Up, up in the sky

The yearround Vertigo rooftop lounge is set to open in mid-September. (Photo: Dana Hotel)


I've been holding on to the generous gift card given to me at the Dana Hotel/ajasteak opening party simply because I've been waiting for the opening of their gorgeous rooftop lounge Vertigo.

Scheduled to open in mid-September, the 3,100-square-foot bar will have amazing views of State Street, with much of it covered so we can go play there yearround. And what'll really set it apart from the others is that Vertigo will have a deejay spinning sexy grooves, several bars (including a martini bar), a central fire pit, and those low-slung chairs and Ottomans certain to keep party people here for hours.

Since that opening's still a few weeks away, here's where to play today:

C-View: Located on the 29th floor of the Affinia Hotel, this former penthouse will make you feel like a rock star. A limited menu of shareable dishes from the first-floor C-House is available, and of course an awesome skyline view.

NoMI: Signature champagne cocktails NoMI Bloom (St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Hisbiscus infused syrup) and Park Flower (with rose essence, Chambord, lychee puree) should be sipped on the elegant seventh-floor rooftop lounge adjacent to the restaurant.

Zed451: Ever since this River North hot spot extended its rooftop hours to 2:30pm (11:30am on weekends!), it's been even crazier to get onto. It's totally worth the wait, especially for light bites like the short rib sliders and fondue platter filled with meats, cheese and bread.

The Glamorous, The Grooves and The Grub . . .

Glamorama—with hot headliners MC Hammer, Cyndi Lauper and DJ Berrie—is going down this weekend, but of course there's a lot more happening:

THURSDAY

It's the last weekend for the Chicago SummerDance Festival, happening at Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (601 S. Michigan Ave.). Tonight's final event is with Shiko Mawatu, a band kicking out Congolese Rumba and Soukous; dance lessons by Issac Katalayi. Friday's Big Band swingers Outcast Jazz Band shake things up right after a dance lesson by Margot McGraw-Toppen and Riley Wimes Jr. Saturday's party is all about Latin lovin' with Angel Melendez's tribute to Hector Lavoe. That dance lesson will be by Lisa "La Boriqua," featuring merengue, Cha-Cha and salsa. And Trio Garcia performs golden and modern age tango on Sunday with a lesson by the American Tango Institute. Thursday-Saturday 6-9:30pm; Sunday 4-7pm. Call 312-742-4007 for more info. No cover.

What's certain to be an instant neighborhood fave is Old Oak Tap, which finally opens tonight. You'll want to chill out on the 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio and take advantage of that menu offering more than 40 specialty beers (!!). Owned by the guys behind The Continental and Darkroom—two other 'hood hits—this is the one people have been waiting for all summer.

Back Beat Boogie Thursdays has quietly become a Thursday-night sensation at Cat's Meow. DJ Eric Burba spins rare grooves (anything from trip hop to reggae to nujazz) and typically brings on special guest spin stars. Guests can also chill out on the large patio and take advantage of $2 PBRs, $3 Jameson shots and appetizer specials. 9pm-2am. No cover.

FRIDAY

Good Magazine, which launched last year by a bunch of young rich Californians, throws a party at Salvage One (1840 W. Hubbard St.). If you make it, you'll be treated to giveaways, cocktails and the opportunity to check out some architectural artifacts. Performers include FLOSSTRADAMUS, Hollywood Holt and Willy Joy. And you'll be able to indulge in delicious delights from The Bleeding Heart Bakery, Crust, Raw Creations and The Balanced Kitchen. 7pm. $20. Call 646-356-7730 for more info.

The Be Bright Pink takes place at Underground, hosted by Orbit White. In support of its partnership with Bright Pink and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Orbit White Bubblemint is offering two special edition packs, a 12-count flat-pack and a 60-count Big-E-Pak. (When consumers purchase either pack between September and October, 10 percent of the purchase price will be donated to Bright Pink.) This national launch party will include Ketel One cocktails, beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Get tickets here. 9-11pm. $35.

Celeb spin star Samantha Ronson returns to Crimson Lounge. Party this time is hosted by Equinox Fitness Clubs. 9pm-2am. No cover.

And head to Moonshine for Bootlegged, a deep house and soul party featuring the sounds of Dave Gandy, Brad DeLisio and Jevon Jackson. 9pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Green City Market hosts another chef demo with Craig DiFonzo of A Mano at 10:30am. The Market goes on until 1:30pm. No cover.

Get your bubbles on early at Pops for Champagne, which holds a Loire Valley Sparklers Tasting that will include s number of sparkling wines. 3-5pm. $15.

SUNDAY

And slip into acclaimed Northcenter eatery Sola for brunch, which happens on Saturday and Sunday. The Hawaii-inspired menu includes items like Pineapple Upside Down French Toast, Chef Carol's famous Chilaquiles and tortilla hash. 10am-2pm.

Pour it on in style

Some wine and dining events you'll appreciate tonight:

It's not too late to get a reservation for the Vosges Chocolates & Wine Pairing, happening at Just Grapes. Experts will be on hand to explain why they complement each other nicely. You'll also get a Vosges Haut Chocolat gift set. 6-8pm. $50.

Also, La Madia continues its "perfect pairing" treat throughout the summer. Choose from specially selected wines priced at $5, and enjoy free pizza from 4-6pm in the lounge.

Lush Wine and Spirits is hosting a free pig roast on its store's back patio. Guests will be able to indulge in all things Jim Beam, live music, free samples of hand-crafted cocktails and more. 6-9pm. Free.

And if you're having dinner or drinks at SushiSamba rio, check out the weekly performance of Ginza Tropicalia. A festive Brazilian band, Samba dancers and singers are certain to entertain. Oh, and the best part is that you'll be able to join in on the action!

Will Apple get pissed about this?!

Chocolate ice cream with Gummi Bears at iCream. (Photo: Joe Rosner for MenuPages.com)


MenuPages checked out Wicker Park sensation iCream on its first day, and had this to say:

"When we entered iCream in Wicker Park on its opening day we realized we were inside an iPod (or at least Steve Jobs' treehouse). A white, curvy-square indoor storefront with futuristic words on the walls (the line is the iFactory, the countertops are the iLab), icy nitrogen tanks, and (of course) touch screens for placing your order. And although we didn't witness it, we were told that soon customers could plug their own iPods (the original Apple ones) into the wall and add songs to a store-wide playlist."

I predict some drama coming if Apple gets wind of this . . .

Happy Birthday, Root Beer Float!

Cafe Matou's "adult" Root Beer Float gets its kick with a shot of Meyer’s Dark Jamaican Rum. (Photo: Peter Riskind for Cafe Matou)


August is a big month for birthdays: John McCain, Madonna, Michael Jackson . . . and The Root Beer Float!

Created in Colorado on Aug. 19, 1893, by Cripple Creek Brewing's Frank J. Wisner, the first one was made by "floating" a scoop of ice cream in a glass of Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. Wisner named the drink after nearby Cow Mountain, but it was later shortened to "black cow" and is now interchangeable with "root beer."

So today, why not celebrate the Root Beer Float's birth with a nice, frothy treat at one of these places doing them very well:

At Cityscape Bar, it is served "adult style," as mixologists hook 'em up with Absolut vodka, Root Beer Schnapps, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and a root beer candy. The lounge is located on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart, so you'll get sweeping views of the city as you sip your sweet treat.

Café Matou in Wicker Park also kicks its version up for adult consumption. Wine Director James Rahn calls his Le Chat de Calicot d'Ivrogne, a blend of Thomas Kemper Root Beer, house-made vanilla ice cream and a shot of Meyer’s Dark Jamaican Rum. It's best enjoyed on their intimate outdoor patio right after dinner.



Celebrated Pastry Chef Gale Gand created a Root Beer Float cupcake for More. (Photo: More)


Head to Elk Grove Village for Sweet Baby Ray’s delicious concoction that's the perfect ending to their hearty barbecue dinners. This high-end Root Beer Float features Weinhard’s Root Beer and Homer’s vanilla ice cream, and is served in a 16 oz. frosted beer scooner.

It doesn't open until Sept. 12, but the Gold Coast's More will be a hit with 'hoodsters for the Root Beer Float cupcake. Super pastry chef Gale Gand (who's actually known for her Root Beer Floats) creates it with a yellow cake base with root beer frosting and garnished with a hard root beer candy and straw.

And leave it to gastropub Paramount Room to put the beer in the Root Beer Float: Their black and tan float is made by combining Guinness ice cream and Abita root beer.—Additional reporting by Suzy McMillen

Oodles of noodles

Get ready for Urban Belly—a BYOB noodle-and-dumpling hideaway in Logan Square—opening Tuesday.

Urban Daddy's writeup will make you drool.

Lady GaGa turns out Manor

Lady GaGa performed her hit club anthem "Just Dance" at Manor on Friday. (Photo: darkroomdemons.com)


While the Chicago Air & Water Show ruled the sky over the weekend, Interscope Records' newest star Lady GaGa commanded the stage at Manor during a memorable performance of her hit single, "Just Dance."

The party was hosted by multi-platinum artist Akon, who's only made a couple of rare appearances in our fair city. Nevertheless, regardless of what the critics (pros and patrons) are saying, it's always good to get some non-conventional acts in our clubs. Props to places like Manor, Funky Buddha Lounge and Underground for getting their hands on those up-and-coming national acts before they hit it really big!

TLT hangs out with Bill Murray . . . sorta

The Local Tourist ran into movie star Bill Murray at Friar Tuck over the weekend.

They were nice enough to leave him be. Thank God, because after a few cocktails, Bill can get a little "frisky" with his female fans.