'Top Chef: Chicago' update

It's a blow for the hometown, says The Stew in its recap of Bravo hit show "Top Chef: Chicago." Also, they finally get one of our own as judge for next week's episode: Look for Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo fame (449 N. Clark St., 312-661-0381) as a guest next Wednesday!

Make it a very good weekend

Who needs Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies when there’s cocktails, beer and wine to be had?!

THURSDAY

Good for Party hosts its first monthly interactive party where the guests pick the theme. Tonight’s gig at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222) is Fashion Fetish: What’s Your M.O., and guests are encouraged to wear glamorous ‘80s gear. DJ Tim Baker spins New Wave and other 1980s hits, and there will also be an ‘80s-themed fashion show. Arrive between 9-10pm for complimentary cocktails. 9pm-2am. Free for ladies; $5 for gents.

Another premiere tonight is Strings on the Water, an after-work event featuring live jazz at Flatwater (321 N. Clark St., (312-656-4422). Every Thursday, it’s a chance to unwind with cocktails and connect with your friends—or just make new ones. 5-9pm. Free.

Get ready for a deep house and Latin soul party at Cuatro (2030 S. Wabash Ave., 312-842-8856), as Grooveparlor hosts its weekly Thursday set. Deejays Mario Romay and Mark Grant spin for this mostly South Loop crowd. 10pm-2am. No cover.

You’ll have more than 99 bottles of beer to sample during a tasting at the South Loop Sam's Wines & Spirits (50 E. Roosevelt Rd., 312-663-9463). Choose from crisp and fresh lagers to smooth and rich ales as well as porters, stouts and specialty brews. 5-8pm. $30.

FRIDAY

With all the hype of so-called celebrity deejays spinning these days, it’s good to see this guy reclaim his throne. 3Degrees brings Dimitri from Paris to Crobar (1543 N. Kingsbury, 312-266-1900) to spin a special set to celebrate the release of his new CD, Return to the Playboy Mansion. Special VIP hosts will be Playboy Playmates, and 3Degrees resident DJs Monna, Julius The Mad Thinker and FLX also perform. 9pm-4am.

The Good Friday Pastel Delight party should be an interesting sight. All guests who show up to Boutique (809 W. Evergreen Ave., 312-751-2900) by 11pm get in free. There will also be $5 Bunny-Tinis, whatever the hell those are. 9pm-4am.

SATURDAY

Be one of the first to sample Roscoe Village wine bistro Volo’s new spring menu this weekend. Chef Stephen Dunne has updated it to include seasonal items like the spring pea and basil soup with proscuitto creme fraiche; braised Kobe beef with egg noodles and vegetables; and Peeky Toe crab cakes with wild mushroom lime chili sauce. This week is also a chance to support the TAP Project, a campaign helping to provide safe drinking water to children around the world. 2008 W. Roscoe St., 773-348-4600

SUNDAY


Grammy-winning soul star Jill Scott hosts a Bailey’s party at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222). She’s not performing, just hanging out immediately following her sold-out show at Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.). Complimentary Bailey’s cocktails; call for admission. 9pm-2am.

Maki Madness and more

Ra Sushi's signature "Tootsy Maki" (Photo: Ra Sushi)


How much sushi can you stuff in your face? You've still got a few days to enter a competitive eating contest at one of the area RA Sushi locations for Maki Madness. Organized like a bracket system, competitors who demolish three uncut RA Sushi signature Tootsy Maki in the fastest amount of time advance to the next round. The rounds take place March 28 at 6pm in Glenview (2601 Aviator Lane), March 29 at 4pm in Chicago (1139 N. State St.) and April 2 at 6pm in Lombard (310 Yorktown Center). Deadline to register is March 21 and all contestants must be at least 18. Two semi-finalists will be crowned at each location and will advance to the Championship Sushi Showdown on April 9 at the State Street location. Call 312-274-0011 for more info.

Also, one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph St., 312-850-0303) celebrates its 10th anniversary with a party in conjunction with Green City Market and ChicaGourmets. Chow down on special bites prepared by Executive Chef Martial Noguier, drink libations from an interactive "green" cocktail station, and check out a fashion show highlighting garments from eco-friendly boutique Pivot. A portion of proceeds benefit Growing Home, a charity providing job training and employment opportunities to homeless and low-income people. Thursday, March 27 6-9pm. 2 tickets for $160.

And finally, starting the first week in April, La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave., 312-329-0400) chefs Jonathan Fox and Gianni Zonca kick off a series of cooking classes that spotlight Italian cuisine. After demos, students get to sample their creations complemented by wine and cocktails. Each class is $25 and happens at 11am on Saturdays:

April 5: Perfect Pizzas and Tuscan Red Wines
April 12: Savory Pasta and Crisp Chardonnay
April 19: Spring Salads and Cool Cocktails
April 26: Pretty Paninis and Pinot Noir

Spring fever brings out the charity in all of us . . .

Dust off those tuxes and get ready to slip into your slinkiest gowns because charity ball season arrives with spring.

Who's got the fever for some fun festivities?! Just peruse the list and pick your party:

Blackboard Affair. This is the annual event hosted by Working In The Schools' Junior Board—better known as WITS. Party includes an open bar, dinner buffet, deejay, silent auction and raffle prizes. All proceeds from the event will benefit the more than 2,000 CPS elementary students served by WITS' tutoring programs. $85 in advance; $95 at door. Thursday, April 17, 7-10pm at Carnivale (702 W. Fulton Market). Call 312-606-2030 for tickets.

CARNAVAL. For their fifth-annual event, the performing artists group Collaboration transforms a 120-year-old gothic cathedral into an artistic arena that includes gothic cathedral-inspired live rock music, theatrical interludes, interactive artistry, two floors of dancing, unlimited drinks and a Carnaval couture costume contest. The pew-less church will feature The Prairie Cartel - featuring Blake Smith of Caviar and Scott Lukas of Local H - performing as The Final Salvation; Dark Wave Disco DJs Mark Gertz and Trancid; DJ Jordan Z; DJ LA Jesus; and Collaboraction company member DJ Anacron. $20 for general admission; $75 for VIP that includes access to top floor, separate bar, catered food and special performances. Saturday, March 29 at 9pm at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 201 S. Ashland Ave. Call 312-226-9633 for tix.

GALApalooza. Taking place a day before the three-day Lollapalooza music festival, this second-annual event is in the heart of Grant Park. Last year it attracted more than 600 attendees and they're expecting more to raise funds for Parkways Foundation, the non-profit partner of the Chicago Park District. Guests enjoy cocktails and dinner in the ultra cool “Lounge Pods” for 10 instead of traditional tables. Also expect live entertainment and an appearance by Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell. Thursday, July 31. Tickets are $350 and can be had by calling 312-742-4804.

Have Mercy! Spring Gala. The Junior Board of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls hosts its annual cocktail party that includes an open bar, appetizers, karaoke, dancing and silent auction. The party occurs at The James (55 E. Ontario St.) on Saturday, April 26 8pm-midnight. Purchase tickets at mercyhome.org/havemercy for $85-$125.

Jazz for Youth. Jobs For Youth, which has placed more than 25,000 at-risk youths in jobs since 1979, will have its spring soiree at the Park West (322 W. Armitage Ave.). The party includes a lavish buffet supper, open bar, casino gaming, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment by Jimmy Damon—the only singer authorized by Frank Sinatra to sing his music during his lifetime. Party happens on Saturday, May 3 7pm-midnight. Get the $175 tickets at jfychicago.org.

Red or White Ball. The sixth-annual charity event hosted by the Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council takes place on Friday, May 30 at 8pm. Expect Chicago's movers and shakers to make an appearance at this party that includes an evening of cocktails, food, entertainment, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Event takes place at the Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 E. 21st St. A limited number of $500 VIP packages are also available: Each includes two event tickets, access for two to a private cocktail reception at 7pm with Steppenwolf ensemble members, enhanced goody bags and a one-year membership in the Auxiliary Council. Tickets, including the $135 general admission, are available by calling 312-654-5672.

Viva! This is the 11th-annual scholarship fundraiser benefiting Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. The party includes a premium open bar, gourmet Mexican buffet, live music by Angel Melendez Tropical Band, live/silent auction and $10,000 raffle. Starts at 5:30pm on Thursday, May 8. Chase North Promenade at Milennium Park, Michigan Avenue and Randolph Streets. The $100-$125 tickets can be purchased at 773-890-6817.

Deal(s) of the day . . .

It's Meet the Winemaker! night at WineStyles Belmont (1433 W. Belmont Ave., 773-549-2227). Tonight's event introduces Paul Chevalier, the national fine wine director for Shaw-Ross International Importers. He'll guide guests through a tasting of four spectacular wines from the Rhone region of France. This is your opportunity to get real with Rhone. $15 ($5 for wine club members). Space is limited, so RSVP before you go. 6-8pm.

It's also Fried Chicken Night at Paramount Room (415 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-829-6300), so Executive Chef Stephen Dunne is whipping up 1/2 Amish fried chicken that's buttermilk dipped and dredged in cornflakes and Panko breadcrumbs. It's $16.95, goes well with one of their craft beers and only offered on Wednesday.

And every Wednesday is also a chance to get the $10 Kobe burgers at Sweet and Savories (1534 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-281-6778), the sensational French-focused eatery in Lincoln Park. Pair one with a bottle of bubbly or a nice red wine.

Guess who applied for a liquor license today?!

Restaurateurs Paul Kahan (sitting) and Donnie Madia are part of a four-man team opening a West Loop, beer-focused venue this spring/summer. (Photo: Michael Stryder)


Right now the only name they're disclosing is still the address—at 845 W. Fulton St.—but there is some progress to report on the beer-focused venue coming our way sometime this season from Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia and Terry Alexander.

Just found out that the team finally applied for a liquor license today, but it would really, really be nice if we could get a name.

On another note, I'm not sure what's going on over on Grand Avenue with Connoisseur Wine Bar (1041 W. Grand Ave., 312-738-3055), but the last four times I've passed by it during its regular business hours the lights have been off. Phone is still working with voice mail, but no one's picking up. Hmmmmmm.

And finally, The Fifty/50 (2047 W. Division St., 773-489-5050), an upscale sports bar certain to rival The Boundary (1932 W. Division St., 773-278-1919) a block away, makes its debut on March 21 in the old Bravo tapas space.

Open call for new reality restaurant show

Found this on Craigslist, if you're interested in being on yet another "reality" restaurant show:

OPEN CALL FOR NEW NBC RESTAURANT COMPETITION SHOW

GRANADA AMERICA, the producers that brought you
Nanny 911, Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares
are seeking two-person teams, with pre-existing relationships, who have always dreamed of opening their own restaurant!

Have you and your spouse, friend, family member, business associate or colleague dreamed of opening your own restaurant? Is one of you a whiz in the kitchen while the other is a front of the house superstar? Do you have what it takes to open and run a successful restaurant? Has financing always been a problem?

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!

Casting Directors want to meet your team at our open call!

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago- Hamer Room- 4th Floor
230 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
Saturday- March 22nd, 2008
10am – 4pm

WE ARE SEEKING PEOPLE WHO ARE:
• Over 21 years of age; U.S. Citizens or Permanent U.S. Residents
• 2-person teams with pre-existing relationships: couples, friends, family, co-workers, chef teams, retired couples, college grads, weekend gourmets, old and young!
• Must be outgoing, creative, love the restaurant business and want to open and run your own restaurant!

APPLICANTS SHOULD COME TO THE OPEN CALL AS A TEAM WITH COMPLETED APPLICATIONS

For more information E-mail or Call us: NBCteamsChicago@yahoo.com or (323) 785-2325.
Please include your names, ages, the city you’re from, occupations, contact phone numbers, a recent photograph of yourselves and a brief summary as to why your team is perfect for the show!

Additional information posted on the Now Casting section at www.NBC.com

Deal(s) of the day . . .

Marigold's "Tuesday Tasting" menu includes entrees like the duck leg dum with spicy green beans. (Photo: Marigold)


You get two more chances (tonight included) to sample the special Holi menu that welcomes the arrival of spring at trendy Indian eatery Marigold (4832 N. Broadway, 773-293-4653). The Uptown neighborhood newcomer is celebrating the traditional Indian holiday during its regular Tasting Tuesday event with a special three-course menu for $25.

Also known as the “Festival of Colors,” Holi is a glorious spectacle and a riot of colors. On this day, people literally throw colored powder on each other or spray each other with colored water on the streets and in the town-square. While there won't be any colored powder, Marigold's special menu is a spirited effort that includes Boti Kabab, or a skewer of boneless lamb cubes marinated in tandoori spices; Dahi Wada, or savory black gram lentil wada dumplings drizzled with cooling yogurt and mint chutney; and Murgh Malai Tikka, quarter-chicken marinated in malai cream, coriander, nutmeg, red chili powder, and baked.

Also happening tonight is NoMI's tribute to women winemakers during its weekly Cellar Notes event. Guests will have an opportunity to sample up to 10 varieties from women winemakers from around the world. 5:30-7:30pm. $30. 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030

And every Tuesday at Tallulah (4539 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-942-7585), guests can BYOW (bring your own wine). It's time to break out your favorites as you nosh on signature starters like the spicy Maine lobster Deviled eggs, crab and Andouille fritters or the butternut squash and Gorgonzola ravioli in a cranberry-orange bisque