We've been waiting for this!

Cheer on Between Boutique Café & Lounge exec chef and "Top Chef" contestant Radhika “Rad” Desai when the show premieres on Bravo at 9pm on Nov. 12.

Between's hosting a viewing party, where Rad herself has whipped up a special tasting menu of her favorite dishes, including curried lobster bisque, spice-rubbed butterfish with spinach and chorizo, braised duck samosa and ginger chocolate mousse in a chocolate tart. That's $50, so go and whoop it up for the homegirl.

This just hit the mailbag . . .

From the Manor/RiNO team:

"We're opening a rock bar called The Lucky Lady in the old Gentry on State space (corner of State and Illinois) . . . We've been keeping pretty quiet about it for the time being. Looking to open sometime soon (probably within a month or so). We're putting in a photo booth and a juke box, it will be very relaxed, a perfect place to unwind after work. Still not sure if we will have a kitchen or not. Also look for some cool live performances and concert afterparties."

Rejoice.

It's been a great week. A new prez and the first-year anniversary of 312 Dining Diva. Let's keep the party going:

THURSDAY

Room 21 works overtime to stay relevant, and now they're doing it with a monthly cooking demo held on the first Thursday of the month. Tonight's event has Executive Chef Dan Tucker showing guests how to prepare fresh mozzarella, which will be paired with wine. Can you believe it's only $10?! Also, if you stay for dinner, they're knocking $10 off your bill. 6-7pm.

Underground gets mad props for donating its space for the Cheers to the Children wine-tasting event, hosted by the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The after-work party includes hors d’oeuvres, raffle and a walk-around tasting. $45 in advance; $60 at door. 7-10pm.

FRIDAY

Obama-mania continues at the original First Fridays party, with a special performance by Slick Rick. Yes, that Slick Rick. People are in such a partying mood that they had to move the event to Rainforest Cafe to accommodate everyone. Deejays Timbuck 2, Mark Fullaflava and 33 1/3 spin. Party benefits the Community Education Network. 10pm-2am. Tickets start at $15.

Another post election party happens at the newly reopened PJ Clarke's in Lincoln Park with complimentary food and specialty cocktails. Not sure if that'll go on all night, but get there early to make sure you can take advantage. Penguin sponsors with gift bags for guests. 8:30pm-2am. No cover.

Chicago Originals Wine Week, from the local independent restaurant group, kicks off today through Nov. 13. You'll be able to get—wait for it—$2 glasses of vino at spots like Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar and Cafe Bernard.

Hip Sip returns to ristorante we, this time with a Reality of Dreams theme. Scene will have art, specialty drinks, apps and music by DJ Jack from J*Davey. 8:30-10:30pm. $25.

Beer lovers will delight in the generous tasting event happening over at Lush Wine & Spirits, in Roscoe Village. Guests will get two solid hours of sampling the suds. 6-8pm. Free.

SATURDAY

Logan Square continues its cool streak for nightlife, this time with newcomer The Whistler. The thing is, however, that this is one hard ass bar to find. Once inside, you're certain to love it for the simple, yet well-picked beer list, church pew seating and live rock bands on weekends.

The popular Saturday Underground series continues at Bonsoiree, and because they only have a few seats left for Saturday, they're extending the event to Sunday. If you're not up on Underground yet, know that it's a five-course prix-fixe menu served in an unassuming Logan Square storefront. We're especially excited about what's on the menu this week: Thai red curry lobster bisque, corn-stuffed quail, and a salad of sablefish sashimi, blueberries and pink peppercorn dressing. Mmmmm. BYOB $5 corkage fee. $65 per person.

Keep on celebrating

We're all still in a deep daze over last night's historic win of President-Elect Barack Obama, so let's keep the celebration going:

Time to get to North Center for sola's prix-fixe, three-course deal, featuring squash as the month's seasonal savory ingredient. $30, and for an additional $15, they'll pair each course with wine.

Speaking of seasonal ingredients, Green City Market kicks off its weekly Wednesday series at its fall/winter home at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.). The tented event includes a chef demo by May Street Market exec chef Alex Cheswick at 10:30am. Free.

Fill up on a bottomless bowl of mac 'n' cheese ($6) paired with $2 PBR tall boys at Risque Cafe. Also, a rock band performs every Wednesday.

And something good's brewing in the 'hood with the re-launch of Streetwise Magazine. Tonight's the big bash, at Close Up 2 Jazz Club, which includes complimentary appetizers and live jazz by Ray Silkman. 6-11pm. $25 donation.

Cheers To The Chief

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

Who's it gonna be?!

This is it, y'all.

Soon we'll have a new Commander in Chief, but where will you be when it happens?!

Chicago will be centerstage—of the world—as Sen. Barack Obama culminates his quest for the White House with one of the biggest parties ever. If you're going to Grant Park, expect more than one million people to show up, but if you'd rather bypass the crowds—and get liquored up (no booze is allowed at the downtown event)—312 Dining Diva's got you covered.

Peep my picks for the best Election Night parties going on here.

Rockstar Dogs LP quietly opens over weekend

(Photo: Rockstar Dogs)


The second Rockstar Dogs, in Lincoln Park, did a soft opening over the weekend, and this outpost offers a few extra goodies.

In addition to signature dogs The Flaming Lip (char-broiled jumbo dog with Merkt’s cheddar topped with spiced jalapenos and hot giardiniera), The Sting (tantric Morningstar veggie dog) and The Kiss (chili cheese masked dog topped with Merkt’s cheddar and onions), this one's also got Rockstar Drumsticks (Iggy’s trademark BBQ chicken wings), Diana’s Chocolate Frozen Bananas and an exclusive partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink.

RSD LP looks almost identical to the West Town original—including the 1950s pin-up girl logo, stripper pole and photographer Philin Phlash's vintage rock photos—but this one also has Fender guitars displayed throughout the space.

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 . . .