Uhm, sorry Time Out . . .

. . . we had "the scoop" on The Bristol last week. You were one week late, kids.

Heather at Hub 51

Dressed simply in a black shawl and jeans, Heather Mills (yes, that Heather Mills) and friends had a low-key dinner at emerging River North hot spot Hub 51 on Monday night.

Not sure why she was there, but an Ultimate Insider said the former Beatles' wife had an all-vegan meal, including an asparagus roll and vegetarian tacos, with beer and wine. No one appeared to recognize her, but she was sitting down eating, after all.

Chowhound to the rescue for visiting Irish fam

A bunch of Chowhounders chime in on where an Irish family should chow down when they visit our fair town for five days.

From the Neapolitan-style pizza at Coalfire to the fish tacos at Mixteco Grill to even the greasy burgers at Billy Goat Tavern, everyone's got a favorite.

What's up next

Dion Antic's on the move again.

He's opening another Rockstar Dogs in Lincoln Park at Armitage and Clark. Look for it to open in October. New menu items will include a veggie corn dog, turkey dog and a new Snoop Dog—named after the rap star—but don't expect any "herbal" ingredients in that one.

And his highly anticipated project, Dirty, is still in the works. That'll make a debut sometime in September.

Live it up . . .

. . . because it's a beautiful day and there's a lot going on:

The guys behind Angels & Kings launch AK47 Mondays tonight with DJ Paul Blair and surprise live performances that'll happen each week. Sponsored by Effen Vodka, with discounted drinks, the party should attract nightlife and music industry types. 9pm-2am. Free.

Sleek River North eatery La Madia is working hard to stand apart from other pizza joints with $5 wine and complimentary pizza throughout the summer. The wine specials are hand-selected by owner/chef Jonathan Fox, and offered in the restaurant's lounge 4-6pm.

Another good dining option can be found at Custom House, as celebrated chef Shawn McClain offers Summer Break, a three-course, prix fixe dinner menu Sunday-Wednesday through Sept. 1. The special is $38, and wine director Sue Kim Drohomyrecky picks her favorite summer white, rosé and red wine carafes for an additional $12.

Or go for something more casual over at Paramount Room, as chef Stephen Dunne features Wagu Kobe burgers and a pint for $10 every night. The burger comes "dressed" with organic mixed greens, red onion, Beefsteak tomato and Paramount Room's special sauce; add artisan cheeses (think vintage cheddar, Farmstead Blue, Gruyere), Berkshire bacon or a fried egg for extra charge.

Havana Club happens at Juicy Wine Co. on Mondays with budget-friendly cocktails and cuisine. For only $5 each, guests get mojitos and Cubano sandwiches (made with roasted pork, pickles and gooey cheese trapped in a roll and pressed thin). DJ Madrid spins Cuban-influenced music to set the mood. 7pm-2am. Free admission.

BYOB just got easier at Irazu

A nice pinot noir from new wine shop Red & White goes nicely with Irazu's grilled tropical chicken breast with rice, beans and plantains. (Photo: Gino Williams for Flickr)


Thank God for Red & White, a heavily wood accented wine shop that just opened last week in Wicker Park. Had it not been there, we would've been stuck with water and the non-alcoholic shakes (even though they are amazing!) during our dinner at Irazu that's right across the street.

Only two guys work the airy, cabin-like venue that's filled with pricey and not-so pricey wine and beer selections, but they know their stuff and can get you on your way within minutes. And for a balmy evening sitting on the Costa Rican restaurant's tiny patio, the moderately priced pinot noir for $14 they recommended was perfect.

The best thing about Red & White and Irazu being next to each other?! If you hit Irazu first and request a biz card for Black & White, you'll get 10 percent off your wine purchase. Now, you cannot beat that!

$57 for a glass of this?!

Drive-Thru calls out Rebar for its trumped up prices on a glass of Glenrothes Select Reserve single malt scotch whisky.

A toast to tequila

It's National Tequila Day. So drink up all day!