Hey, Fabulous Foodies!
312 Dining Diva is taking some personal time off, and will be back to regular postings on Wednesday, Feb. 13. In the meantime, have a fabulous time feasting out!
Before I go, just one more scoop to leave with you: La Bahia (4111 N. Lincoln Ave.) opens Sunday, Feb. 10 in the Irving Park 'hood. It specializes in fine Mexican cuisine. Hope someone gets a chance to check it out!
Oh, and now that sweet Sixteen (401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-8000) is open in the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, next up will be their super-sleek Rebar lounge, set to debut by the end of the month. As far as Sixteen, I'm looking forward to the Champagne High tea service, which starts on March 8. Served on Saturdays from 11am-3pm, menu highlights include an open-faced lobster club, King crab salad in a cucumber cup as well as sweet bites like chocolate Madelaines and a pecan tart with honey glaze. It's seriously fancy, with prices ranging from $32-$75 (with Champagne high), but sometimes you just need to treat yourself, honey.
And finally, Wicker Park's offbeat sensation Schwa (1466 N. Ashland Ave., 773-252-1466) reopens on Feb. 13, but don't even think about getting in there for Valentine's Day. You might have better luck snagging a table in this tiny BYO during the earlier part of the week because they're pretty much booked solid for the next few weekends.
Friday, February 8, 2008
What the critics are saying . . .
. . . about:
A Mano (335 N. Dearborn St., 312-629-3500). "Housemade gelato and sorbetto are creamy and intense; they are the best bets for dessert (three scoops for $7). Among the gelato, I like chocolate chip, Amaretto and chocolate-hazelnut. As for the sorbetto, I recommend the orange prosecco."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here.
Elephant & Castle (185 N. Wabash Ave., 312-345-1710). "The fish is very good here, enveloped in a properly crunchy batter made with Bass Ale, wrapped in paper (which looks like newspaper but isn't) and served with soft, skin-on steak fries. What makes this place particularly noteworthy is that you get your choice of fish; Elephant & Castle offers cod fish and chips ($11) and halibut fish and chips ($14). Halibut is a fine choice; the fish is noticeably firmer than the cod but has better flavor and flakes beautifully."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune) Read it all here.
Lao Shanghai (2163 S China Pl., 312-808-0830). "The meat, poultry and seafood menu tantalizes with sweet and savory flavors that finish with subtlety. Shanghai dumplings reveal chubby pouches of pork, but lack enough broth to fully enjoy the slurping. Signature smoked tea duck, marinated in five spices, boasts a crispy skin with tender meat right down to the bones. Pan-fried flat noodles tossed with bits of chicken, beef, pork and shrimp arrive without the excess grease. Juicy beef sauced with black beans, garlic and red and black peppers is surprisingly light."—Valerie Moloney (Chicago CitySearch) Read it all here
Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors (4129 W. Lawrence, 773-725-1812). "Distressed copper tables, red vinyl booths, chandeliers cut like Superman’s ice fortress, and a colossal mirror painted with the Chicago skyline all contribute to the sense that the place ought to be swamped with mooks wearing pinkie rings. Instead the tables at Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors are filled with old folks and families, and what brings them in is the superb crispy thin-crust Chicago-style pizza, which has a near perfect grease-to-cheese ratio and is sauced with a sharp gravy. The adjoining space is a well-stocked liquor store with more than 800 wines; you can uncork one at your table for a $2 fee."—Mike Sula (Chicago Reader) Read it all here.
A Mano (335 N. Dearborn St., 312-629-3500). "Housemade gelato and sorbetto are creamy and intense; they are the best bets for dessert (three scoops for $7). Among the gelato, I like chocolate chip, Amaretto and chocolate-hazelnut. As for the sorbetto, I recommend the orange prosecco."—Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business) Read it all here.
Elephant & Castle (185 N. Wabash Ave., 312-345-1710). "The fish is very good here, enveloped in a properly crunchy batter made with Bass Ale, wrapped in paper (which looks like newspaper but isn't) and served with soft, skin-on steak fries. What makes this place particularly noteworthy is that you get your choice of fish; Elephant & Castle offers cod fish and chips ($11) and halibut fish and chips ($14). Halibut is a fine choice; the fish is noticeably firmer than the cod but has better flavor and flakes beautifully."—Phil Vettel (Chicago Tribune) Read it all here.
Lao Shanghai (2163 S China Pl., 312-808-0830). "The meat, poultry and seafood menu tantalizes with sweet and savory flavors that finish with subtlety. Shanghai dumplings reveal chubby pouches of pork, but lack enough broth to fully enjoy the slurping. Signature smoked tea duck, marinated in five spices, boasts a crispy skin with tender meat right down to the bones. Pan-fried flat noodles tossed with bits of chicken, beef, pork and shrimp arrive without the excess grease. Juicy beef sauced with black beans, garlic and red and black peppers is surprisingly light."—Valerie Moloney (Chicago CitySearch) Read it all here
Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors (4129 W. Lawrence, 773-725-1812). "Distressed copper tables, red vinyl booths, chandeliers cut like Superman’s ice fortress, and a colossal mirror painted with the Chicago skyline all contribute to the sense that the place ought to be swamped with mooks wearing pinkie rings. Instead the tables at Marie’s Pizzeria and Liquors are filled with old folks and families, and what brings them in is the superb crispy thin-crust Chicago-style pizza, which has a near perfect grease-to-cheese ratio and is sauced with a sharp gravy. The adjoining space is a well-stocked liquor store with more than 800 wines; you can uncork one at your table for a $2 fee."—Mike Sula (Chicago Reader) Read it all here.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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.
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).
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