Quote of the Week: 'The Fifty/50 is offering—gulp—50 percent off your bill if your house has been foreclosed on'

That's Chicago Mag's nightlife writer Sarah Preston doling out advice on where to go if you're really down in the dumps about the economy in her Nightspotting 2.0 column.

Sign of the times, baby.

You knew it was coming: Joe the Plumber Cocktail!

Early Times Kentucky Whisky's take on Joe the Plumber. (Photo: Early Times Kentucky Whisky)


I almost fell out of my seat when this arrived in my inbox this afternoon:

"This is an unevenly distributed cocktail, just like Joe doesn’t want our money evenly distributed."

Early Times’ Toast to Joe the Plumber

3 ounces red plum juice
1.5 ounces Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Squeeze of lime

Pour the red plum first into a rocks glass with ice, then the Early Times Kentucky Whisky; squeeze lime.

I double dog dare you to order one tonight!

Socialize.

British sensation Estelle, who had the summer hit "American Boy," performs at Enclave on Friday.


Whether you've been cooped up in the office all week or just need to blow off some steam, it's time to . . . socialize:

THURSDAY

Get it started with Bright Pink's party at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave.) for a fashion show featuring Robert Rodriguez's fabulous fall line. His celeb clientele (Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman) loves him, and so will you. 6-8pm. No cover, but call 312-694-4072 to attend. (Donations to Bright Pink, a breast cancer awareness organization, are also appreciated.)

Oyster-Fest II occurs at Fiddlehead Cafe, where you'll get to slurp the marvelous mollusks in several forms. Get 'em poached in champagne, buttermilk fried with spicy aioli or any other way you want. Fiddlehead's also pairing them with wine, and there's no set price. Reservations required; regular menu also available. 5-10pm.

You've only got two more days (including today!) to get your hands on David Burke's Primehouse's dry-aged hamburger—which is at a special $5 (regularly $15). That's only available during lunch. And if you come back later tonight, head to its adjacent Jbar for Sounds Good Thursdays with DJ Jesse de la Pena spinning all that's good in soul, R&B and Latin. Arrive before 8pm for comped appetizers, and drink specials will be available all night. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Shop for a good cause over at Chasalla (106 E. Oak St.), which is raising funds for the Center on Halsted, which serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community. Guests get 10 percent off all purchases, plus there's an informal fashion show, live music, and complimentary champagne and white wine. 8-10pm. No cover, but RSVP to chasalla@zapwater.com for admission.

And more fashion's on tap at Lumen, which celebrates up-and-coming local designers from The Fashion Incubator. Party is hosted by Steven Rosengard ("Project Runway"), and benefits the Chicago Chapter of Dress for Success. Cocktail reception by 42 Below. 6:30-9:30pm. $25 for Y.E.S!/Dress for Success members and $30 for non-members.

FRIDAY

The Hip Sip launches tonight at Ristorante We, in the W Chicago - City Center. For the inaugural event, they're doing a "Golden Era" theme harking back to the 1960s with vintage music as well as cocktails and cuisine. Female guests will also get the chance to doll up with a makeup consultation. 6-8:30pm. $25 (without goody bag); $35 (with goody bag).

You and everyone else were jamming to "American Boy," the head-nodding summer song from British sensation Estelle. Tonight, you'll get to hear her sing it live at Enclave; DJ Kevin Scott spins. 9pm-2am. Cover varies.

SATURDAY

Chic Roscoe Village wine-focused eatery Volo hosts its annual fall wine-tasting party. The afternoon affair takes place indoors as well as on the heated cabana patio (weather permitting). They'll be pouring a cool selection of unusual finds paired with small plates prepared by Executive Chef Stephen Dunne. 3:30-5:30pm. $20.

Masquerade with Mary Kay—a daylong event raising awarness of domestic violence for the Break The Cycle Organization and Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation—culminates with a party at Victor Hotel. Also, live performances by Ty Soule and A.T. Jones. Get there early for the cocktail reception (7-9pm, $30), and stay later to dance till you drop. $5 after 9pm.

SUNDAY

Our obsession with all things pork continues: This time it's at Fifty/50, which launches its Bad Boys of Brunch this weekend. Highlights include Let there be BACON, with endless strips of crisp, thick slices on your plate, and Hangover Helper, a signature Bloody Mary created with fresh tomato juice, black bean, corn-infused vodka, and garnished with a strip of bacon.

The fake journalist party crasher guide

Notorious local "party crasher" Jerry Berliant (Photo: Denver Post)


Y'all know how I feel about the Eat & Drink Club, and now AM New York has done a story on how to crash media parties. (I linked to Gawker because the comments are priceless.)

WTF.

Rebirth of the cool . . .

Don Draper of AMC's "Mad Men."


You may not have Don Draper's swagger, but any man can channel the taste of the stylish, brooding protagonist of AMC's "Mad Men" at Sonotheque's monthly retro event. Rebirth of the Cool—the sexy jazz dance listening lounge of music past and present—happens tonight with deejays Joe Bryl and Eric Williams behind the 'tables. No cocktail specials, but we hear our boy DD likes his Canadian Club whiskey neat. 9pm-2am. $5.

Other cool-ass events happening tonight:

The new Old Town location for Galleria Liqueurs throws the most budget-friendly bubbly tasting I've ever seen. You'll get to sample Moet, Veuve and other prominent brands at the Grand Champagne Tasting, which is certain to turn into a lively party. 6-8pm. $10.

Eno's hosting a sweet set pairing chocolate and wine, featuring nationally recognized chocolatier Christopher Elbow. Guests will be treated to his luscious creations complemented by the sommelier's vino selections. 6-8pm. Free.

And, if you're thinking about throwing your own sexy little soiree, head to Galleria Unico for the grand-opening event to check out the party space everyone's talking about. Preview furnishings by CORT and room decor by Art of Imagination, plus indulge in delightful bites by the Hearty Boys. Comped cocktails, too. Music Masters Entertainment spins. 44 E. Superior St., 773-895-0464. 6-9pm. No cover, but RSVP to galleriaunico@gmail.com to get in.

New chef at helm of HotChocolate

Mark Steuer, new executive chef at HotChocolate (Photo: HotChocolate)


Pastry queen Mindy Segal has surprisingly handed over the reigns to her award-winning HotChocolate restaurant to Mark Steuer, who's served as her chef de cuisine for three years.

While Segal's made her mark on the local and national dining scene as a sweets star, Steuer has always balanced her with a well-engineered savory menu. He's reportedly got a "mild obsession with all things pork," which should reflect in his new fall dishes, including local sweet potato gnocchi with braised Berkshire pork cheeks.

Now that's something to squeal about.

Deleece Grill Pub unveils new menu

Deleece Grill's steak salad is one of the new items on the menu. (Photo: Deleece Grill Pub)


As reported here exclusively Sunday, the owners behind Shochu suddenly transformed it into Deleece Grill Pub, offering more approachable fare to the fickle Lakeview diners.

With everyone scrounging for the best deals these days, folks are certain to warm up to the $20, three-course meal every Sunday and Wednesday. Hopefully you'll get to include one of those mouth-watering new steaks on the menu, such as the 10 oz. peppercorn-crusted Hangar, 14 oz. New York strip or 18 oz. ribeye with a garlic porcini ragout.

At the bar: a large beer list of primarily American craft brews and American whiskeys.

Take a bite out of these deals

The new 40-Day, Dry-Aged Hamburger is $5 this week only at David Burke’s Primehouse. (Photo: David Burke’s Primehouse)


There's no need to start hitting up fast-food joints because you're trying to save money. A number of great restaurants are offering deals to take that stress off your wallet:

The "no-tax lunch" continues through Oct. 31 at BIN 36, with the restaurant picking up the tax tab on your meal. There's no dollar limit, but it's only offered 11am-2pm.

If you're looking to nosh right after work, head to Blue Water Grill for the raw bar specials in the lounge. Every day you'll get $1.25 selections (oysters, clams and chilled shrimp), plus maki rolls for $6. That's 5-7pm daily.

To introduce its new 40-Day, Dry-Aged Hamburger, David Burke’s Primehouse is offering it for $5 this week only (regularly $15). The meat is aged alongside the prime steak cuts in the signature on-site Himalayan salt tiled dry aging room, tastes more like a steak, and is topped with smoked bacon mayo, garlicky spinach and crispy, fried onions. And for an additional $5 each, pair it with the truffle Asiago fries and vanilla bourbon shake. Take that, Burger King!

Stylish University Village sushi spot Kohan Japanese Restaurant is a neighborhood delight for its nightly specials. Tonight's steal is the martini and maki combo for $13. Choose from more than 15 maki rolls and pair it with one of their cocktails, including the Asian pear martini, Passion-tini or Saketini.

Tuesdays are also the night to head over to Volo Restaurant & Wine Bar for the $35, three-course prix-fixe dinner. The best part about it?! You get to customize your own menu, and for an additional $15, they'll help you pair each course with wine.