Say it ain't so!

(Photo: Johnny Rockets)

I was strolling through the Gold Coast this afternoon only to find out that my secret summertime spot Johnny Rockets (901 N. Rush St.) closed six days ago.

A sign posted in the window simply said: "Thanks for all your patronage for over 20 years . . ." So sad. Now where will we go for old-school malts, shakes, fries and burgers after spending all our money in places like Bloomies, Barney's and Banana Republic? Truly an end of an era in the Gold Coast . . .

Grilled cheese goes couture

"Gossip Girl" stars noshing on the infamous $50 grilled cheese?! (Photo: CW)


Just saw a segment on the "Today" show about a $50 grilled cheese (!!!) that was featured on glossy CW show "Gossip Girl."

Executive Chef Christopher Lee of NYC's Gilt (455 Madison Ave., 212-891-8100) is behind the creation, which includes fontina cheese, shallots, shaved black truffles (white truffles, when in season) and, of course, decadent truffle oil.

Now, while Chicago may not have any super high-end grilled cheese offerings, I found some that could definitely compete with the "Gossip Girl" gourmet sandwich—and hey you don't have to pay $50!

Crust (2056 W. Division St., 773 235-5511). The hip, organic eatery serves theirs with kalona cooperative cheddar, brioche bread and a tomato basil soup. $8.

Fixture (2706 N. Ashland Ave., 773-248-3331). Mmmm. This one comes with taleggio cheese, brioche and drizzled with truffle oil (!!). Oh, and it is complemented by smoked tomato soup, too. $10.

Jerry’s Sandwiches. Comes with a choice of two cheeses and grilled on your choice of bread: Tuscan white, classic white, multigrain or dark rye. $7.75. 1045 W Madison St., 312-563-1008 or 1938 W. Division St., 773-235-1006.

Kitsch’n Roscoe (2005 W. Roscoe St., 773-248-7372). It’s simple, but hearty with grilled tomato, caramelized onions and choice of cheese. $6.99. (Also served at Kitsch’n River North, 600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-644-1500.)

Silver Cloud (1700 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-6212). All January, every day is the 4th Annual Anti-Resolution Killer Carb special: $9.95 gets you Silver Cloud’s signature grilled cheese (special cheese blend served on Italian bread), mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes and gravy.

What the critics are saying . . .

Relax partner David Lehtman (left) and two of his rock-star bartenders.
(Photo: Relax)


. . . about:

The Boundary (1932 W. Division St., 773-278-1919). "The common denominator drawing the crowds—generally, a 20- through 40-something mix of good-looking folks from greater West Town—is the beer list, heavy on craft brews such as Breckenridge Avalanche Ale ($4 a bottle) and Dogfish Head Midas Touch Golden Elixir ($6 a bottle). There's also a full bar menu of standard American fare. On our visit, music seemed to function mostly as background noise, but service was swift, and our waitress, Jackie, was never far."—Sarah Preston (Chicago Magazine)

Demera (4801 N. Broadway, 773-334-8787). "The doro alicha wat (lemon-marinated, slightly sweet chicken legs) had been stewed long enough that it needed only the lightest pinch with injera to come off the bone; the kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartare) was cool and pure in flavor, and offset by the spicy chile powder sprinkled over it. The lega tibs (lamb stir-fried with garlic, peppers, etc) weren’t bad either—but their flavor didn’t seem to warrant the jaw-numbing gnawing required to get the meat off the bone."—David Tamarkin (Time Out Chicago)

Kiki's Bistro (900 N. Franklin St., 312-335-5454). "Rich but not overwhelming, sautéed duck breast with leg confit ($23) is as good as this dish gets. The breast meat is cooked to order, and the leg meat falls off the bone. Both are well-suited to the green peppercorn sauce and sides of sweet-sour red cabbage and buttery wild rice."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business)

Relax Lounge (1450 W. Chicago Ave., 312-666-6006). "The kitchen, such as it is, serves baskets of burgers and fries, and burgers and fries only. But they’re pretty good: a third-pound beef patty or veggie burger on a toasty bun, your choice of cheese, and a side of hot, crisp, salty hand-cut sticks of starch. And compared to the other 'rock ’n’ roll' bar on the block, the blisteringly loud Five Star, this place is an oasis of class."—Martha Bayne (Chicago Reader)

South Coast (1700 S. Michigan Ave., 312-662-1700). "Vintage embellishments on the building's facade contrast with a contemporary interior. The foyer boasts marble accents and printed wallpaper, the rest of the dining room following suit with grained zebra wood, graphic wall treatments and carved wood vases. The sushi bar cranks out fresh, innovative maki with unexpected ingredients like mint and geoduck, but other items, like citrus-spiked corn and tuna salad, are popular, too."—Fred Schlatter (Chicago CitySearch)

Jay-Z brings his fabulous 40/40 Club to Chicago

Rap mogul/businessman Jay-Z and his main squeeze Beyoncé. (Photo: Kevin Mazur, Wireimage.com)


From the New York Post's Page Six today:

"'Jay is focusing on opening five more 40/40 clubs,' a source said about Jay's sports club which originated in New York. 'He opened Las Vegas on New Year's and up next are LA, Miami, Chicago, London and Houston.'"

Just one question: Will Beyoncé be at the opening?!

Get out this weekend . . .

"First Fridays" at the Museum of Contemporary Art is just one of many parties going on this weekend. (Photo: MCA)


You cannot just let the first weekend of the year come and go without acknowledging it.

Get out and enjoy yourself at:

Beauty Bar. This one is for the chicas, so grab your girls and head to Elm Street Liquors (12 W. Elm St., 312-337-3200) for a pamper party. The event includes a manicure or massage, sushi appetizers by Kamehachi, martinis and chocolate. Thursdays 7-10pm. RSVP recommended at info@elmstreetliquors.com. $35. Attire: Chic.

Plan B. And for the fellas, ellas, ellas: Tonight you get $2 cans of beer, $6 martinis and 30 cent jumbo wings at this Wicker Park neighborhood lounge. Also, DJ Giotek spins the usual hip-hop and rock that you love. 1635 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-252-2680. Thursdays 9pm-2am. No cover. Attire: Cool.

Warm Up with Some Reds. Get to WineStyles Chicago (1433 W. Belmont Ave., 773-549-2227) tonight and sample some luscious, exotic red wines. They'll be pouring some gems from Spain, Italy and Argentina. 6-8pm. No cover. Attire: Comfy.

Flair. The original First Fridays occurs at the James Hotel (55 E. Ontario St.) with music by deejays Mark Fullaflava and 33 1/3. 9pm-2am. RSVP to RSVPMe@SLDMarketingGroup.net for free admission. $20 without. Attire: Sexy.

Fallen Star First Fridays. Or make plans to attend the Museum of Contemporary Art's (220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660) monthly after-work soiree. You'll be the first to see the UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition featuring the work of Paula Henderson. Take in more art with the critically acclaimed Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll Since 1967 before it closes this weekend, and also see the continuing exhibitions Collection Highlights and Mapping the Self. DJ Mnookin spins; comp apps from Wolfgang Puck; free massages from Kiva Spa; sample teas from Argo; and do the after party at Bon V (1100 W. Randolph St.). 6-10pm. $7-$15. Attire: Stand out.

Wine Down. Foodlife (835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-335-3663) in Water Tower also has its first Friday event, with samplings of 20 international wines and appetizers. 6-8pm. $10. Attire: Delightful.

Fashion Rocks. They're calling it an "urban couture" fashion event, so expect the unexpected at this party taking over two ballrooms in the Hard Rock Hotel (230 N Michigan Ave., 312-345-1000). In addition, deejays Tim Buck 2, Sean Mac and Reese spin. Saturday 10pm-3am. Ladies get in free before 11pm; guys get discounted admission by 11. Attire: Fabulous.

The Best of 2007. Luxe bar Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222) celebrates its stellar first year with this party hosted by Red Bull and Effen Vodka. Saturday 8pm-3am. RSVP to rsvp@lumen-chicago.com for no cover. Attire: Clever.

Get ready for Nia in the West Loop

Nia Asimis, whose father owns Jubilee Juice (140 N. Halsted St., 312-491-8500), a bar and grill in the West Loop, branches out on her own in the neighborhood with her ultra-stylish, eponymous eatery. Look for Nia (803 W. Randolph St., 312-226-3110) to open later this month offering small, eclectic plates from the Mediterranean region (from Turkey to North Africa).

Just some of the highlights include the Nia Sangria (berry flavored), several cocktails made with fresh juices and a bold, very gold interior. The 50-seater Nia is housed in a former alterations shop, so this is an all-new space with state-of-the-art equipment.

Update on Frankie's Scaloppine

Yep. We had it here first about Frankie's Scaloppine (900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-266-2500) taking over Tucci Benucch after it serves its last meal this Saturday.

And now here is the latest info: The new Italian restaurant opens in mid-February with a city-rustic interior of dark wood walls and tables with red, naugahyde chairs; light floors and accents such as dramatic wainscoting, glowing sconces and chandeliers.

Handwritten menus will offer salads such as panzanella, Italian salad and chopped; and appetizers including the signature farmer’s market antipasto plate, steak carpaccio and fried fennel. The main course scaloppine dishes are pounded thin and portioned big with items like salmon scaloppine all’ Milanese; chicken scaloppine all’ amatriciana; portabella scaloppine and calamari steak scaloppine. Seafood entrees include salmon hard char and scallops with pesto.

Quote of the week . . .

(Photo: Il Covo)


"It was like 'A Wonderful Life' with a psychedelic Santa," says Carol Johnson, partner of Il Covo (2152 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-5555) in Bucktown, about a special Christmas Eve dinner she hosted for none other than the legendary George Clinton of Parliament fame. Johnson says that Clinton's "dinner" first consisted of only a Long Island iced tea until she convinced him to try some of the Italian eatery's signature dishes, including grilled Vegetale e Scamorza (one of Chicago magazine's top 124 dishes), the calamari fritti as well as several flavors of gelato: rainbow (just like his hair!), strawberry, pistachio, tangerine, vanilla bean and chocolate chip.

The restaurant was closed for the special event (which was a thank you party for his participation in Lip Service's annual Jingle Bell Jam), but she says that a cute neighborhood couple knocked on their door and asked if they could come in for a drink and anything the kitchen could whip up for them. The couple was sommelier Stephan Alexander and Erin Draper of the four-star Italian restaurant Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-2750).