Who knows who you'll spot . . .

Actress Rachel McAdams recently checked out Le Colonial for lunch while in town filming "The Time Traveler's Wife."


. . . at lunch today. Guests recently dining on the terrace at exotic Gold Coast eatery Le Colonial were lucky enough to be seated next to movie star Rachel McAdams, who's in town filming "The Time Traveler's Wife" with co-star Eric Bana. She was only seen sipping martinis, but that terrace is an ideal spot to indulge in the price-conscious business lunch menu for $22.50. Order a first-course item like the Cha Gio (Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp, pork and mushrooms) or Banh Cuon (steamed Vietnamese ravioli with chicken and mushrooms), and follow that up with the popular Ga Xao Cari (sautéed diced chicken with eggplant, mango, string beans & cashew nuts in a curry sauce). The meal also comes with coffee. 11am-2pm.

Other deals happening today:

Between Café and Lounge in Wicker Park launches Benefit Social Tuesdays, a series of events held tonight, Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. You'll be treated to complimentary, small global sharing plates by Executive Chef Radhika "Rad" Desai, half-price bottles of wine and specialty culinary cocktails. A number of silent auction items and raffle prizes on hand include tickets to the Gorilla Tango Theater; opening night to the Goodman Theater with Chicago Dramatists’ Resident Playwright Rebecca Gilman; tickets to Collaboraction’s show, "Heroes and Villains;" and autographed items from boxer Oscar de la Hoya and actor Freddie Rodriguez. 6-9pm. The suggested donation at the door benefits the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Head to the launch of Chicago-based website Third Coast Preppy on Citizen Bar's rooftop patio. The party includes cocktails, appetizers and "exclusive" shopping deals from local neckwear company Bird Dog Bay, shirts from Salmon Cove and needlepoint belts from Tucker Blair. 5:30-8pm. The $5 donation benefits the Junior League of Chicago.

It's the second day of the Democratic National Convention and Juicy Wine Co. observes with its ode to Sen. Barack Obama. Every Tuesday, guests pay half-price on all American wines (by the bottle and glass), plus they're offering the ObamaBurger, a char-grilled mound of Kobe beef piled with Benton's hickory-smoked country bacon, gooey Wisconsin cheddar, caramalized onions and a "secret" South Side sauce. Guests are encouraged to enjoy them on the back deck or in the upper-level lounge.

R.I.P. Iggy's 3

This just landed in my inbox about Iggys3:

UNFORTUNATLY IGGYS THE THIRD WILL BE NO MORE AS OF SEPT 2ND... THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT . . .

What's with all the hatin'?!

New ChuffPo columnist, Steve "The Hungry Hound" Dolinsky.


Steve "The Hungry Hound" Dolinsky, the newly crowned dining columnist for ChuffPo, wrote one little line in his Urban Belly "review" that started a war with Time Out Chicago:

"I try to stay away from the arms race in food coverage currently being waged by Time Out, Metromix and a host of other bloggers, all of whom seem to be descending upon restaurants as soon as they open."

He went on to give the new Logan Square noodle joint a glowing review, and as far as I could tell, he was only making an observation about the current competitive climate of dining media coverage.

Who knew he'd elicit such a nasty response from TOC's David Tamarkin:

"But for a journalist with so many years of experience, his reporting is frighteningly shoddy. So before he slings another arrow, let me assure the public that not only do we give a restaurant adequate time to get off its feet, we also pay for our own meals and visit all restaurants anonymously. That last point precludes us from handing out signed headshots to every restaurant we visit, but hey, that’s the price of credibility."

What's with all the personal attacks lately, Time Out?! Is it not enough that the dining writers there spew such hatred toward anything they deem too "high end," "trendy" or "sceney?!" Or that their idea of a dining or nightlife review is to have some (*&^%$#@!@* snark in every other line?!

In their online rant, they claimed to visit restaurants after the third week or so after opening—which, in my opinion, is still too early to visit as menus are still not finalized—but interviews with several high-profile restaurant publicists prove this wrong.

I was told by four out of five of the publicists that TOC's reviewers have come into their clients' establishments as early as the first week of opening. I've also been told in the past that some staffers attempt to pressure publicists into giving them exclusives and first shot at photographing a new venue.

They also had these choice words to say about the TOC restaurant and bar reviews:

"If a place is too upscale, and not 'hipster' enough, they're always tough. . . . As soon as it appeals to a higher-end demographic, they get snarky in their reviews."

"They tend to favor the more 'underground' spots to make themselves look like the heroes . . . . they obviously have way too much opinion of themselves."

"I know for a fact that they've come in the first week; also the first or second day of opening."

"Sometimes I feel like they never find good in anything."

Also, what I think is the biggest problem here with the Dolinsky slam is just plain jealousy. Dolinsky is an established, well-respected, award-winning food personality who is recognized for his food coverage in Chicago and beyond. And for that, he's gonna always get some hater trying to come up.

Make your vote count

Voting is underway, beginning today, for the Barack Attack (from left) or McCain Terrain maki roll at RA Sushi. (Photo: RA Sushi)


The Democratic National Convention is officially underway, and just because it's in Denver doesn't mean you cannot get in on the action right here at home.

RA Sushi wants you to participate in the election process by voting on your favorite new maki roll—the Barack Attack or McCain Terrain.

A small group of media types got a sneak preview of these rolls last week, and the McCain Terrain, filled with tangy spicy tuna, crab, crunchy red tempura bits and finished with a sweet eel sauce and chile mayo, was the overwhelming winner. The Barack Attack was aight, but no where as flavorful as the candidate. It was layered with smoked salmon and cream cheese, topped with crunchy blue tempura bits, and finished with a sweet eel sauce and wasabi mayo.

Both rolls come on a "campaign platter" for $10; $3 from every sale benefits Rock the Vote. The winning candidate’s roll will be "inaugurated" onto the menu at all three Chicagoland RA Sushi restaurants through Oct. 3.

Also happening today:

New industry night AK47 Mondays continues at Angels & Kings, with DJ Paul Blair spinning with special guests. Also, deals on Effen drinks. 9pm-2am. Free.

The No-Tax Lunch is happening at BIN 36 through October. This should be an extra special deal for those Loop lunchers having to pay the extra food and beverage tax for the downtown area. 11am-2pm.

Limited tickets are still available for the wine event occurring at Whole Foods Market (3300 N. Ashland Ave.): A Taste of the Pacific Northwest. Husband-and-wife team Sam and Sunny McDaniel will guide guests through some of the region's best wines and cheeses. 7-9pm. Call 773-244-4200 for the $10 tix.

Who knows who you'll catch at Monday Night Live, the big industry night over at Petterino’s. Established and emerging singers—even cast members touring with "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera" and more!—have been known to grace the stage for cabaret and show-stopping performances. Those wishing to sign up are required to get there by 7pm and provide their own sheet music. 7:30-10pm. $15 per person dining minimum.

And summer's winding down, so it's finally time for a Chill—as in Berry Chill. Get ready for the second location—in the Loop at 132 N. LaSalle St.—which opens on Tuesday, Sept. 2. To celebrate the launch, they're giving away free Berry Chill to all 312 Dining Diva subscribers! All you have to do in order to receive your small yogurt (with up to three toppings) is to send me your name for the 312DD Guest List. Then you're ALL good! Offer is only good on Sept. 2 at the LaSalle location and an ID is required to claim your treat.

'There are no upscale sports bars in the area'

Tavern on Rush is one of many upscale sports bars in the downtown area.


It's nice to think you're the only game in town, but if you walk around with blinders that's when you fall on your face.

Stone Lotus partner Luke Stoioff did an interview with Last Girl Standing's Sarah Preston about his new sports bar Bull & Bear, and had this to say when asked "Why do we need another sports bar in Chicago?"

"There are no upscale sports bars in the area. Where do you go to watch a game? Rockit? ESPN Zone? . . . We wanted a place that caters to young professionals: a place where you can bring your girlfriend, for example. It's a more refined environment for people with a taste for high-quality bar food. . . . It's right across from the Loop, where traders and professionals can go [to watch games]. It's a sports bar that caters to business professionals."

Dude, that sounds exactly like Rockit Bar & Grill to me! Oh, and how about Tavern on Rush, Sidebar, 10pin Bowling Lounge, Paramount Room and English?! And those are just right off the top of my head.

Too bad Sarah didn't nail him to the wall when she had the chance.

Up, up in the sky

The yearround Vertigo rooftop lounge is set to open in mid-September. (Photo: Dana Hotel)


I've been holding on to the generous gift card given to me at the Dana Hotel/ajasteak opening party simply because I've been waiting for the opening of their gorgeous rooftop lounge Vertigo.

Scheduled to open in mid-September, the 3,100-square-foot bar will have amazing views of State Street, with much of it covered so we can go play there yearround. And what'll really set it apart from the others is that Vertigo will have a deejay spinning sexy grooves, several bars (including a martini bar), a central fire pit, and those low-slung chairs and Ottomans certain to keep party people here for hours.

Since that opening's still a few weeks away, here's where to play today:

C-View: Located on the 29th floor of the Affinia Hotel, this former penthouse will make you feel like a rock star. A limited menu of shareable dishes from the first-floor C-House is available, and of course an awesome skyline view.

NoMI: Signature champagne cocktails NoMI Bloom (St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Hisbiscus infused syrup) and Park Flower (with rose essence, Chambord, lychee puree) should be sipped on the elegant seventh-floor rooftop lounge adjacent to the restaurant.

Zed451: Ever since this River North hot spot extended its rooftop hours to 2:30pm (11:30am on weekends!), it's been even crazier to get onto. It's totally worth the wait, especially for light bites like the short rib sliders and fondue platter filled with meats, cheese and bread.

The Glamorous, The Grooves and The Grub . . .

Glamorama—with hot headliners MC Hammer, Cyndi Lauper and DJ Berrie—is going down this weekend, but of course there's a lot more happening:

THURSDAY

It's the last weekend for the Chicago SummerDance Festival, happening at Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (601 S. Michigan Ave.). Tonight's final event is with Shiko Mawatu, a band kicking out Congolese Rumba and Soukous; dance lessons by Issac Katalayi. Friday's Big Band swingers Outcast Jazz Band shake things up right after a dance lesson by Margot McGraw-Toppen and Riley Wimes Jr. Saturday's party is all about Latin lovin' with Angel Melendez's tribute to Hector Lavoe. That dance lesson will be by Lisa "La Boriqua," featuring merengue, Cha-Cha and salsa. And Trio Garcia performs golden and modern age tango on Sunday with a lesson by the American Tango Institute. Thursday-Saturday 6-9:30pm; Sunday 4-7pm. Call 312-742-4007 for more info. No cover.

What's certain to be an instant neighborhood fave is Old Oak Tap, which finally opens tonight. You'll want to chill out on the 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio and take advantage of that menu offering more than 40 specialty beers (!!). Owned by the guys behind The Continental and Darkroom—two other 'hood hits—this is the one people have been waiting for all summer.

Back Beat Boogie Thursdays has quietly become a Thursday-night sensation at Cat's Meow. DJ Eric Burba spins rare grooves (anything from trip hop to reggae to nujazz) and typically brings on special guest spin stars. Guests can also chill out on the large patio and take advantage of $2 PBRs, $3 Jameson shots and appetizer specials. 9pm-2am. No cover.

FRIDAY

Good Magazine, which launched last year by a bunch of young rich Californians, throws a party at Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard St.). If you make it, you'll be treated to giveaways, cocktails and the opportunity to check out some architectural artifacts. Performers include FLOSSTRADAMUS, Hollywood Holt and Willy Joy. And you'll be able to indulge in delicious delights from The Bleeding Heart Bakery, Crust, Raw Creations and The Balanced Kitchen. 7pm. $20. Call 646-356-7730 for more info.

The Be Bright Pink takes place at Underground, hosted by Orbit White. In support of its partnership with Bright Pink and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Orbit White Bubblemint is offering two special edition packs, a 12-count flat-pack and a 60-count Big-E-Pak. (When consumers purchase either pack between September and October, 10 percent of the purchase price will be donated to Bright Pink.) This national launch party will include Ketel One cocktails, beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Get tickets here. 9-11pm. $35.

Celeb spin star Samantha Ronson returns to Crimson Lounge. Party this time is hosted by Equinox Fitness Clubs. 9pm-2am. No cover.

And head to Moonshine for Bootlegged, a deep house and soul party featuring the sounds of Dave Gandy, Brad DeLisio and Jevon Jackson. 9pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Green City Market hosts another chef demo with Craig DiFonzo of A Mano at 10:30am. The Market goes on until 1:30pm. No cover.

Get your bubbles on early at Pops for Champagne, which holds a Loire Valley Sparklers Tasting that will include s number of sparkling wines. 3-5pm. $15.

SUNDAY

And slip into acclaimed Northcenter eatery Sola for brunch, which happens on Saturday and Sunday. The Hawaii-inspired menu includes items like Pineapple Upside Down French Toast, Chef Carol's famous Chilaquiles and tortilla hash. 10am-2pm.

Pour it on in style

Some wine and dining events you'll appreciate tonight:

It's not too late to get a reservation for the Vosges Chocolates & Wine Pairing, happening at Just Grapes. Experts will be on hand to explain why they complement each other nicely. You'll also get a Vosges Haut Chocolat gift set. 6-8pm. $50.

Also, La Madia continues its "perfect pairing" treat throughout the summer. Choose from specially selected wines priced at $5, and enjoy free pizza from 4-6pm in the lounge.

Lush Wine and Spirits is hosting a free pig roast on its store's back patio. Guests will be able to indulge in all things Jim Beam, live music, free samples of hand-crafted cocktails and more. 6-9pm. Free.

And if you're having dinner or drinks at SushiSamba rio, check out the weekly performance of Ginza Tropicalia. A festive Brazilian band, Samba dancers and singers are certain to entertain. Oh, and the best part is that you'll be able to join in on the action!