Wednesday, October 29, 2008

MK names new exec chef

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MK Executive Chef Erick Williams (Photo: MK)


Last week it was Mindy Segal who turned over the reins of her famed HotChocolate to her second in command.

Now word comes down that Michael Kornick is shaking things up at MK with a new successor. Erick Williams, a native West Sider who's been there since its opening in 1996, is the man in charge of the kitchen and we cannot wait to see what he does to make his mark.

'We're opening in about a week . . .'

. . . is the word from Jerry Suqi (Narcisse, Sugar) on the opening of his new Ukrainian Village eatery Chick Pea, which was exclusively written about way back in July.

With the way openings are going this season, we'd say look for it to make its debut sometime in mid- to late-November.

Hooray for Hump Day

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It's mid-week, we're all stressed out and it's time for some serious relief:

Last month's Hornito's Midnight in the Garden of Agave party in West Town was so hot that they're doing it again. Folks were dancing on the tables, and let's just say that it was so lively that people demanded an encore. Tonight's event happens at Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.), and hopefully people will behave themselves. Regardless, you'll get comped cocktaiks and appetizers, plus deejays Shaka 23, Victor R. and Speed. To get in, you must RSVP to hornitosrsvp@mirrorball.com. 9pm-1am.

Speaking of spirited affairs, have you checked out the monthly wine-tasting event at Quartino yet?! We love the crowd: some of the best party people in Chicago who really appreciate wine. Tonight they're pouring the vino of Argentina and Chile, and pairing them with hearty, signature appetizers. 7-9pm. $20.

Absolut gets down with a disco affair at Debonair Social Club, featuring the techno-soul stylings by Tommie Sunshine. Hosted by Paper Magazine, the party debuts Absolut Disco—a limited edition holiday bottle that's inspired by nightlife. That, of course, means that you'll get it free (but maybe not all night). 9pm-2am. No cover.

Get into the Halloween spirit early with a pumpkin-carving contest at Cans. The fratastic Bucktown bar will feature prizes, loud music and drink specials for the occasion. 7pm-2am. No cover.

Martini Park continues its estrogen-fueled Martinis in the City set, this time showcasing premier apothecary C.O. Bigelow. The expert skincare company will offer guests consultations and goodie bags. Also, free appetizers and specials on cocktails. 6-8pm. No cover.

Soul pastry chef going to one sixtyblue

The Chicago Tribune's Phil Vettel gets the scoop on Soul's talented pastry chef heading to one sixtyblue.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

It's almost here!

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Doesn't it seem like this has been the longest election season ever?!

Well, it's almost over, the big day is Nov. 4, and it'll finally be time to celebrate change. And whether you're seriously celebrating or drowning your tears in your beer, man, do I have a lineup of Election Day parties you don't want to miss (plus free Starbucks coffee and Berry Chill for everyone!):

Settle in at the bar at Adobo Grill and sip $5 margaritas all night. Go for the Republican ‘Rita (grenadine, tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime) or Barack Blue Margarita (a blend of Blue Curacao, tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime).

Get some economic relief with the burger special at bin wine cafe as you watch results coming in. Bin's 1/2 lb burger paired with hand-cut fries is only $5 (usually $10), and if you complement it with red and white wine flights for $11.04, you'll save a bundle. Sit at the bar and you'll be able to watch the returns on the large plasma screen.

If you don't want to fight the crowds flocking to Grant Park to witness the rock star that is Barack Obama, head instead to Hard Rock Cafe for a viewing party hosted by hip-hop stars Common and Talib Kweli. Early arrival is highly recommended, and DJ Vince Adams spins. 7pm-2am.

Head over to Landmark Grill + Lounge for a non-partisan viewing party that includes special-priced blue and red champagne cocktails, comped appetizers and more. Also, guests will have the chance to win a trip for two to Washington, D.C., which includes airfare, dinner and hotel. 6-9pm.

TV One, Essence.com and the Richmond Group gather a number of high-profile local and national Democratic politicians for this cocktail party at Chicago Hilton and Towers (720 S. Michigan Ave.). Deejay Biz Markie spins. 7pm-2am. No cover, but RSVP to info@richmondgrouponline.com.

Fulton's on the River's Election Night deals include the Sour Grapes Mojito-infused Mimosa (huh?!) and To the Victor Goes the Spoils (vodka martini garnished with Osetra stuffed caviar-olives). For those strapped for cash, they've got you covered with No Foreign Policy $2 domestic drafts and half-off bar menu. Several televisions will be tuned into the returns.

And the Moonshine election fest is hosted by the 1st Ward Young Democrats and Ald. Manny Flores. Here, you'll get a number of drink specials, but we particularly like the Change (special new American Harvest Ale release in light of Obama’s “Change” adage), McCain's (mystery booze!) and Old Biden’s (Bourbon, sugar and a drop of grenadine)—all for $3. Also, they're doing $5 shots and cocktails served in special red, white and blue election bottles.

Friday, October 24, 2008

New East Bank eatery is open

Aha!

Urban Daddy snags the name of that new East Bank Club restaurant written about on here a few weeks ago. This time, they've opened it to the public.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

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

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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!

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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!