Chicago Chop House no longer Chicago owned

Just got word that Chicago Chop House has just been sold to a Nashville-based restaurant chain.

The famed local steakhouse, which has been around for more than 20 years, is a favorite with the power and celebrity crowds. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.

Developing . . .

Stay to open next month

Stay, Manor's upper-level, late-night lounge, offers a more cool-out vibe than its clubby downstairs sibling. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


Nov. 11 is the confirmed opening date for Manor's after-hours, upper-level lounge Stay. It was originally supposed to open last summer.

Thrill.

This week marks the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's award-winning "Thriller," and there's at least one party in town where you can truly celebrate it in style.

Flirty Girl Fitness (1325 W. Randolph St., 312-666-2266)—known best for its exotic-dance-inspired workouts—gets into the mix on Friday with the Killer Hottie Halloween Bash, a pre-party offering guests free costume make-up applications, mani-pedis, hairstyling, Flirtini cocktails, and a free "Thriller" dance class where you learn the moves of the infamous video. The event's from 5-9pm for women only, and doors open at 9pm for men. After-party at Le Passage. No cover.

More thrills this weekend:

THURSDAY

HALO [FOR MEN]'s Gold Coast outpost gets into the spirit with a benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. The premier men's salon will be all dressed up with staffers flitting around in HALO angel costumes. Admission includes cocktails, appetizers, a raffle drawing and comped admission to Underground's Mile High Halloween Bash. 8-10:30pm. 21 W. Elm St., 312-642-4256. RSVP required to rsvp@halochicago.com; $20 suggested donation.

HALLOWEEN

Situated in a loft-like setting above The Joynt, Drinks Over Dearborn, a new spirits boutique, continues its weeklong grand-opening celebration. Tonight, guests get to indulge in special Halloween vino selections, plus free tarot, palm and candle readings. 6-8pm. No cover.

Another Halloween-themed wine event occurs at Juicy Wine Co. with the annual Tasting of Terror IV. Those who arrive in costume may get the chance to win a $50 gift card for Juicy. Plus, they're serving "scary" snacks like stinky cheese and cure meats. The tasting includes Rhones, Rieslings and Syrahs. 7:30-9:30pm. $35.

Do the Bus Stop, Soul Train Line or The Bump as HUB 51 transforms into Studio 51 for one night. They're encouraging guests to come dressed in disco duds for a costume contest. Table reservations required for basement lounge SUB 51. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Fright Fiesta, hosted by the Young Professionals Board of Special Olympics Chicago, happens at Moe’s Cantina. Event includes drinks, food, a costume contest and silent auction. Proceeds support Special Olympics training and competitions offered throughout the year. 8-11pm. $45 in advance; $50 at door (cash only). Call 773-278-2178 for tix.

SATURDAY

The 23rd annual Dark Fright party happens until dawn at Golan Studios on the river. Benefitting Adaptive Adventures—a nonprofit organization dedicated to those with disabilities through outdoor sports and recreation—this is not, however, your typical charity event. Libido Funk Circus, along with the Hey Jimmy Band, Domestic Haze, DJ Rockstar and the always thrilling "mystery guest" perform, plus everyone is required to wear costumes. Also, open bar and appetizers. 8pm-dawn. 1501 N. Magnolia. $65-$75 (for general admission); $150-$175 (RIP package). Call 312-649-1800 for tickets.

SUNDAY

After a hectic Halloween weekend, you'll want to wind down with something majorly low key. Why not check out the the weekly Wine Flights & Small Bites in Carnivale's lounge?! Live Latin music, too! 6-10pm. No cover.

MK names new exec chef

MK Executive Chef Erick Williams (Photo: MK)


Last week it was Mindy Segal who turned over the reins of her famed HotChocolate to her second in command.

Now word comes down that Michael Kornick is shaking things up at MK with a new successor. Erick Williams, a native West Sider who's been there since its opening in 1996, is the man in charge of the kitchen and we cannot wait to see what he does to make his mark.

'We're opening in about a week . . .'

. . . is the word from Jerry Suqi (Narcisse, Sugar) on the opening of his new Ukrainian Village eatery Chick Pea, which was exclusively written about way back in July.

With the way openings are going this season, we'd say look for it to make its debut sometime in mid- to late-November.

Hooray for Hump Day

It's mid-week, we're all stressed out and it's time for some serious relief:

Last month's Hornito's Midnight in the Garden of Agave party in West Town was so hot that they're doing it again. Folks were dancing on the tables, and let's just say that it was so lively that people demanded an encore. Tonight's event happens at Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.), and hopefully people will behave themselves. Regardless, you'll get comped cocktaiks and appetizers, plus deejays Shaka 23, Victor R. and Speed. To get in, you must RSVP to hornitosrsvp@mirrorball.com. 9pm-1am.

Speaking of spirited affairs, have you checked out the monthly wine-tasting event at Quartino yet?! We love the crowd: some of the best party people in Chicago who really appreciate wine. Tonight they're pouring the vino of Argentina and Chile, and pairing them with hearty, signature appetizers. 7-9pm. $20.

Absolut gets down with a disco affair at Debonair Social Club, featuring the techno-soul stylings by Tommie Sunshine. Hosted by Paper Magazine, the party debuts Absolut Disco—a limited edition holiday bottle that's inspired by nightlife. That, of course, means that you'll get it free (but maybe not all night). 9pm-2am. No cover.

Get into the Halloween spirit early with a pumpkin-carving contest at Cans. The fratastic Bucktown bar will feature prizes, loud music and drink specials for the occasion. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Martini Park continues its estrogen-fueled Martinis in the City set, this time showcasing premier apothecary C.O. Bigelow. The expert skincare company will offer guests consultations and goodie bags. Also, free appetizers and specials on cocktails. 6-8pm. No cover.

Soul pastry chef going to one sixtyblue

The Chicago Tribune's Phil Vettel gets the scoop on Soul's talented pastry chef heading to one sixtyblue.

It's almost here!

Doesn't it seem like this has been the longest election season ever?!

Well, it's almost over, the big day is Nov. 4, and it'll finally be time to celebrate change. And whether you're seriously celebrating or drowning your tears in your beer, man, do I have a lineup of Election Day parties you don't want to miss (plus free Starbucks coffee and Berry Chill for everyone!):

Settle in at the bar at Adobo Grill and sip $5 margaritas all night. Go for the Republican ‘Rita (grenadine, tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime) or Barack Blue Margarita (a blend of Blue Curacao, tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime).

Get some economic relief with the burger special at bin wine cafe as you watch results coming in. Bin's 1/2 lb burger paired with hand-cut fries is only $5 (usually $10), and if you complement it with red and white wine flights for $11.04, you'll save a bundle. Sit at the bar and you'll be able to watch the returns on the large plasma screen.

If you don't want to fight the crowds flocking to Grant Park to witness the rock star that is Barack Obama, head instead to Hard Rock Cafe for a viewing party hosted by hip-hop stars Common and Talib Kweli. Early arrival is highly recommended, and DJ Vince Adams spins. 7pm-2am.

Head over to Landmark Grill + Lounge for a non-partisan viewing party that includes special-priced blue and red champagne cocktails, comped appetizers and more. Also, guests will have the chance to win a trip for two to Washington, D.C., which includes airfare, dinner and hotel. 6-9pm.

TV One, Essence.com and the Richmond Group gather a number of high-profile local and national Democratic politicians for this cocktail party at Chicago Hilton and Towers (720 S. Michigan Ave.). Deejay Biz Markie spins. 7pm-2am. No cover, but RSVP to info@richmondgrouponline.com.

Fulton's on the River's Election Night deals include the Sour Grapes Mojito-infused Mimosa (huh?!) and To the Victor Goes the Spoils (vodka martini garnished with Osetra stuffed caviar-olives). For those strapped for cash, they've got you covered with No Foreign Policy $2 domestic drafts and half-off bar menu. Several televisions will be tuned into the returns.

And the Moonshine election fest is hosted by the 1st Ward Young Democrats and Ald. Manny Flores. Here, you'll get a number of drink specials, but we particularly like the Change (special new American Harvest Ale release in light of Obama’s “Change” adage), McCain's (mystery booze!) and Old Biden’s (Bourbon, sugar and a drop of grenadine)—all for $3. Also, they're doing $5 shots and cocktails served in special red, white and blue election bottles.