Sweet Thang, Oak Tree say au revoir

Sweet Thang lost its lease in Bucktown on Sunday after 10 years. (Photo: Sweet Thang)


After 10 successful years in its Bucktown home at 1921 W. North Ave., French pastry shop Sweet Thang is making a move. The owners lost their lease, so they're looking for a new venue in the neighborhood.

But have no fear because they're still whipping up the goodies at the new Roscoe Village location.

Another big closing is The Oak Tree, the long-time family favorite in the 900 Shops at 900 N. Michigan Ave. It's on its way out on Monday to make way for French-focused eatery Jacque's. After a few months of renovation, look for that to open in October under the same ownership.

Muy caliente concert venue comes to Wicker Park

Stella's Column has the deets on new concert venue/restaurant Fuego Mexican Grill/V Live that's debuting in the fall with a special performance by R&B sensation John Legend.

Ooh, ooh here it comes . . .

. . . it's the weekend:

THURSDAY

Landmark Grill + Lounge kicks off a new seasonal series tonight. Passport to Summer should be a hit with the hip-stars for the complimentary 10 Cane Rum cocktails, small, creative bites by executive chef Benjamin Browning and fashion show. Event starts at 7:30pm with the cocktail party, then a fashion show with Akira happening at 10. No cover.

Celebrity favorite deejay Samantha Ronson returns for her monthly set at Crimson, and who knows who'll show up with her. Last time it was Lindsay Lohan, this time it could be ________! Ronson starts at 9pm, but get there early for the GQ Magazine/Discover Heineken Around the World reception. Comp Heineken 8-10pm. Free.

It's time for Highsight's annual Midsummer Eve of the Eve—the midpoint to their Eve of the Eve holiday bash. After-work party attracts young city-centric professionals and includes an open bar, food, live music and a silent auction. 7pm-midnight. Cafe Brauer, 2021 N. Stockton Dr. $80.

Get ready for a special preview of the 86 Collective featuring Echo. The artsy cocktail party will also have a special appearance by actress Amy Sedaris, passed appetizers and comp cocktails. 7-9pm. RSVP to 86collective@factio-magazine.com for admission. 1101 W. Fulton Market

As part of the Gen Art Film Festival, AMC Pipers Alley (1608 N. Wells St.) will have the Chicago premiere of "Dark Streets," starring Bijou Phillips. A Q&A will immediately follow, then the after-party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Film at 7pm; party kicks off at 9:30pm. $15-$20.

FRIDAY

It's time to Melt at Victor Hotel. Party includes James Lauer and Funky Couture holding it down with hot electronica dance; drink specials include $7 P.I.N.K. vodka cocktails. 9pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

There's never a bad time for bubbly, and Pops for Champagne gets the party started early with this afternoon tasting. Guests will have the opportunity to sample three cuvées from Iron Horse Vineyards, which cranks out exceptional craft-produced sparkling wines. 3-5pm. $15.

Head to Lush Wine and Spirits for the Three Floyds XI release party of some spectacular ales. They'll also be pouring three additional Floyds beers and grilling brats on the patio. 5-8pm. Free.

If you're putzing around Wicker Park on Saturday evening, make your way to Silver Room (1442 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for the Beat Boutique. This time they're featuring Kinky Notti, a local Neo-Soul group taking the city—and country—by storm. Also performing are Spqher, Sanction Music Group and DJ Sean Alverez. 7pm-midnight. Free.

SUNDAY

After the Pride Parade, one of the best bets should be the Super Secret Makeout Party at Kinetic Playground (1113 W. Lawrence Ave., 773-769-5483). Hosted by Music 101, Beat Giants and Malibu Rum, the event includes performances by local spin stars Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini, Ron Carroll, Steve Melvage, Dark Wave Disco (Trancid, Mark Gertz, Greg Corner) and a special '80s set by Medusa Circle's Pier. 4pm-4am. Free.

Pastry chef cooks up healthy new tome for kids

Foodies know Gale Gand as the award-winning pastry chef behind Tru, and most recently as the consulting chef over at new Gold Coast cupcakery More.

But her most recent project is a far stretch from her sugary cookies, signature lollipops and fruity tarts. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Wheat Foods Council, she's written Food for Thought from Parents to Children, a cookbook filled with fun, yet health-conscious, wheat-based recipes that families can prepare together. Just some of Gand's favorites, which she's made with her own kids, include Chocolate Hazelnut Cereal Haystacks, Wheat Berry Tuna Salad and Strawberry and Yogurt Wheat Crepes.

A portion of cookbook proceeds benefits Spoons Across America, a not-for-profit organization working to positively influence the eating habits of children through hands-on education. The cookbook is $3.50 and can be purchased here.

What's up next, yo . . .

The Stew takes a look at Freshii, the Loop's newest health-conscious option, but they didn't love it.

And Time Out Chicago gives the 411 on Logan Bar & Grill, the new watering hole from the guys behind Black Beetle and the Northside.

A shot at a good time tonight

Don't let the weather get you down, there's plenty going on inside so that you don't miss a step:

The Violet Hour opened last year around this time, and it continues to get props. This time Esquire—in its annual best bars issue—named it one of the country's hottest spots. Tonight, they're celebrating with a party hosted by Don Julio Tequila. 7-11pm. No cover.

The launch party for Chicago Is...Red Hot—the annual fall fashion show by The Apparel Industry Board, Inc.—happens at Chaise Lounge. Hosted by CS magazine, the event includes music by DJ White Shadow, comped cocktails by Ketel One Vodka, appetizers and the opportunity to hang out on one of the sexiest rooftops in the city. 6-9pm. No cover.

SHE Boutique (1024 W. Armitage Ave.) celebrates its first-year anniversary with an event hosted by LUCKY magazine. Explore the Sweet Side of Fashion offers complimentary Prosecco sparkling wine, treats from yummy Dylan's Candy Bar and 20 percent off all purchases. SHE carries a number of top-notch designers, including Roberto Cavalli Sun, Dream Society, Young fabolous and Broke, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, as well as bags by Zac Posen. 7-9pm. No cover, but RSVP to rsvp@skirtpr.com.

Three top Loop chefs join forces for Chefs on the Grill at Park Grill. Executive Chef Bernie Laskowski (Park Grill), Jose Garces (Mercat a la Planxa) and Doran Payne (Rhapsody) prepare their specialties; cocktails and wine included in price. Event benefits the Grant Park Conservancy. 6-8:30pm. $55.

It's the Battle of the Italian Wines as Tuscany takes on Veneto for the June installment of Quartino's monthly wine tasting party. Amarone della Valpolicella vs. Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano, with guests getting to taste their best vino, plus estate bottled olive oils. Also included in the ticket price are Neopolitan thin crust stone oven pizza, classic Italian Salumi, Quartino recipe cured meats and cicchetti (bar snacks) paired with the selections. 7-9pm. $35 (includes a take-home bottle of one of the featured wines).

Go to Manor . . . Stay for more . . .

Stay, Manor's upper-level, late-night lounge, offers a more cool-out vibe than its clubby downstairs sibling. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


Got an exclusive, sneak preview this afternoon of three of the hottest spots to hit River North this summer:

Those guys behind RiNo and Manor are already sitting pretty with two of the biggest celebrity hangouts in the 'hood. Now comes their latest—Stay—which aims for a high-end clientele looking for low-key action. The top-level lounge to Manor has a separate entrance on Erie Street, its own deejay cranking out chilled-out beats and no bottle service requirements (!!!). And the best thing about it?! They're keeping the decor simple with understated, yet refined hard wood accents and a booming sound system that'll jack the party up when you need it to. 4am during the week; 5am Saturdays. Look for Stay to open later this summer.

Hub 51 has gotten mad media attention within the last few days, but nothing's been said about the lower-level bar called Sub 51. It's a simple room, looking like the perfect spot to throw a basement bash, with cushy leather sofas and dim lights so you can push up on a sig other. But co-owner R.J. Melman's fave seats—and ours too!—are tucked away behind the bar, and no one will ever know you're there unless you want them to. It's the perfect cove for a couple. Hub 51/Sub 51 officially opens on Friday.



Hub 51's subterranean lounge Sub 51 offers one of the sexiest hidden nooks in town. (Photo: 312 Dining Diva)


And Donnie Kruse changed up his gastropub BB's for something completely different in Madame Tartine. If you were around when he owned Butterfield 8, then you've got the idea. But this time, he's stepped it up . . . way, way up . . . with a seductive French theme that's a nod to the 1960s. Check the vintage fixtures, wallpaper, artwork and music, but don't go expecting something fuddy duddy. That's all we're saying, for now. Madame Tartine opens in early July.

Slim down with a sexy salad

Looking for lighter, yet tasty dishes this summer?! Whether you're trying to slim down or maintain a fabulous figure, here are some salads meant for more than just munching:

Settle on the breezy outdoor patio at Blue Water Grill for the Seafood Salad. The tangy, well-proportioned plate includes Maryland lump crab, Gulf shrimp, preserved lemon, peppery mesclun greens and honey-roasted walnuts complemented by a tarragon-lime emulsion ($15).

Chaise Lounge's South Beach-inspired upper-level deck is ideal for chowing down on the Waldorf Salad. Their take on the classic dish has roaring '40s Bleu cheese, black walnuts and a yogurt dressing ($7).

Relax on the sceney sidewalk patio or the romantic terrace at Le Colonial for a number of salads. We're particularly fond of the French-Vietnamese restaurant's Goi Thom, a salad of mixed greens, sea beans, cherry tomatoes, water chestnuts and fresh pineapple that's served with light rice wine vinegar dressing ($11).

Neighborhood fave Moonshine offers a popular patio for the Wicker Park crowd. Diners can bask in the sun with the Moonshine Summer Salad, a fresh combination of pan-seared Ahi tuna served over assorted greens, juicy Mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries and Granny Smith apples, tossed with a tangy raspberry vinaigrette ($9; with chicken $11).

And our mouths are watering at the thought of the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Salad at VTK. That's a unique combo of Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, red onions and chilies, and finished with a cilantro-citrus dressing ($12.95).

(Suzy McMillen contributed to this post)