Sweet Thang: Bitter taste for ex-employees

Yikes. So, Drive-Thru gets the lowdown on why the just-opened Sweet Thang, in Roscoe Village, abruptly shuttered.

Gobble . . . on the go

I don't know about you, but I'm more like one of those "one in 10 people likely to dine out on Thanksgiving" stats the talking heads conjure up every year. It's my most favorite holiday in the world, but it's an effing mess to clean up after.

Sooo, what's the alternative?! A number of restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving, for those looking to settle in for a seasonal supper as well as full-scale, to-go feasts, so the only thing left to clean up are the smiles on everyone's faces . . .

Dine out:

Go for the French-focused feast at Bistro 110, who's offering a three-course menu in its casual setting that's tres gay Paris. Menu items include traditional French onion soup, oven-roasted turkey breast, sweet potato Dauphinoise and crème brulée. $36.95/adults; $12.95/children.

David Burke Primehouse's doing the holiday family-style, but what we love particularly is what they're gonna do for you the day after. They're sending all diners off with a "fixins" sandwich that's stuffed with roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce on toasted bread. The prix-fixe menu includes butternut squash bisque, Thanksgiving Caesar salad, truffled noodles, roasted turkey, spiced ham, slow-roasted prime rib and pumpkin crème brulee tart. $38/adults; $14/kids. Reservations strongly recommended.

Gold Coast newcomer Eve—from the team behind the magnifique Tallulah in Lincoln Square (which is also offering a special four-course dinner for $45 per person)—celebrates with four regionally inspired menus, which includes a slow-roasted suckling pig, herb-roasted heritage turkey, sausage and black walnut stuffing, roasted chestnut bisque, Maine lobster croquettes, turkey crawfish gumbo with pickled okra, grilled quail and smoked cheddar grits. $55/adults; $25/kids.

If you're in the mood for a more casual atmosphere, with plenty of plasmas to watch the games, head to The Pony for their take on Turkey Day. They're serving up the Thanksgiving Stack, which is loaded down with layers of homemade biscuits, fresh turkey, Julienne vegetables, mashed potatoes smothered with gravy and served with a side of bourbon pecan pie. Executive Chef Curtis McGee makes these stacks so you can order them to go. That's $12. You'll also find the savory Pony Cider (homemade with Magner’s cider, bourbon, butterscotch, apple pucker and cranberry juice) that's served in a tall pint glass for $8.

Naperville's glorious Sugar Toad, tucked inside Hotel Arista, is a great option for those in the 'burbs. Standouts on the prix-fixe menu include turkey duo of roasted breast and leg stuffed with Virginia ham and shiitake mushrooms; roasted Hayman sweet potatoes; green bean casserole; and the cream of chestnut soup with smoked bacon. $45/adults; $19.95/kids.

Pick it up:

Glazed Donuts offers an alternative to the usual pumpkin pie with some delectable cranberry almond praline donuts. You can pre-order them now and pick them up at Bite or Swim on Nov. 26. 4 donuts/$11; 8/$20.

Additional mini sweet treats can be yours at More, the new, high-end Gold Coast cupcakery. Your folks will go mad over cupcakes in flavors like sweet potato, banana-spiced rum, cranberry, peppermint white chocolate or gingerbread. $3.50-$4.25/each, $39.50-$49.50/dozen.

Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh of The Hearty Boys fame do their annual Thanksgiving To Go, with offerings such as maple-brined organic turkey, homemade breads (mini corn muffins, peppered buttermilk biscuits), maple-roasted brussel sprouts and truffled goat cheese mashed potatoes. Prices for a full meal for six to eight people range $100-$150.

For $100, at Sheffield's, you'll get a full spread of traditional family faves that's certain to feed up to six people. You'll get a roasted turkey, plus mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese and cranberry sauce. Of course, there'll be a homestyle pumpkin pie to complete the meal. All to-go orders must be picked up by noon on Thanksgiving.

And legendary 'que joint The Smoke Daddy is giving you the chance to be the real hero of the night—if you bring one of their infamous smoked turkeys to the table. All meats are smoked in-house in the "Lil Red Smoker," so get ready to really chow down, and expect no leftovers. Also, grab a container of homemade cornbread stuffing to go. Orders must be placed by Nov. 21; pick up on Nov. 25. $3.95/quart of stuffing; $4.95 lb/turkey.

Warhol . . .Guns and Roses . . . Tequila!

Here's what's going down tonight:

Pop culture icon Andy Warhol immortalized Martini & Rossi vermouth with an innovative ad campaign in the 1960s. And now, the company's returning the favor with an exhibition honoring the artist at Whiskey Sky. Sip limited-edition Warhol-inspired cocktails as you tour the show and mingle. 6:30-9pm. No cover, but RSVP necessary at betsy@k101agency.com.

Landmark Grill + Lounge kicks off its monthly Guns and Roses-themed wine tasting event on the restaurant's upper level. They're pairing small bites and vino with popular Guns and Roses songs. Ooooo-kay. Tonight, you'll get: Dr. Pauly ("Sweet Child of Mine"), Chateau Beauregard Ducasse ("November Rain"), Cabernet Sauvignon: 2003 20 Bench ("Welcome to the Jungle") and Sauternes: 2001 Dudon ("Patience"). 7pm-8:30pm. No cover.

If that's too rambunctious for ya, head to the Stock the Bar wine tasting at Maeve. They're sampling various holiday-ish vino paired with light appetizers. And if you love something in particular, you can buy it on the spot to serve at your party. Live music by Louis and Scharpf. 7-9pm. $20.

And tequila fans will love the tasting at Zocalo that's paired with Mexican-inspired appetizers, including their specialty tacos. 6-9pm. $15.

'Top Chef' wrapup in 30 secs . . .

Hungry Mag sets the stage of what to expect on this season's "Top Chef."

And, as always, viewing parties for "Top Chef" happen tonight at 9pm at Between and Kit Kat Club.

Bubbles, Boozehounds and bargains . . .

Get the Bubbles:

It's time for The Tasting Room's annual Champagne event, happening tonight with more than 30 sparkling wines paired with appetizers. Sample superstars Krug and Ruinart as well as Jose Dhondt and Andre Clouet. 6-8pm. $50. Reservations required.

Through Nov. 21 at Duchamp, you might wanna make a reservation for you and a sig other (or BFF!) for two flutes of bubbly, two appetizers and two chocolate cupcakes. 5-7 p.m. $35.

Get the Booze:

The upper level of Hopleaf Bar plays host to the Boozehound's Beer Lover's Field Trip. You'll get four specialty draft choices, any bottled beer, premium spirits, plus beer-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts and various meats. 7-9pm. $40.

Head to Swirl Wine Bar right after work for $5 menu specials with a two-drink minimum from 5-6:30pm. Or, if you arrive later, you'll get to indulge in exotic vino as they host a Taste of Portugal event. Party includes 12 different wines, appetizers and live jazz by Gypsy Trio. 6:30-8:30pm. $25 in advance; $35 at door.

Get the Bargains:

So many of our coolest eateries are offering weekly specials to take that stress off your wallet. The Restaurant at Chaise Lounge's Tuesday deal is a three-course menu for $25, paired with $5 martinis. Get selections like the crab cakes, braised pork belly with vanilla-scented sunchoke puree and Wagyu beef with Minnesota wild rice.

At May Street Market, diners are treated to a complimentary entree (up to $24) with any dinner purchase of at least $50. And if you order from the bistro menu, you'll get a comped turkey burger with any dinner purchase of at least $25. (not available on Friday, Saturday)

And all this week, C-House doles out a three-course dinner deal for $35, offering the C-House fish and chips, pan-seared salmon and butternut squash soup.

Tomorrow:

Get up early and head to Green City Market (2430 N. Cannon Dr.), which is at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum every Wednesday and Saturday through Dec. 20. Also, if you've got time, don't miss the chef demo from Mado's husband-and-wife team Rob and Allie Levitt. That's at 10:30am. Market is 8am-1pm. Free.

This just in . . .

(Photo: Urban Daddy Chicago)


Urban Daddy hooks us up with brand-new Wicker Park playground, Edge, the latest hidden lounge to take on Violet Hour.

Sayeth The Daddy:

"Like the best insider tips, you're among the first clued in: Owners have been reluctant to talk up their stock until they hit their stride. (The fact that this place is hidden in plain view, a rare achievement for this stretch of Division, should help.)"

Don't miss out!

"Top Chef" contestant Radhika “Rad” Desai of Wicker Park’s Between Boutique Café & Lounge. (Photo: Between Boutique Café & Lounge)


Soooo, our homegirl Radhika "Rad" Desai of Between Boutique Café & Lounge pulled through the first grueling week of Bravo's "Top Chef" (peep Gaper's Block "Top Chef" recap).

I was one of the lucky ones to snag a seat for the restaurant's viewing party for this first episode, which included a tasting menu of her favorite eats (the curried lobster bisque and spice-rubbed butterfish with spinach and chorizo were the biggest hits, btw). This is the first time a Chicago contestant is actually a working chef during the show, so believe me when I say the place was packed and bustling. In fact, after the show ended people hung around well after midnight just chilling as owners cranked up some pretty cool jams.

They've decided to continue the parties throughout the season, offering what they're calling Rad's Favorites, a rotating, five-course tasting menu paired with various wines. That's $50, the show starts at 9pm Wednesdays, but it's recommended you arrive by 8pm. Reservations required.

Other fabulous events happening:

If you miss out on that hot ticket, there's the Chef's Table happening at Powerhouse. Hosted by The Local Tourist and Tweating Out, the series are casual meet & greet events with local chefs. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chef in an intimate—and affordable—setting. The Powerhouse party also marks its first-year anniversary, so you'll get to mingle with the owner and chefs over passed hors d'oeuvres, champagne and wine. 6:30pm Nov. 19. $25.

Be the baddest babe in the room at all those upcoming holiday parties, but you'll need to attend the Haute for the Holidays event at LeDress first. Stylists will be on hand to help you get your "look" together, plus you'll get to mingle with some of the most fashionable women in the city. Complimentary cocktails and free admission, but you must RSVP to ledress@zapwater.com. 6-9pm Nov. 19. 1741 W. Division St.

If you're looking for a delicious luxe gift for someone who truly deserves it, look to Vosges Haut-Chocolat. During a tasting party, they're offering guests an opportunity to sample their newly arrived Collection of Cheese + Chocolate, which comes in a custom-designed, sustainable bamboo box, and filled with five cheese selections, 28 chocolate truffles, mini exotic candy bars, black garlic, a guidebook and more. Also, all products are 10 percent off during the event. 7:30-9:30pm Nov. 20. $40.

And the Bacardi Flavor Exchange cocktail party occurs at Bon V, treating guests to a number of signature flavored rum drinks. RSVP here for comped admission. 9pm-1am Nov. 21.

Explore.

Espression by Lavazza opens this week in The Drake. (Photo: Cindy Kurman/Kurman Communications)


Seems like every week something new’s springing up. This time, it’s Espression by Lavazza, a slick Italian café concept just opened in The Drake. They’re serving up special blends of coffee, gelatos and pastries, but right about now I’m going to need that brie, prosciutto and fig panini or Bikini Pizza Panino (grilled panini “pizza style” with sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, mushrooms) placed in front of me.

Also look for high-stylin' "dive" Bar DeVille, which actually opens Monday, Nov. 17, but you never know. Neighborhood bars tend to creep open a few days early, so I’d peep my head around the corner at Huron and Damen to see if co-owner Matt Eisler (Angels & Kings, Empire Liquors) does a weekend preview.

More this weekend:

THURSDAY

Carol Wallack's charming neighborhood gem, Sola, is now doing its take on the burger that's paired with a special bacon appetizer. Also, get a featured beer. That's every Thursday.

Highsight hosts a number of pre-parties for the yearend Eve of the Eve event, happening the night before New Year's Eve. Tonight's party occurs at Rock Bottom Brewery, and includes cocktails and appetizers. Guests will also be able to buy tickets to the December event at Union Station. Proceeds fund scholarships for students to attend private high schools in the city. 6-9pm. $40.

Sushi Samba's upper-level lounge transforms into a Japanese-style nightclub for the monthly Passport Thursdays. DJ Funky Couture spins futuristic beats and drink specials set the tone. 8pm-2am. No cover.

FRIDAY

Single women wondering where all the eligible, single guys are should make their way to Publican, in the Warehouse District. It actually shouldn't come as no surprise that this extreme beer-focused venue attracts a higher ratio of men, right?! Arrive right after work and position yourself at one of the centrally placed high tables, and let the games begin.

Another after-work opportunity happens at Fion Wine Bar, with the Winesellers, Ltd. tasting event. The locally owned wine importing company's pouring vino from Portugal, Germany, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. 6-8pm. Free.

Windy City Social throws a bash at The Joynt for the Special Olympics Chicago programs. Mingle with other professionals and indulge in Sugar Bliss cupcakes and passed apps, plus cocktails and wine. 6-8:30pm. $35 in advance; $45 at door.

Resident Tuman's deejay Buddy Major takes a break to let legendary spin star Jesse de la Pena perform for the next two Friday nights. This corner bar will certainly be rockin', plus they've always got $3 Guinness on tap. 9pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Pinot Days 2008 Grand Festival returns to Navy Pier with 50 producers of pinot noir--the largest single gathering of pinot producers outside of Cali. Consumers will be able to sample up to 100 pinots from every important region in California, Oregon, New Zealand and Burgundy. Also, learn how to pair them with artisan cheese and specialty foods. 1-5pm. $50. Call 415-246-2267 for more information.

If bubbly's your poison, head instead to Pops for Champagne for a Laurent-Perrier Tasting. You'll get three examples paired with apps for $15. 3-5pm.

SUNDAY

Wouldn't you rather be in a warmer climate right now?! C-House teases us with its new Bossa Nova Brunch. You'll find Latin-infused dishes, including breakfast tacos with chorizo and corn salad, custom eggs Benedict with spicy pulled pork, or the traditional Brazilian rice and beans dish Feijoa. Also, chill out with a number of signature sippers: pineapple-orange Mimosa, red snapper Bloody Mary, and of course a classic Caipirinha. Too bad they didn't spring for a Brazilian band, but piped-in Bossa Nova should do the trick, for now. 10:30am-3pm. All dishes are a la carte.