan-style clam chowder), Manolos (spicy shrimp, scallop, and tuna ceviche with crispy tortilla strips served in a martini glass) and Mr. Big (New york strip steak with a maple bourbon glaze served with bacon and fingerling potato hash).