March right into the weekend

That's right. There's just too much going on this weekend, so there's no excuse not to hit the streets:

THURSDAY

Avenue M (695 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-243-1133) hosts a cocktail party to introduce its new executive chef, Mariano Aguirre. The party includes complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, but reservations are required by calling the restaurant. Also, the Dan Cray Trio performs. 6pm-until.

Enjoy special selections of French vino at the South Loop Wine Cellar (1442 S. Michigan Ave., 312-356-0630). That event also occurs tonight from 6-8pm. Free.

Also happening in the South Loop is the weekly deep house music party hosted by Groove Parlor. Mario Romay and Mark Grant spin Latin, soul and other sexy sounds at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash Ave., 312-842-8856). 10pm-2am. No cover.

You'll find more high-energy grooves at JBar (610 N. Rush St., 312-660-7200) for the Sounds Good Thursdays session. Jesse de la Pena brings on the sounds with a live percussionist; get there early for a comp VIP champagne tasting from 9-10pm; Stoli Elit cocktail specials all night for $5; bottles $150; 20 percent off King Baby jewelry at event. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Jazzheads can head to 3030 (2830 N. Milwaukee) for the Elastic Arts Foundation's highly regarded weekly Improvised Music Series. Enjoy eclectic sounds by Kimmel/Hatwich/Hess/Riordan, beginning at 10pm.

FRIDAY

San Francisco's DJ Morsecode hits the tables for Outfit Event's weekly bash at Enclave (213 W. Institute Pl., 312-654-0234). I'm not sure if it's the deejays they're bringing in or the crowd, but their events are red-HOT right now. Make sure you check out the after-party at Stone Lotus (873 N. Orleans St., 312-440-9680) till 4am. No cover before 11pm if you RSVP to outfitevents@yahoo.com

The original First Fridays happens this week at Victor Hotel (311 N. Sangamon St., 312-733-6900). DJ Mark Fuller hosts and spins the networking party. 9pm-2am. No cover before 11pm.

SATURDAY

Peruvian-born spin master Mario Romay takes a break from his usual house music to rock out at new party Sunny Side Up. It takes place at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave., 773-276-1411), and he'll spin a special and eclectic mix of Latin and African variety, Brazilian vibes, Afrobeat and more. Resident deejays 4BZ and Mwelwa will also spin. No cover before 11pm; $5 after.

If you feel like heading away for the weekend, the Abbey Resort (269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, WI) is hosting the first-ever Great Chefs at the Lake Series, which kicks off on Saturday. A number of Chicago-based chefs are heading up there, where guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with them, Abbey Executive Chef Scott Powers and each other. Bill Kim (Le Lan), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Dudley Nieto (Zocolo) and Andy Webber (Carlucci Restaurant) are the esteemed chefs who will serve up some of their specialties. Each weekend features a cocktail reception, cooking demonstration with the participating chef, wine-tasting event and a four-course feast. This weekend features Carlucci chef Andy Webber (March 7-9). The following weekends: Dudley Nieto (March 14-16); Mark Mendez (March 28-30); and Bill Kim (April 4-6). Call 800-772-1000 for more information.

SUNDAY

Help some well-deserving youth by dining out at Cafe Selmarie (4729 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595) tonight. Ten percent of dinner sales will benefit the Walter Payton College Prep High School Concert Choir, which has been invited to sing during Beijing's 2008 Summer Olympics. This choir is one of only five in the nation to be invited to participate, so the proceeds will help all 42 members with their travel expenses.

Hollywood invasion continues

Heather Graham is just one of many movie stars currently shooting a film in Chicago.


There's so many celebrities running around town right now filming movies that it's starting to feel like Hollywood.

Now comes word that Jerry O'Connell and Heather Graham, who are filming "Baby on Board" here for the next few months, were spotted this week shooting a scene at the downtown Nick's Fishmarket (51 S. Clark St., 312-621-0200).

Also, Stella's Column reports that Academy Award winning actress Marion ("La Vie en Rose") Cotillard was seen chowing down at La Scarola (721 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-1740) with director Michael Mann, plus a ton of others were out and about.

The Wild Brunch

Yummy Alaskan King crab legs you'll get from Shaw's special buffet.
(Photo: Shaw's)


Easter Brunch is right around the corner, so it's time to make those plans right now. Shaw's Crab House (21 E. Hubbard St., 312.527.2722) is getting in on the action just in time for the occasion, offering a very special brunch buffet with classic dishes you don't want to miss.

Starting on Easter Sunday (March 23), you can nosh on breakfast items like Bananas Foster French Toast, plus some solid seafood choices like assorted maki, Alaskan King crab legs, seared salmon and Lobster Brie Penne Pasta. Of course, there's a dessert station (lemon cheesecake, chocolate-covered strawberries and Key Lime pie, oh my!), Mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar. $39.99 for adults (excludes Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day) and $19.99 for children (kids under age five eat for free). The special brunch is available through Father's Day.

A truly high-end brunch is in store for those who head over to NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030) in the Park Hyatt Chicago. Guests may choose an entrée prepared à la minute, then choose seasonal hot and cold items from a number of stations like From the Ocean; From the Bakery; From the Garden; From the Kitchen and From the Pâtisserie. $105 per person; $35 children ages 6 to 12.

For more budget-conscious cuisine, Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S. Michigan Ave., 312-588-0230) is the way to go, but not just because you'll save a few bucks. The nautical-themed eatery is fun for all, especially if you have some little ones in tow. Everything here is a la carte, but highlights include the Grilled Banana Stuffed French Toast ($8.50), Midwestern Eggs Benedict with flank steak ($8.95) and Biscuits and Gravy with wild game sausage ($7.50). Also, $5 Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers and Mimosas.

Here's Eva!

Frankie’s Scaloppine's Gianfranco Cuneo and Christopher Francis Favero (at top) nabbed this photo with Eva Longoria and friends at the restaurant. (Photo: Frankie’s Scaloppine)


So, a picture finally surfaced of "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria when she stopped in for pizza and apps at brand-new Frankie’s Fifth Floor Pizzeria (900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-266-2500) in late January.

312 Dining Diva reported exclusively that the petite star slipped in unnoticed, and graciously took photos with restaurant general manager Gianfranco Cuneo and vice president Christopher Francis Favero.

Also, its spanking new adjacent restaurant Frankie's Scaloppine has been getting a lot of buzz since it quietly opened a few weeks ago, including this First Bite from The Stew.

Just for the fun of it

It's midweek, you're stressed out and you need a little break. Whether it's a champagne-soaked soiree or a laid-back blues bash, we've got you covered tonight:

It's an all-girl affair at D.O.C. Wine Bar (2602 N. Clark St., 773-883-5101). The monthly Sheque Chicago Ladies' Night Out happens with free mani-pedi treatments as well as champagne cocktails and wine. 7-10pm. No reservations required. Free admission.

If you're up for hangin' out a little later, head to Krem (1750 N. Clark St., 312-932-1750), where deejays spin contemporary music and there's half price on appetizers, wine and bubbly. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Heading out right after work? Settle down at the sophisticated Le Bar (20 E. Chestnut St., 312-324-4000) with $14 martini flights that are paired with 'tini' bites. Guests get a trio of miniature martinis paired with bite-sized tastes such as smoked salmon and fried capers Napoleon; mini burgers and smoked chicken pizza with mushrooms and bell peppers. Free admission.

And things are always jumpin' at the South Loop's Reggie's Music Joint (2105 S. State St., 312-949-0120). The Wednesday night specials are $3 appetizers, $3 Stoli cocktails, $5 Stella and Hoegaarden drafts, and $5 Long Island iced teas and margaritas. Gary Gand's Pro Blues Jam performs at 8pm. It's also open-mic night, so blues or rock musicians bring your instruments! No cover.

Love that chocolate!

Ricky’s "Strappy Hershey’s Cocktail Dress" is on display at the Hershey's Store until March 23. (Photo: Bravo TV)


Who needs "27 Dresses" when contestants from wildly popular Bravo reality show "Project Runway" have created five ultimate frocks during a Hershey's challenge?! During one of the shows, contestants raided a Hershey's store for dress materials, and the most memorable, decadent ones are now on display at the Chicago Hershey’s Store (822 N. Michigan Ave., 312-337-7711).

You've got until March 23 to check out Christian’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Wrapper Dress, Sweet P’s Silver Kisses Paper Dress, Ricky’s Strappy Hershey’s Cocktail Dress, Victorya’s Kisses Ruffle Dress and Elisa’s Hershey’s Velour Dress with Silver Cuffs.

The dresses are being trotted out one last time before all five are auctioned off to benefit the Young Survival Coalition, a charity and activism group devoted to young survivors of breast cancer.

A tune-full Tuesday

Ayo performs at Red Kiva tonight.


Live music and libations. You can't beat that, can you?

Newcomer acoustic soul singer Ayo hits Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph St., 312-226-5577) for a show that's certain to send chills down your spine. She's already made memorable appearances on the "David Letterman Show" and the "Late Late Show," plus her video, "Down on my Knees" is in regular rotation on VH1 and BETJ. Check her out tonight during this free show before she blows the hell up. Also, if you get there early, you can enjoy complimentary Margherita pizza from 5-7pm. Ayo performs at 7pm.

Also, Torch Tuesdays premieres tonight at Martini Park (151 W. Erie St., 312-640-0577). They're reintroducing the classic concept of the cocktail party with a special lineup of crooners reminiscent of Harry Connick Jr., Billie Holiday, Eartha Kitt and Etta James. Tonight's talent is Stephanie Browning, who will likely perform familiar hits. Signature cocktails for the evening include the Classic Side Car, Brandy Alexander, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Kir Royale and the Champagne Cocktail. All will be available for $7 (mixed drinks will be $5). And servers will pass out complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 5-8pm, including filet mignon sauté skewers, chicken sauté skewers, tomato capri, salmon and crème fraiche served on toast points, chicken sliders, Kobe beef sliders, deviled eggs, pigs in a blanket and Martini Park’s signature mac and cheese sticks with truffled cheese sauce. Show starts at 7pm. Free.

And finally, head to Rodan (1530 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-276-7036) for The Cushicles, an alternating group of local jazz musicians every Tuesday. Artists include Jeff Parker, John Herndon, Josh Abrams, Nori Tanaka, David Boykin, Matt Lux, Aram Shelton, Jonathan Crawford, Tim Daisy, Frank Rosaly, Nate Lepine and Anton Hatwich. Show starts at 10:30pm. No cover.

The No. 1 place to meet eligible men . . .

. . . is the Apple Store, according to this article that cites Cosmo magazine as its source.

In the same vein, and so we're not pushing Apple, single gals can check out The Studio—Experience by Microsoft, a new entertainment lounge inside Hotel Sax (333 N. Dearborn St., 312-245-0333).

Just a thought, ladies.