Oak Tree opening delayed another month

Here's evidence that you cannot rely on restaurants to open when they say they will:

The Dish reported way back in July that Mag Mile fave Oak Tree was coming back as Oak Tree Restaurant & Bakery on Thursday.

Turns out that's not happening after all—at least not this week. They're now looking at a Nov. 15 re-opening, but hey, you never, ever know.

Recap of first-ever Chicago Gourmet

I didn't get a chance to check out the highly anticipated Chicago Gourmet: A Celebration of Food and Wine event, but my colleagues over at The Stew hung out all weekend with several blog posts, including this one.

Here's a taste:

"If you wanted to taste the food of the A-list chefs, you had to wait for the individual tasting tables staggered throughout the day. These lasted roughly 90 minutes. Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate served a cold thimble of hot chocolate; Rick Moonen of Las Vegas’ RM Seafood served a refreshing arctic char ceviche. I did not have a bad thimble of anything, however long the lines for those thimbles could get. My highlight was the pretty little bamboo plate of unbelievable foie gras served by Christophe David at NoMI. It came topped with a dollop of apricot-Thai long peppercorn chutney."

Today's the day . . .

. . . for City Hall and Wrigleyville bar owners to meet on that wack proposal. They're convening at John Barleycorn and hopefully they'll come out of there with a solution to make all happy.

Hennessy Artistry Series hits town with Ashanti

Ashanti performing at the "Hennessy Artistry Series," which took place at Spy Bar on Thursday. (Photo: Spy Bar)


Despite feeling a bit under the weather, R&B songstress Ashanti still managed to put on one hell of a show at Spy Bar Thursday.

In town for the touring Hennessy Artistry Series, she sang all of her hits, plus previewed a couple of songs from her upcoming album, The Declaration. It was a huge turnout for this invite-only party featuring Hennessy-infused cocktails (cognac mojitos?!) and appetizers; plus the crowd was a diverse mix of industry insiders and young professionals.

It's great to see that clubs are finally getting the message that every once in a while they need to shake things up in order to get the people out and about. Spy Bar's line was way down the street, filled with eager beavers ready to party their asses off. I don't know how long Hennessy was pouring that free hooch, but something tells me that no bottles were left over . . .

David Beckham's a gracious loser

The L.A. Galaxy was beaten by our Chicago Fire soccer team 3-1, so you'd think they'd be sitting in their hotel rooms licking their wounds.

Instead they hung out hardcore early Friday morning at celebrity magnet Underground, where super star David Beckham didn't shy away from the crowds—as expected—even though they were nestled in a corner.

The plaid-shirt clad Beckham just stood at his well-guarded table drinking beer and nodding his head to beats by birthday boy (R&B super producer) Jermaine Dupri, who spun a special set of hip-hop, house and R&B jams to get the crowd all worked up. Too bad Dupri's girlfriend, Janet Jackson, whose Rock Wit You Tour made a stop at Allstate Arena, didn't make a cameo.

But hey! Two out of three isn't bad.

R. Kelly throws public party at his crib?!

So I received several emails from reliable sources about some big bash at the private residence of R. Kelly in the 'burbs. The party includes the usual: live music, poolside fun, free food and drinks, plus the opportunity to be one of the first people to hear his upcoming album in its entirety.

I get these invites every so often, but this time it looks like they're inviting anyone who wants to go. Strange!

Apparently, if you want to hang, all you have to do is show up by 9:30pm Saturday at Debonair Social Club. They're providing free transportation as long as you're 21 (hmmmmmm), to and from the party. This one should be really interesting.

Update on Janet Jackson gig

Janet Jackson's only scheduled to appear at Allstate Arena tonight.


Turns out there's no Velvet Rope tonight after all:

Sources tell me that Janet Jackson's after party at Le Passage is cancelled. If she turns up anywhere, it'll likely be over at Underground, where her boo, mega-producer Jermaine Dupri, is celebrating his birthday by spinning a special set. That's from 10pm-4am, and early arrival is highly recommended.

The pop culture parade

Soccer great David Beckham is one of many celebrities expected to hang out in town this weekend.


Our economy's in turmoil, but if you want to get your mind off it for awhile, there's certainly plenty to do this weekend, from a host of celebrities hitting town and Chicago Gourmet to a few key lounge openings like the new Wrigleyville speakeasy 1914.

Here's what else is happening:

THURSDAY

The Diva Series settles into its new home at Madame Tartine, with special celebrity guest Stephanie Izard of "Top Chef." It's also a kickoff party for Meals on Wheels' 20th annual Celebrity Chef Ball, happening in October. Comped Effen cocktails 7-8pm. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Also happening at Madame Tartine is the Johnny Boys Reunion, featuring nightlife icon BJ Murray, Madame Tartine owner Donnie Kruse, artist Gary Weidner and others. If you're all about the "old school," this is one not to miss. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Landmark Grill + Lounge throws a wine-tasting bash, offering guests the best of Aussie vino. Exec Chef Benjamin Browning pairs those with some culinary delights. 7-9pm. $35.

And Edgewater's annual Fall Dinner Crawl occurs at various venues in the neighborhood. Just how many restaurants can you fit in during this three-hour affair?! Twenty-six eateries and businesses will be open for your enjoyment, plus you'll be able to dance away the calories, view fine art and listen to live music. Spots include Broadway Cellars, Viet Bistro and Uncommon Ground. Get the $35 tix here. 6-9pm.



Janet Jackson, who's performing Thursday at Allstate Arena, is scheduled to host an after-party at Le Passage.


FRIDAY

Deep, underground house is back at Cuatro, as Groove Parlor takes over with Sound Garden. Deejays Vic Lavender and Mario Romay perform; Mr. Ali's Carla Prather does a live PA. 9pm-2am. No cover.

A Fashion Sneak Peek happens at par lounge, with guests being treated to a hipster view on fashion, art, music and more. Also, get there for those drink specials: $4 Jameson shots, $5 martinis, $6 Effen cocktails. 7pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

Since it's so crazy warm outside, the Rib-A-Que Smoke-Out at Moonshine is mad appropriate. Socca is also on this deal, which includes more than 10 different local restaurants as well as award-winning amateurs to pick the "smoke-out champion." Also, "Top Chef" stars Stephanie Izard and Dale Levitski will make an appearance as judges; live music by Devil in a Woodpile and Javelinas. Also, Moonshine’s new onsite brewery should complement the rib-tasting experience. Noon-6pm. $25 in advance; $35 at door.

SUNDAY

The Oak Street Council and CS Brides magazine host the annual Wedding Walk: An Afternoon of Bridal Luxury. Fashion shows from luxe boutiques Harry Winston, Hermes, Lester Lampert, Vera Wang, Ultimate Brides and Luca Luca should be the highlight as well as cake tastings and sweet tables by the likes of Bleeding Heart Bakery. Noon-4pm. $60 for brides, $25 for guests here.

Get a little provocative on Football Sunday with the Flirty Girl Football Bash, happening at Flirty Girl Fitness (1325 West Randolph St.). They're setting up multiple large screens to view the action, plus free food and five cash bars and an outdoor patio. The half-time show will consist of pole dancing and "Coyote Ugly"-style performances. Complimentary beer 6-7pm. 6pm-2am. $20 ($25 at the door, if available). Call 312-666-2266 for tickets.

La Madia's weekly football lunch includes the Hester Special: During any Bears game, if star Devin Hester has a return for a touchdown, pizza is on them. Also, the staff helps guests select the perfect brew to complement their extensive pizza selection. Saturday and Sundays 11am-4pm.