Toast new West Town taverns

West Town is hot. There's no doubt about that with the recent successful openings of Old Oak Tap, Cat's Meow and Bar DeVille.

So, now comes the latest crop of poppers, promising to keep us entertained through the winter:

Thrillist gives us the dealio on Crocodile, which opens Wednesday. We're looking forward to one of the biggest bargains of the month: For every $5 you spend on alcohol, you get one mini pizza.

The Daddy introduces us to Theory, taking off on Thursday just in time for the big Bears vs. Saints game. You'll get food and drink specials, including $3 sliders and $3 John Daly Irish Whiskey.

And finally, Branch 27's not scheduled to open until sometime in January. A collaboration from noteworthy nightlife vets (Fat Cat, Rockit, Empire Liquors), it's located in a former library branch and will offer small, shareable plates, craft beers and an upscale, yet comfy bar setting.

What's free on NYE?!

That's the most frequently asked question these days around 312DD, as most revelers will not only be recycling dressy wear from seasons past, but clamping down on how much they'll spend to party on the big night.

You could easily head over to your corner bar 'cause likely that's free, but on New Year's Eve, doncha want to step up your game?!

So, we've gathered a bunch of events around town—some free, some not so pricey—and you won't find anything over $60:

Deals abound all over the Bucktown/Wicker Park area, especially at bin wine cafe, which is serving its regular dinner menu of seasonal small plates. For something special, order the Bubbles & Chocolate tasting, which comes with four, 2.5 oz pours of bubbly and sparkling wine, paired with chocolate-dipped strawberries, Marcona-almond chocolate bark, Pop Rock truffles and white chocolate truffles. $25 for one; $48 for two. 5pm-2am.

Since you'll be drinking champagne anyway, why not celebrate NYE like a Parisian?! Bistro 110 rings in the New Year at midnight—on Paris time. They're doing seatings between 5 and 8pm, and if you head here for the first seating, you'll get a complimentary glass of bubbly (5-6pm). The menu is a la carte, with specials such as grilled quails with braised savoy cabbage or roasted scallops. Also: free valet parking.

It'll cost you several hundred dollars to get to Brazil this time of year, but Cat's Meow's festive, Brazilian-themed bash will only cost you twenty bones. The night will feature samba dancers, $5 Caipirinhas, midnight bubbly, buffet and live entertainment from Planeta Azul Trio playing Samba, Funk, Forro and Brazilian pop. Deejays also spin. 9pm-2am. Free parking in adjacent lot.

At Cuatro, in the South Loop, the Latin-American menu is a la carte for dinner, but if you just want to party you'll only pay $10 if you get there by 10pm ($20 after). Deejays David Sabat and Craig Alexander spin deep house, classics and Latin grooves. Cash bar or $60 per person drink package from 10pm-1am. Specialty cocktails include mojitos, blood-orange margaritas, Caipirinhas and Cuatro's signature sipper, the Forbidden Fruit Sangria. 10pm-2am.

The James hotel and David Burke's Primehouse lobby bar transform into a relaxed and liberated party environment, with music by DJ Dani Deahl and a cocktail menu featuring new seasonal winter libations. Biggest bonus: complimentary passed appetizers and champagne for the midnight toast. No cover.

In Ukrainian Village's Enoteca Roma, guests may indulge in a five-course, regional Italian dinner paired with wine for $55. Two seatings: 7:30 and 9:30pm. Those who stay for the late seating (and midnight champagne toast) will be treated to fresh-baked muffins from the adjacent Letizia's Natural Bakery for their New Year's Day breakfast.

Order from the regular menu or chef specials at The Gage, and at midnight, guests get party favors and a complimentary Champagne toast. They're also featuring the Bubble Bliss champagne cart with selections starting at $10 a glass, from crisp blanc de blancs to rich and toasty vintage Champagnes. Those not having dinner can also hang out in the front-room lounge, which is no cover.

The Black & White Party. Think Truman Capote's infamous celebration in the late 1960s that brought out New York elite and celebrities. They're recreating the spectacular event for NYE at In Fine Spirits, with black and white themed appetizers and party favors. Guests, of course, are encouraged to dress in black tie and/or black or white. 4pm-2am. $20.09 in advance; $25 at door (drink specials for $9 all night).

Juicy Wine Co. offers a pretty good deal in River West. For $45, they're hooking you up with a four-hour premium open bar with spirits and wines picked out by owner Rodney Alex himself. Snacks include Harold's Fried Chicken, plus you'll get traditional party favors, midnight champagne toast and music by DJ Puff-e. 9pm-1am.

Deejays spin offbeat dance, '80s and hip-hop at People Lounge, the popular Wicker Park tapas bar. Here, you'll also get a premium open bar until midnight for $60. Also, midnight champagne toast. 9pm-2am.

With spectacular views of the Navy Pier fireworks and its glamorous setting, the Trump Hotel's Rebar will be one hot ticket come Dec. 31. And check this out: NO cover charge. . . . NO bottle service requirements . . . and NO reservations. We recommend you doing something a little different this year and ordering the Winter Magic Punch Bowl, which comes tableside in a heated crock filled with brandy, red wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges and cognac-marinated cherries. ($115 punch bowl serves four; $13 by the glass). 5pm-2am.

You never know what DJ Uncle Milty is going to do when he's behind the turntables and expect NYE to be no different. His throwdown's happening at the W Chicago-City Center with discounted bottle service and drinks. He's spinning deep house, hip-hop, rock and R&B. 9pm-2am. No cover.

EXCLUSIVE: Finally! Some good news . . .

Naha is one of many returning participants in "Chicago Restaurant Week…eat it up!," happening in February.


Just got word that Chicago Restaurant Week…eat it up! returns in 2009, and this time it's boasting more than 140 restaurants.

That's triple the amount the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau had in its inaugural year, so we're looking forward to newcomers like The Drawing Room, Lux Bar, Le Colonial, La Madia, Topolobampo, Prosecco and others offering some great deals. River North's swanky Naha is one of many returning participants.

Look for Chicago Restaurant Week to happen Feb. 20-27, with three-course prix-fixe menus of $22 for lunch and $32 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).

Developing . . .

Last call at copperblue

Just received this sad news from copperblue owner/chef Michael Tsonton:

"Not often in life does one get the opportunity to see their dream come to life. A dream founded on work so hard, so daunting, so tireless, anything less than joy would have made it a nightmare.

Copperblue became that dream. A dream we shared with you. We have sold copperblue, and are closing her doors on Saturday, December 13th, 2008. After so many years on the same road, I and my business partner, chef and best friend, Victor, have decided to travel different paths.

I hope you will find time to join us for a 'last meal' before we say goodnight. One more week, one more memorable evening."

Sign of the times.

Happy Repeal Day!

A Flapper-esque server with Manhattans at Plan B on Thursday. (Photo: Mariah Karson)


And now to get you into "Repeal Day" party mode, here's a quick pic from Thrillist's Prohibition Repeal Party last night at Plan B.

It was a blast from the past!

EXCLUSIVE: Room 21 to revamp concept

This just dropped in from an Ultimate Insider:

"Word has it that Room 21 is going to close down, revamp and come back as an Italian spot—supposedly with all waiters from Italy."

A call to the restaurant confirmed that they are indeed reconcepting, but not closing, with the manager adding that the plan goes into effect immediately after their New Year's Eve event.

Rad's still in the running for next 'Top Chef'

The Stew recaps "Top Chef," and our homegirl Radhika Desai of Between makes it through to the next round:

"Radhika's dish, Sweet Heat Shrimp, seems a winner: Loaded with flavor from chili sauces, but not too complicated. A dish designed to entice viewers in that it's exotic enough to be different, but within the range of most home cooks to tackle. Plus shrimp cook quickly—much faster than Alex's creme brulee. But time runs out before she even finishes her vinaigrette.

In neither case did Radhika do so badly that she lost or was even in the bottom tier—Colicchio didn’t have to run off set to spit out her food (too bad, Melissa)—but again, she certainly didn’t hit it out of the studio."

Whew.

Boogie.

This weekend we celebrate your right to drink.

That's it. Because without the repeal of Prohibition, we'd all be sipping sodas right now. 312DD's rounded up a bunch of bashes right here for your pleasure.

Of course, there's so much more going on this weekend:

THURSDAY

No doubt Galleria Unico (44 E. Superior St.) will be filled with all the local stylistas, as Havilah Boutique hosts a Passion for Fashion holiday runway show. Nosh on appetizers by Adobo Grill and HUB 51; all proceeds benefit Kids Fight Cancer, with DJ Rock City spinning. 7-10pm. $10 suggested donation; RSVP to fashionshow@zapwater.com.

When DJ "Jazzy" Jeff (of "Fresh Prince" fame) spun at Lumen last summer, the place was packed with old heads and new schoolers jammin' out to everything from soul to salsa. This time he's slinging the beats at Underground, and hopefully he brings along another hot MC. Only New Yorkers can get away with that. 9pm-4am. $20.

FRIDAY

Doesn't it feel good to give?! Go all out at Imerman Angels' third-annual toy drive at Le Passage. The high-energy cocktail party includes an open bar and appetizers from 6-8:30pm, but the festivites continue till 10. It's technically a toy drive, but this time $10 of each ticket goes directly to purchasing Children’s Memorial Hospital a mobile, technologically advanced "fun center" that'll have a Wii video game. $30 in advance; $40 at door.

More than ever these days we need to network and Rednofive's providing an ideal atmosphere with Face2Face, a social networking party for online friends. Comped gift bags, appetizers and cocktails. Proceeds benefit the Sue Duncan Children's Centers and Friends United for Juvenile Diabetes Research. 8pm-4am. No cover?! (Maybe or maybe not)

Iconic local spin star Jesse de la Pena returns to Cuatro for his First Fridays event. He's certain to rock out with hip-hop, Latin, funk, soul, rock and house. 10pm-2am. No cover.

SATURDAY

If you dare brave the crazed shopping strip of the Mag Mile—bursting with SNAILS and tourists—you'll need to slip into La Boule de Noel, the Park Hyatt's seasonal Parisian macaroon boutique. Located on the first floor of the hotel, it's cranking out a number of delicious housemade treats in flavors of white chocolate peppermint, cranberry pecan, rum chestnut, chocolate Earl Grey, orange spice cake or brandy cherry white chocolate. They're $2 (each); $24 (dozen); $35 (two dozen) and go great with an espresso or hot tea. 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-335-1234.

For those skipping the downtown crowds, there's no better place to be than the Do Division Holiday Walk happening on Division Street (from Ashland to Leavitt). Stop at the Barefoot Bubbly Cocktail locations (Caffe Gelato, Pump, Porte Rouge) for champagne; indulge in a free horse-drawn carriage ride; or just hang out in numerous bars and restaurants along the stroll. Noir (1726 W. Division St.) will also host a party where you'll get up to 25 percent on apparel, appetizers and cocktails. Noon-until.

Salsa lovers, rejoice! The Hot Salsa Kitchen is back, but they're partying in a brand-new venue at Dance Connection (3117 N. Clybourne Ave.). This one's actually an all-ages event, with DJ Kimani Rashad spinning and a dance lesson by Elba Diaz. Get ready for salsa, mambo, cha-cha and a little bachata. 9pm-1am. $10.

SUNDAY

OK. And if you're shopping for someone who has unique taste, why not check out the Goth Wintertime Craft Faire?! Who knows what you'll find, as the affair will have more than 20 local Gothic artists and crafters offering jewelry, toys, leather, candles and more. Noon-8pm. No cover.