Welcome Home, First Couple!

The Obamas are in the best place in the world to celebrate Valentine's Day—Sweet Home, Chicago!

So, of course, everyone's speculated where they'd end up on the most romantic night of the year. Turns out they're spending the entire weekend at their Hyde Park home, but if they had decided to venture out (UPDATE: They hit up Art Smith's Table Fifty-Two!), where would they go?!

Spiaggia, their favorite standby?! If they headed to this superb Italian eatery, they would've certainly nabbed seats overlooking the Mag Mile and Lake Michigan.

Or perhaps Le Colonial, whose romantic terrace perched over bustling Rush Street is the place to be when you're in amour.

Let's not forget Vivo, the West Loop hot spot with a private room elevator shaft that's seen the likes of Michael Jordan and Oprah.

Newcomer Eve is pretty much a long shot, but it would have been nice to see this progressive American restaurant in the Gold Coast get the spotlight.

Bucktown's Cafe Matou doesn't have a private dining room, but its delectable mod French cuisine and vino would have certainly made them feel as though they were the only couple in the place.

And no list would be complete without The Signature Room—offering the most spectacular view in the city from the 95th floor of the Hancock Building.

Someone's Having a Birthday!

February may be known as the month for flowers and chocolate but don't forget the birthday boy!

Giancarlo Turano II (Feb. 9) of Turano Baking Co. gets his own birthday shout-out this week as one of the very few February babies (where are the rest of you hiding?!). His family has been feeding our beloved carb cravings for nearly half a century with their artisan-style breads and pastries. You'll find their products at most grocery stores as well as a number of local restaurants and bars.


Have a February birthday? This Valentine's Day, Richard's Bar makes sure that all you February birthday babies get the love you deserve.

After all, this month isn't just about the chocolate and romance, it's about celebrating you. And this is a birthday event so forget the hearts and flowers and start thinking more along the lines of cake balls. 8pm-3am. No cover.
--Suzy M.

Your shot at the big time?!

This just dropped in the inbox:

"The National Restaurant Association is working with a national food channel production team to develop a short-list of casting prospects of first-time restaurant owners.

Are you opening your very first restaurant but you lack any real restaurant experience? Would you welcome the advice of a professional restaurant consultant? If this is you, we want you to star in an episode of a exciting new TV series for a major food network. In every episode of this captivating and very real one-hour series, the restaurant coach host provides first-time restaurant owners with the tools to open and run a successful business. We are looking for compelling characters with good personal stories and high stakes. Restaurant must be opening in November 2008-September 2009.

First-time owner casting prospects can be new to the restaurant world or a person who's been in the restaurant industry for years but never owned a restaurant. E-mail the individual(s) name, contact details and a brief bio to DHull@restaurant.org by 3pm CST, Friday, Feb. 13."

What they're saying on Facebook . . .

The Drawing Room's award-winning mixologist Charles Joly is shaking up something special for Valentine's Day.


Kevin Boehm (Partner Boka/Landmark/Perennial): "Excited about Chicago Chef Week."

Charles Joly (Mixologist/The Drawing Room: "Making lots and lots of marshmallows today . . . (for) Valentine's Day: Corzo Reposado & Grand Marnier infused marshmallows ...nothing's more romantic than gelatin and tequila."

Madrid Perry (Deejay): "Preparing for C'est Dommage (at Sushi Samba)!"

Azimio Rashad a.k.a. "Z" (Mixologist/Manor): Akira Lingerie Fashion Show at Manor tonight."

Debra Sharpe (Restaurateur): "Opening the new Feast in the Gold Coast with a fundraiser next Tuesday for the victims of the Victorian bushfires."

A Weekend with Edge

We've got you covered for Valentine's Day singles bashes, but there's so much more heating up the city in the next few days:

THURSDAY

We need more parties like this! Burlesque phenom Angela Eve headlines the The Elysian Ball with multi-disciplinary artist and designer Christophe Gauspohl. They've transformed massive art space Xchange West (344 N. Ogden Ave.) into a modern speakeasy concept, showcasing a variety of erotic-based performances, interactive installations, fashion exhibits, video art and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in black tie or creative gear. Ticket price includes complimentary cocktails, but you can also BYOB. 8pm-1:30am. And if you're still standing at the end of the night, get to the after party at the Flat Iron Building (1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.), where you'll get to meet the performers. That's 2-4am. $35; $60 VIP.

One-half of the award-winning Masters at Work team Little Louie Vega spins a rare set at Crescendo. We love him best for his ground-breaking Nuyorican Soul style, which cranked out hit after hit in the mid- to late-1990s. But look for the hard-working Vega, who hails from Spanish Harlem, to spin classic sounds as well as new flavor. 9pm-2am. $20.

It's time for Spark Ventures' annual wine tasting bash, so hopefully tix are still left. The walkaround event happens at Hafele (154 W. Hubbard St.), with more than 15 wines to sample and paired with light appetizers. The nonprofit Chicago-based Spark Ventures helps vulnerable children around the world. 5:30-8:30pm. $85.

FRIDAY

You cannot get any sexier than this: Underground unveils The St. Germain Cocktail tonight. So instead of doing the typical bottle service, indulge in this experience that includes the decadent liqueur by the carafe for $75 (serves six). Do it on the rocks, and for an additional $50, they'll throw in a bottle of bubbly. 10pm-4am.

Valentine's Day weekend wouldn't be the same without a party from HotHouse. They're transforming the upper level of Fizz into HotLoft, featuring global music by deejays Seth Hitsky and Vanessa Beck. The first 50 guests get a free glass of bubbly and handmade candles. 8pm-3am. $5.



Underground unveils The St. Germain Cocktail this weekend. (Photo: Underground)


SATURDAY

Yet another sultry set happens at Sinha Elegant Cuisine, with authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian cuisine and live Latin music. It's BYOB, so bring your best bottle of bubbly. Stick around for the dance party led by one of the top Brazilian dancers in the city. 6:30pm. $30.

If you're looking for a new friend instead of a new love, head to Bon V for the casting party for season two of Paris Hilton's "MY New BFF." Even though the ditzy heiress will likely not be there, she'll have her scouts from MTV looking for the best candidates. Oh, and fellas, a ton of single women have already RSVPed, so it's something to think about if you're rolling solo. 9pm-3am. $20.

SUNDAY

Servers in skimpy Catholic school uniforms. Bottomless Bloody Marys. And pancakes twice the size of your head. That's the theme for the indulgent new Sunday School brunch service at ajasteak on the first floor of the dana hotel. Now that's the perfect way to start off the week! 10am-3pm. Everything's a la carte.

MONDAY

Do some good in the Wicker Park 'hood by helping Between Boutique Café & Lounge pick out its new spring wine list. Hosted by Heritage Wine, the event includes a number of promising vino paired with sweet and savory bites by Executive Chef Radhika Desai, who was also a contestant on the current season of "Top Chef." 6-8pm. Free.

Bleeding Heart Bakery: 'We're All Good!'

Michelle Garcia of Bleeding Heart Bakery (Photo: Bleeding Heart Bakery)


One day after Bleeding Heart Bakery owner Michelle Garcia sent this out about her shop's shuttering, she's back in business:

"After a re-inspection this morning, not one problem could be found and we are opening for business in about 1 hour!

THANK YOU so much for everyone's outcry of support and for your continued loyal business. We wish you an amazing Valentines Day! (yes, we will have a 'Kitchen Sink' cookie special for the weekend, just seems fitting).

Kitchen Sink Cookie - Oatmeal cookie with flax, dried fruits, and chocolate. $2.50 on special!"

What they're saying on Facebook . . .

The NRA's executive chef John Abels is up for grabs at Maven's "Share the Love Date Auction" tonight at Martini Park. (Photo: John Abels)


John Abels (Executive Chef/National Restaurant Association): "TONIGHT is the night......Maven's Share the Love Date Auction at Martini Park."

Yogi Jones (Mascot/Berry Chill): "Excited for the return of Pink Guava and Peach Mango (frozen yogurt) this Thursday!"

Joncarl Lachman (Executive Chef/HB Home Bistro): "Thinking this feels like a good day to do alot of braising."

Edwin Rios a.k.a. DJ Bear Who?: "Gathering the beats for a beat down at Evil Olive tonight."

Joe Shanahan (Owner/Smart Bar): "Getting ready for the return of Frankie Knuckles in Smartbar tonight. it has been 27 years since he has played the club!! It is going to incredible."

For all the single ladies (and lads!)

(Photo: NBC)


Why should couples have all the fun on V-Day?!

Instead of hibernating with mushy movies and music while everyone else is out wining and dining, get your butt out there in the mix.

So many spots cater to singles this year, so grab your pals and go:

Angelina Ristorante hosts a Singles in the City feast on Friday. Guests won’t have to worry about being in a sea of couples because this five-course, family-style dinner encourages friends and family to get together. For $40 each, you’ll get your choice of five dishes and a drink with dinner. Four-person minimum table. 5-11pm.

Cobra Lounge celebrates all weekend with St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Friday's event features a naughty burlesque show with Miss Maya Sinstress and Kendra James followed by a virtual freak show with The Reverend B. Dangerous. And in case that isn’t enough, metal band Skank will be performing live to keep you pumped. If that’s not quite your scene, round two will be on Saturday night with The Chamber Strings headlining. 9pm-2am. No cover.

An all-girls party happens at The Fifty/50 with Valentine's Day pampering for all. Love Soiree includes three hours of complimentary manicures and massages during dinner. Just sit back and feel the love while you enjoy your meal and then sip on Skyy Cherry Bomb shots and martini drink specials until 3am. Party starts at 9pm Saturday. No cover with RSVP to info@shequechicago.com.

J Bar pokes fun at love by encouraging guests to poke pins in party-favor "voodoo dolls." While DJ Rock City spins, the hilarious "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" plays on several plasma screens. Bartenders serve specialty themed cocktails, including the Love Him or Leave Him Cosmo (of course there's Effen black cherry vodka!). 8pm-3am Saturday. No cover.

Indulge a sweet tooth at Jake Melnick’s, where ladies will be given comped hand-made chocolate bon bons as reps from Magic Hat Brewery will be stirring things up with sexy party favors. Of course, you'll find specials on signature beers, including Founders Double Chocolate Breakfast Stout, which should pair perfectly with those bon bons. 9pm-2am Saturday. No cover.

Passion and Spice: Singles Night Out happens at Le Bar with a number of specialty cocktails and the opportunity to meet your match before the big day. Mixologist DJ (Daniel) Love has concocted a trio of treats to set it off right: Passion and Spice (depicts the heat felt when two lovers first meet through the spice of the cayenne pepper and Agave nectar), Aphrodite’s Chalice (represents the "getting to know you" phase of a relationship with rosé champagne, Hendrick’s Gin, raspberries, egg whites, simple syrup) and Cupid’s Arrow (rosé champagne, lychee puree, lemon, Veev, simple syrup; served in champagne glass). 7pm-2am Friday. No cover.

Pull out your boas and pearls for a Roaring Twenties-style set at The Lodge. The two-hour party will be complete with era dancers, Beefeater gin cocktails, bubbly, themed food and a Speakeasy atmosphere. 6-8pm Saturday. $30.

Turn old sorrows into a reason to party by checking into Rednofive’s Heartbreak Hotel. Revelers will be rocking to love-ballad remixes from guest DJ Rock Tee alongside resident favorites. Redno also offers special "love potions" to encourage extra mingling, including their potent version of the French Kiss Martini. 10pm-5am Saturday.

Looking for some old-school action? Silver Cloud hosts a Valentine’s Prom Night with a four-course dinner package and a half bottle of wine. You might want to skip the flashy dress and tux, but be prepared for a complimentary prom photo to take home as a souvenir. 6-11pm Saturday. $29.95 each.

Slip up to Sushi Samba's Sugarcane Lounge for C’est Dommage. Happening on Feb. 13, the masquerade bash includes a photobooth, complimentary masks and themed drinks. $10 gets you free passed appetizers and a hosted open bar (8-9pm). A portion of the proceeds benefit Howard Brown. 8pm-1am Friday.

Timothy O’Toole’s hosts a Nuts and Bolts mingler for singles. Each guy gets a “nut” and each girl receives a “bolt.” Only one matching set will exist in all the pieces, so there will have to be a lot of mixing and matching to find the "parts" that fit. Could this be some sort of sexy innuendo?! The winning “Nut and Bolt” pair will each be rewarded a $25 gift certificate. 9pm-3am Saturday. No cover.
--Suzy M. contributing