It's about @#$%^&*(*!)?! time!

After months and months of delay, Cinners Chili Parlour (4757 N. Talman Ave., 773-654-1624) is finally opening on April 4! But, ahhhhh, it's finally starting to warm up, so isn't it just a little too late in the season for chili?!

Big Jones (5347 N. Clark St., 773-275-5725), the contemporary Southern restaurant going into the old Augie's space in Andersonville, opens on April 9.

On the horizon, Hub 51 (21 W. Hubbard St.), the project from brothers R.J. and Jerrod Melman (of Lettuce Entertain You fame), debuts in June.

And finally, word is that the Small Bar (2049 W. Division St., 773-772-2727 and 2954 N. Albany Ave., 773-509-9888) owners have their sights set on Lakeview for their third location. They're planning to take over the old Ann Sather location at 929 W. Belmont Ave. sometime later this year. Summer, perhaps?!

A tough break . . .

One of my Ultimate Insiders writes in:

"My personal trainer and one of the guys from the gym who grew up with (owner) Gerald Lott stop into Connoisseur (1041 W. Grand Ave., 312-738-3055) periodically. My trainer mentioned there was a recent breakin/the cash register was stolen which is unfortunate for Gerald and the neighborhood."

That explains why the casual champagne and wine bar has been closed the last few weekends I've passed it. I hope they'll be able to make a comeback.

Hot Diggity Dog

When most people think of Opening Day at Wrigley Field, they're thinking that this is the year the Cubs will finally win it all. And while I'm 100 percent behind the North Side stars, I'm also thinking about those hot dogs.

Just thinking about baseball season makes my mouth water for them, so I went in search for some of the best dogs in town:

At the Lincoln Park location of America's Dog (2300 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-281-2333), they’re specializing in hot dogs from all over the country. The all-American setting—with maps and photos of national landmarks all over the walls—attracts families during the day and boisterous barcrawlers after hours. I bypassed the Chicago-style dog for the Dallas Dog, which was smothered in a perfectly seasoned chili as well as onions and shredded cheddar cheese. For a more offbeat offering, I sampled the Buffalo Dog, which had the zing of hot wings—a spicy hot sauce, bleu cheese and celery salt bringing it all together. Out of the three that I tried, this one by far was my favorite, but the next time I go, I’ve got my eye on the Des Moines Dog a.k.a. the corndog. If you order the meal deal for your dog, you also get a heaping of seasoned curly fries, onion rings or cheddar fries. Additional America’s Dog locations are on Navy Pier and in the Loop.

Even more offbeat is Hot Doug’s, which goes off the deep end when it comes to hot dogs. Weekends draw the longest lines, and you’ll find yourself waiting for up to 20 minutes for the made-on-premises encased meats. He actually has a Chicago-style dog on the menu—which is very popular by the way—but the more adventurous go for hot dogs made with more unconventional meats like spicy jerk pork sausage, or apple-rosemary and spicy Thai chicken sausage. My favorite? The Salma Hayek, a spicy dog made of tangy Andouille Sausage.

And speaking of naming hot dogs after celebrities, they’re doing something similar at Rockstar Dogs, an after-hours joint naming its Vienna beef dogs after famous rock stars. Once you get past the awkwardly placed stripper pole (twirl on it after 10pm to get your dog for free!) at the entrance you’re good to go. Owned by Dion Antic (Harry’s Velvet Room, Iggy’s), he’s named them after the likes of Sting (tantric tofu dog), The Flaming Lip (topped with cheese and grilled jalapeños) and The Tommy Lee (foot-long dog). I kept it simple and went for The Manson—a jumbo dog with my choice of Chicago-style toppings—accompanied by some of the crunchiest tater tots I’ve ever tasted. And because it’s all about the rock ‘n’ roll in here, the meal comes packaged nicely in a box with a guitar pick as a souvenir.

The latest . . .

. . . on Jerry Kleiner's long-awaited Hyde Park eatery Park 52 (5201 S. Harper Court, 773-241-5200) is here. Scheduled to open on April 8, I managed to get my hands on a menu. Highlights from Executive Chef Chris Barron's menu include BBQ spiced ribs, glazed lamb skewers, smoked chicken corn chowder and an herb-roasted half chicken with brioche stuffing.

Also, at L.2O (2300 N. Lincoln Park West), Laurent Gras' glamorous Lincoln Park seafood restaurant, they're giving a sneak preview of their exotic private dining area, Tatami Room: "One of the unique things we have created is the tatami room. The first time I visited Kyoto in Japan, I stayed in a Ryokan, which is a traditional style small hotel. The room was a tatami room, where you slept and ate all of your meals served by a room maid dressed in kimono. The room-service kaiseki I had there was one of my best meals ever. I also visited restaurants in Tokyo where you eat in a private tatami room. These were amazing experiences of quiet, natural luxury and great personalized service. The tatami room in the restaurant will be able to seat 2-6 people and will have a special menu and servers. And yes, just like in Japan you will take off your shoes before you step into the room."

L.2O is also scheduled to open this spring.

And finally, Sky Bar, a new Lincoln Park nightclub, is opening soon.

Be an Earth Angel this weekend

(Photo: World Wildlife Foundation)

You shop the farmers’ market for locally grown and organic produce. You conserve energy by walking or using public transportation as much as possible. And now here’s your chance to help the environment once again. This weekend you can celebrate Earth Hour—a World Wildlife Foundation initiative to turn off the lights in cities around the world for one hour on Saturday from 8-9pm.

Many Chicago restaurants and bars are participating, including Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar (546 N. Wells St., 312-467-0546), which is adding two extra days (tonight and tomorrow) with romantic candlelight dinners in its classic French atmosphere. InnBar (162 E. Ohio St., 312-787-3100), who will celebrate with the Eco-tini (a specialty martini made with organic vodka and juices), and Cityscape Bar (350 W. Mart Plaza Center, 312-836-5000), which will offer The Energizer (V2 vodka infused with caffeine and Taurine with cranberry and grapefruit juices) and Tony Miu's Zentini (Skyy citrus vodka with zen green tea liqueur and fresh lime juice), will also participate.

Other happenings this weekend:

THURSDAY

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. 6-9pm. $80.

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 saxophonist; get there early for a comp VIP champagne tasting from 9-10pm; Stoli Elit cocktail specials all night for $5; bottles $150. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Looking for a chill place for dinner? Head to Café Selmarie (4729 N Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595) for a prix-fixe dinner for only $20. Tonight’s menu includes a petite mixed greens salad, seared Ruby Red Rainbow trout with sweet potato hash and shiitake mushrooms, and a housemade dessert.

A Night in Jarvis Square takes place in Rogers Park. For $35, guests get a three-course Italian dinner at Gruppo Di Amici (1508 W. Jarvis Ave., 773-508-5565); the chance to see the Jeff-recommended “Faster” production; and a wine/cheese post-show reception featuring the cast and crew at Taste Food & Wine (1506 W. Jarvis Ave., 773-761-3663). Dinner takes place between 6-7pm; the show starts at 8pm and the post-party happens at 9:45.

This Ain’t No Ordinary Open Mic occurs at The G Spot (2719 E. 92nd St., 312-399-7522), with live entertainment, private massages, complimentary refreshments and a cash bar. 9-11:30pm. $10 general admission; $5 for performers.


Jesse de la Pena spins every week at Jbar for "Sounds Good Thursdays." (Photo: 312DiningDiva.com)


FRIDAY

Meet and greet the new hosts and crew for local entertainment show “24/7: Secrets of Chicago,” which kicks off on Saturday immediately following “Saturday Night Live” on NBC-5. Party takes place at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard St., 312-645-6000), and co-owner Billy Dec is also co-host of the new show (where in the hell does this guy find the time?!). 6-8pm, and RSVP to vip@rockitranch.com.

Hipster Wicker Park clothing boutique Bonnie & Clyde's (1751 W. Division St., 773-235-2680) hosts a fashion show and party at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222) with guest DJ Steve Aoki a.k.a. Kid Millionaire. Jeffrey Sebelia of Bravo's "Project Runway" also hosts the event, which features fashions by UGG. Dark Wave Disco deejays also spin, and there’s a Snow Queen vodka hosted bar from 9:30-10:30 if you RSVP at rsvp@bonnie-clydes.net. 9pm-2am.

The first 25 people who show up at Victor Hotel (311 N. Sangamon St., 312-733-6900) for the American Boogie Down Release Party get a free CD, which has been highly rated by critics. DJ Jerome Derradji celebrates the worldwide release of "The American Boogie Down,"—his first disco boogie mix CD for London's best BBE records. Party starts at 10pm for $10.

SATURDAY

Shop Chicago—GEN ART’s world-class shopping experience—returns to The Great Hall, Union Station (210 S. Canal St.) featuring more than 80 emerging accessory and clothing designers, including Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, Erin Gallagher Jewelry, Haji Couture, Warth Acarne and Akira. Guests can shop the latest trends, enjoy complimentary cocktails and even receive a little pampering at the Shop Chicago Beauty Lounge. VIPs will enjoy champagne, Shop Chicago gift bags and a break from the busy Shop Chicago floor in the Room & Board VIP Lounge. Guests of the VIP Lounge will also be treated to hors d’oeuvres provided by Food for Thought catering and the Berry Chill (635 N. State St., 312-266-2445) frozen yogurt bar. 3-8pm. VIP tickets $40 (available in advance); free general admission by RSVPing to 312-229-1701.

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. 9pm at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 201 S. Ashland Ave. Call 312-226-9633 for tix.

'Top Chef 4:' Week 3

Stephanie Izard's Mixed Fruit with Oatmeal-Pine Nut Crumble (Photo: Bravo)


Hometown hero and Top Chef contestant Stephanie Izard posted this recipe for Mixed Fruit with Oatmeal-Pine Nut Crumble on the Bravo web site. Also, she didn't get sent packing her knives tonight!

And our own Rick Bayeless, of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo (449 N. Clark St., 312-661-0381‎) fame, blogs on Bravo with his thoughts on the show.

The Wild Brunch

“The King” French toast, available only at Rockit Bar & Grill.
(Photo: Rockit Bar & Grill)


Music is the key at these Sunday brunch spots where the eats deliciously match the beats:

At Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard St., 312-645-6000), you’ll get classic acoustic rock by some local artists playing everything from the Rolling Stones, Beatles and early Sheryl Crow. You’ll definitely want to pair that with their newest brunch offering—The King—an ultimate French toast dish that’s the perfect tribute to Elvis. You’ll want a little less conversation at the table as you dig into decadent bites of the thick-cut French toast swirling with a peanut butter reduction, freshly sliced bananas, whipped cream and toasted peanuts. That’s $12, and do yourself a favor and pair it with the Mimosa Kit, which comes with a bottle of bubbly as well as a selection of freshly squeezed juices like mango, orange and pineapple. Get that for $30 or go all out with a premium bottle of Champagne for $50. 11am-4pm.

Cuatro’s (2030 S. Wabash Ave., 312-842-8856) sexy Bossa Nova Brunch is probably the hottest thing going on in the South Loop on Sundays. Latin band Bossa Tres spills the sounds as customers nosh on South American favorites like the coconut-milk pancakes studded with fresh pineapple, mango and toasted pecans for $7 or the slow-roasted pork empanadas for $8. Indulge in the Forbidden Fruit Sangria, which is infused with a dozen tropical fruits, for $10, to wash it all down. 10am-3pm.

And it’s time to get the blues at Junior’s Sports Lounge (724 W. Maxwell St., 312-421-2277), starting Sunday, March 30 and throughout the summer. Two Maxwell Street institutions—Fruteland Jackson and Fernando Jones—kick off the series throughout March. I’ve seen Fernando play before and he does it all—with the harmonica, vocals and guitar. He’s also good about getting the crowd involved, so don’t be surprised when he pulls you onstage to play the harmonica with him! Junior’s serves an all-American brunch to go with the blues, including a breakfast burrito, make-your-own omelet station and a build-your-own-breakfast sandwich station. Prices are only $7-$8. 12:30-2:30pm.

Have a Hearty good time

Steve McDonagh (left) and partner Dan Smith on the set with guests at HBTV. (Photo: 312DiningDiva.com)


Food Network stars Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh—better known as The Hearty Boys—launched HBTV (3819 N. Broadway, 773-244-9866) back in December, but last night the two dining dynamos hosted a media event to demonstrate its unique concept.

What sets HBTV apart from other private-dining venues is that it's truly an interactive experience. In this very intimate and contemporary space that accommodates 10 to 75 (depending if you're having a sit-down dinner or reception), guests get a custom-designed menu, cocktails and a show.

Now, the show is where things get really interesting as they've got a mock kitchen set up as though they're taping one of their Food Network segments. The Hearty Boys host, of course, and bring several of the guests up to join in on the fun of creating interesting dishes, like the savory bread pudding they whipped up last night. This is all taped professionally and every attendee gets a copy of the DVD as a souvenir.

But HBTV doesn't come cheap. It's $125 a head, but think of it this way: You'd probably spend that much—or more—for dinner and a show. At least this way, you're getting a piece of the action.