Hasn't this thing run its course?!

The rose ceremonies. The ridiculous fights. And the Ken and Barbie clones.

OK, so isn't it about time for ABC to kill "The Bachelor"/"The Bachelorette?!" Isn't it like in its 20th season by now?

If you haven't gotten enough of it by now, Lincoln Park Young Professionals is teaming up with the producers of the show to look for—eek—Chicago's most eligible men to "win the heart of 'The Bachelorette.'"

So if you have "style, class and culture," head to Devon (39 E. Chicago Ave., 312-440-8660) for the party happening Saturday, Feb. 9 8-10pm. The $30 cover gets you an open bar (the best thing about this bash!), appetizers and a chance to poke fun at the poor schmucks who are actually taking this thing serious.

Mr. Skin, Michael Jackson and the Hearty Boys

Get out and have some fun this weekend:

Power shoppers get ready for Champagne, Chocolate & Couture at House of Sole (1237 S. Michigan Ave., 312-834-0909) tonight 6 to 9pm, with up to 75 percent off handbags, shoes and a trunk show with local jewelry designers, as well as champagne from the South Loop Wine Cellar (which offers five percent off all wine orders during the event) and chocolate.

Also happening tonight is the 20 Looks fashion show with Isabella Fine Lingerie at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Mkt., 312-733-2222). One lucky guest receives a week’s worth of bras and panties. 10pm-midnight. $10.

Think you know sex trivia? Test your skills at Junior's (724 W. Maxwell St., 312-421-2277) tonight at 7:30pm for Mr. Skin's Skintastic Trivia Challenge—the Hollywood sex and nudity game.

The Food Network's Hearty Boys (aka Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh) celebrate the release of their cookbook, "Talk With Your Mouth Full," Saturday, Feb. 9 from 7-9pm with a free party at their new HBTV location, 3819 N. Broadway, 773-244-9866.

If you remember the ultra-sexy Carnaval Brasil parties at Mad Bar several years ago, then you don't want to miss this event paying homage to it. Music 101 is reviving their bash at La Pomme Rouge (108 W. Kinzie St., 312-245-9555), featuring DJ Nando spinning samba, axe, funk and Brazilian beats; dancers and $5 Caipirinhas and Stoli cocktails. Saturday, Feb. 9 10:30pm-3am. No cover.

And, if you don't wish to watch the Grammys alone on Sunday, Feb. 10, head to Plush (1104 W. Madison St., 312-491-9800) for a special viewing party that also includes a Michael Jackson 25th anniversary Thriller listening party. Drink specials, of course. Doors open at 6:30pm. Free.

The Wild Brunch

Go to Roscoe Village's Victory Banner for the irresistible French toast with fresh berries. (Photo: Victory Banner)


This week it is all about French toast. Thick, rich and filling, it is the perfect brunch entree on a blistering winter day. And so, I've picked out a few of my faves just for you!

You will not want to share the decadent Brioche French Toast (drizzled with apricot and almond spread) that's all the rage over at the crimson-hued Brasserie Ruhlmann (500 W. Superior St., 312-494-1900). At $8, it's one of the cheapest items on their brunch menu, but you can't get out of here without ordering the Ruhlmann potatoes (for an extra $5) or the Madrange ham (also $5) to accompany.

It's a special occasion every day at Sweet Maple Cafe (1339 W Taylor St., 312-243-8908), which is known for its Holiday French Toast (thick slices of Challah bread that's dipped in rich vanilla custard, scented with nutmeg and dusted with powered sugar) for $6.55. Add an addition $1.95 for turkey sausage or ham.

There's just something about vegetarian Roscoe Village eatery Victory's Banner (2100 W. Roscoe St., 773-665-0227) that drives foodies nuts. Ditto goes for their award-winning French toast (for only $5.95) that's absolutely dreamy with peach butter and thick maple syrup. Or, for a little umph to your selection, get it with fresh raspberries and powdered sugar for $7.45.

Coming to you soon . . .

Incoming this spring:

Hub 51 (51 W. Hubbard St.). R.J. and Jerrod Melman—Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises' Rich Melman's sons—are in the spotlight as they get ready to open their hip, small-plates project in River North.

Shochu (3313 N. Clark St.). Will this Japanese-inspired venue be anything like London's sexy lounge with the same name? This one we will be keeping an eye on, especially this summer as they plan on having a nice outdoor patio. More on Shochu here, which is apparently taking over the old Platiyo space sometime in April.

It's Bob Marley Day!

Hey, Mon!

On what would've been reggae icon Bob Marley's 63rd birthday (Bob Marley Day is celebrated in Jamaica and Ethiopia today), don't let this dreadful weather get to you.

Warm up by checking into these spots that are all things Jamaican:

Calypso Cafe (5211 S. Harper Ave., 773-955-0229). Go for the jerk chicken Caribbean wrap, oxtail stew, smoked jerk baby back ribs or Rasta Pasta (sauteed jumbo shrimp, red peppers, green peppers, scallion and Jamaican spiced sauce).

Good To Go (1947 W. Howard St., 773-381-7777). Yummy Rogers Park Jamaican spot offers all the usual island delights (and a cow foot entree!), plus a host of delicious smoothies in flavors like Passion Lady (pineapple, ginger, carrot, banana, honey, soy milk), Tropical Treat (strawberry, banana, papaya) and Tidal Wave (kiwi, raspberry, banana, soy milk).

Ja' Grill (1008 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-5375). New Lincoln Park spot offers all the favorite jerks: chicken, salads, pork and catfish. Also, you'll get curry chicken and shrimp entrees.

Uncle Joe's Tropic Island Jerk Chicken (419 E. 79th St., 773-224-7766). Hands down, the best jerk entrees in Chicago with budget-friendly prices to boot. Here, you'll also get curry goat, red snapper and a brown stew catfish. Lots of Jamaican beverages too, like ginger beer and Kola "champagne."

The Wild Hare (3530 N. Clark St., 773-327-4273). Live-music venue Exodus Lounge (3477 N. Clark St., 773-348-3998) is closed until March 8 for remodeling, but right across the street is this venerable venue where reggae is live seven nights a week. Also, their official Bob Marley birthday celebration happens on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Deal of the day . . .

The Wine Discount Center (1826 N. Elston Ave., 773-489-3454) offers one of the best deals in town for oenophiles. Their "first look" tasting happens the first Wednesday of every month, and guests get a wide range of newly offered vinos for only $10. You'll get to sample about 30-35 varieties, which will be complemented by appetizers, cheese and fruit. Reservations required; space is limited. Tonight 6:30-8pm.

Also happening tonight is the Chicago Wine Council's super social event, Fondue, Wines, Brews and Valentines. It's not too late to make those reservations at the Melting Pot (609 N. Dearborn St., 312-573-0011), where they've set up several stations for guests to roam around and sample all the goodies. And new this month is the brew-tasting station with unique brews by hometown hero Goose Island. Expect also more than 100 wines, light appetizers and a cool crowd ranging from 20s to 40s. The three-hour event takes place 6-9pm. $40 (advance); $50 (at door, cash only).

O-bama Rama!

(Photo: Erik Kabik)


In the spirit of Barack Obama winning Illinois!

Oggi Trattoria (1378 W. Grand Ave., 312-733-0442). Chilled-out Italian joint serves up heaping portions of homemade pastas: fettuccine Alfredo, gnocchi and lasagna.

Old Town Brasserie (1209 N. Wells St., 312-943-3000). Serving fabulous French fare; don't miss the Salade Lyonnaise or roasted Australian rack of lamb and Kobe beef.

one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph St., 312-850-0303). They've got game too: the boneless Lamb "Wellington," prime Delmonico Steak or the beef tenderloin.

OTOM (951 W. Fulton Market, 312-491-5804). You don't want to miss this mac n' cheese at this fashionable Warehouse District eatery.

Oysy (50 E. Grand Ave., 312-670-6750). Settle into this stylish sushi spot after shopping at nearby Nordstrom. Recs: soft shell crab tempura spider roll or the crispy salmon skin maki.

This reads like a $%^*@# 'chick flick' . . .

Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston star in "The Break-Up," the cult chick flick that will be shown at the "Love Stinks" party at Jbar on Valentine's Day.


. . . or a book of "chick lit," but that's OK because the singles need love too. So that's why Jbar (610 N. Rush, 312-660-7200) is throwing a Love Stinks party—which apparently went so well last year that they decided to do it again!

The bitter bash takes place on Valentine's Day, and as soon as guests arrive they get a freaking voodoo doll to take all those unresolved issues out on. And to kick things up a notch, DJ Jesse de la Pena spins as the ultimate things-gone-wrong flick, "The Break-Up," is shown all over the damn place on the plasma screens.

But all is not lost. Hopefully the party will attract a nice mix of boys and girls because they're awarding an overnight stay at The James (55 E. Ontario St., 312-337-1000) and dinner for two at David Burke's Primehouse (616 N. Rush St., 312-660-6000) to the "Best New Couple" of the night, which is voted on by those in attendance (Best New Couple are two people who meet for the first time at Jbar on Valentine’s Day during the Love Stinks party).

Hey, even if you don't hook up that night, you can take solace in one of these girlie guzzlers, specially designed just for the night:

Anti-Flirt: Champagne, Cointreau, Absolut vodka, pineapple juice served in a martini glass

Blushing Lady: PAMA Liqueur, Roth California vodka, grapefruit juice, splash of grenadine served in a martini glass and garnished with a sugar rim

French Kiss: Kilo Kai rum, Creme de Cassis, orange juice, cranberry juice, Ruinart Rose Champagne served in a martini glass and garnished with an orange slice

Hot & Steamy: Cranberry juice, lime juice, El Tesoro tequila, Grand Marnier served in a martini glass and garnished with a lemon twist

Pucker Up: Cranberry juice, Sambuca white liqueur served in a rocks glass and garnished with a lemon twist