R.I.P. Blue Water Grill

The doors to Blue Water Grill didn't open today, and Crain's Chicago Business has the scoop:

"Blue Water Grill, an upscale River North seafood and steak restaurant, closed its doors Wednesday as part of a 'restructuring effort' by owner B.R. Guest LLC.

New York-based B.R. Guest decided not to extend its lease at 520 N. Dearborn St. after four years in the space. Blue Water Grill opened in River North in 2005, a year after Wolfgang Puck shuttered his Spago location following a seven-year run.

The B.R. Guest restaurant chain, known for Ruby Foo's in New York and Fiamma Trattoria in Las Vegas, is also scaling back operations in other cities."

OK, so today's shot . . .

. . . with the effing blizzard and all, so let's look to the future, why don't we:

Check out even more Obama inauguration events happening all over town right here. You won't find a more comprehensive guide to what's poppin' off, plus we've added the Chicago Young Republicans party (I know, right?!), Eno's Presidential Pairings and others.


And, in other news:

Word is that Lakeview Broadcasting Co. closes next week to re-concept as a Violet Hour-type tavern. They really need one up there!

The owners behind neighborhood faves Danny's and Black Beetle will debut Simone's Bar in Pilsen in early February. It'll be a similar venture.

And Branch 27 is on sked to open in West Town sometime in mid-February.

Common Threads' World Festival returns; opening date for Faith & Whiskey

Lisa Novick, TABLE fifty-two's Art Smith and a guest at last year's Common Threads' World Festival event at the MCA. (Photo: Common Threads)


It brought out all the culinary rock stars last year, and we're not expecting anything less when Common Threads' World Festival returns on March 23.

Founded by Art Smith (TABLE fifty-two), the organization raises funds for culinary programs for disadvantaged children. Just about every high-profile chef in town, as well as some famous national stars, whips up signature appetizers for this walk-around tasting event with live music, a host of celebrity appearances (including Gail Simmons of "Top Chef" fame), and silent and live auctions.

Just a partial list of chefs: Mindy Segal and Mark Steuer, Hot Chocolate; Giuseppe Tentori, BOKA; Chris Pandel, The Bristol; Koren Grieveson, Avec; Christophe David, NoMI; Radhika Desai, Between Boutique Café & Lounge; Rocco DiSpirito; Kendal Duque, Sepia; and Tyler Florence, Food Network.


On the nightlife front, the guys behind West Loop hot spot Bon V announce an opening date for their rockin' lounge Faith & Whiskey in Lincoln Park.

From partner Hunter Cannon: "The solid date for opening is Jan. 23. We will only be open Fridays and Saturdays until after the grand opening party which will be held on Feb. 12. The bar looks great and I'm sure you will love the staff. I can't wait to break it in."

A Smashing good time

Billy Corgan (left) hangin' with restaurateur Miae Liam and Lumen's Joachim Klatzkow on Saturday. (Photo: Lumen)


Look who was trying to be all low key over the weekend at Lumen.

Smashing Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan, with droopy hat pulled down to conceal his famous dome, made a rare club appearance with friends (including Miae Liam of Japonais) in the VIP section and drank only water, according to spies:

"He was trying to keep his presence concealed by keeping his hat on the entire night, but fans still recognized him. He was friendly with them, chatted with fans about his music and agreed to take photos."

What a nice guy that Billy is!

EXCLUSIVE: Sunda set to open Feb. 27

The Devil’s Basket with soft shell crab is one of Sunda's signature dishes. (Photo: Sunda)


312DD's first with the opening date for New Asian-focused Sunda. The late-night River North destination debuts Feb. 27.

Owned by the same team behind Underground and Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda aims to be their most impressive project to date, as they've cut no corners in order to get it right.

Partners Billy Dec, Arturo Gomez and Brad Young traveled to several Asian countries and studied the traditional cuisines of Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. And they secured New Asian cuisine pioneer Rodelio Aglibot to run the kitchen. Dubbed the Food Buddha by media, Aglibot brings with him an extensive background in Asian cuisine and culture as well as serving as exec chef at several renowned Asian-focused kitchens on the West Coast.

The menu, from what we've seen thus far, is shaping up to be quite the temptation, with mouthwatering offerings such as The Food Buddha’s Crispy Rice with Toppings (hand-cut spicy tuna, seared Kobe beef tartare and spicy shrimp empura), Crab-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Japanese Hot Mustard Soy Glaze and Longevity Garlic Noodles with Blue Crab.

Why can't it be late February now?!

Someone's Having a Birthday!

Swank Society's Christian Armand (Photo: Christian Armand)


It's a big week for Capricorns!

Nick Podesta (Jan. 6) is one of the brains behind Liquor Creek Management/Star 3, which owns two of the city's hottest properties: the modern French-American Duchamp in Bucktown; and Lumen, a Euro-inspired lounge with a bangin' sound system in the Warehouse District.

Christian Armand (Jan. 9), known for spinning smooth beats ranging from deep soul to hip-hop, has played just about everywhere, including Sushi Samba, Sonotheque and Double Door. You can catch his show online every Sunday 9-11pm CST here.

And the National Restaurant Association's ultra-fab Derrek Hull (Jan. 10) is responsible for keeping foodie journalists from around the world in the loop when they come for the NRA Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event every spring.

Happy Birthday, guys!

EXCLUSIVE: Room 21 staff laid off

What a difference a month makes. In early December, 312DD exclusively reported that Room 21 was dramatically changing its concept to more traditional Italian fare. Management assured us that they would not be closing to make these changes.

Now, an email just dropped in the inbox from an Ultimate Insider telling us that the entire staff—including the executive chef—was laid off right after New Year's Eve. There's a possibility that they may be brought back in February to revamp, but who knows at this point.

A quick call to the restaurant, and we were told that they're closed in January, but "would be opening again at some point."

This economy really sucks.

It's cold outside, but it's hot in ...

Sonotheque hosts a "Brazilian New Year's Eve" similar to this one in South America.


THURSDAY

Blue 13: Edgy River North eatery features half-price wines and a $35 three-course prix-fixe menu Tuesday-Thursday. Order anything (lobster pizza excluded), but we must have the Truffled Mac 'n' Cheese (with free-range Amish chicken), Steak and Egg on Acid (grilled beef tenderloin, sunnyside up quail egg) and "Drunken" Short Rib (Guinness braised!) right about now.

Rockit Bar & Grill: Elvis would've been 73 today, and to celebrate, get all shook up with The King (thick-cut French toast, peanut butter, bananas, whipped cream, topped with toasted peanuts) for $12. Rockit's serving it all day long.

Sonotheque: The monthly Braziliance party does a New Year's Eve in Rio theme, with Joe Bryl spinning exotic beats and specialty South American-themed cocktails like the Braziliance, which is a twist on the classic mojito with Maker's Mark. 9pm-2am. Free before 10pm; $5 after.



Celebrate Elvis' 73rd birthday today with "The King," only at Rockit Bar & Grill. (Photo: Rockit Bar & Grill)


FRIDAY

Eno at the Fairmont: Big Willies can peel off $$$ for a tasting of the rare 1935 Barros White Colheita that's $90 for a one ounce tasting portion or $850 per bottle. If you go, 312DD will be happy to be your guest. 4-11pm.

Five Star Bar and Grill: Scotch fans can indulge in comped specialty Chivas 18 cocktails, or get their drinks neat or on the rocks. The rep will hit this hard rockin' West Town tavern 8:30-10:30pm. No cover.

Le Passage: The monthly Economic Stimulus Package Party happens tonight with comped drinks 10-11:30pm. RSVP to LPinfo@lepassage.com for free admission; stay for deejays spinning all the latest beats till 4am.

Park Grill: Did you have a hard time getting back in the groove this week?! If you're in the Loop, head to Millennium Park for another Chivas 18 event with signature scotch cocktails. 6-8pm. No cover.

SATURDAY

Red & White: The minimalist Wicker Park wine shop hosts its weekly tasting with four different vinos from Cream Wine Co. 2-5pm. Free.

The Violet Hour: For the New Year, the trend-setting saloon has added new cocktails, including The Velvet Fog (Wild Turkey 101 rye, Punt e Mes, dark crème de cacao and Nux Alpina Walnut liqueur) and The Lady Clover (Beefeater, lemon, blackberry syrup, egg white and Peychaud's bitters). 9pm-2am. No cover.

SUNDAY

Moonshine: The under-the-radar neighborhood favorite offers one of the best brunches in Wicker Park: $7 Bloody Mary bar; $3 drafts; $10 pitchers of Miller Lite; $9.95 homestyle fried chicken. And don't worry about dragging your ass out of bed early. It's served all day long.