EXCLUSIVE: It's Just 'JUICY,' Baby . . .

Here's a first-ever look at the new "JUICY" sign, which will be unveiled Monday over the River West wine bar. (Photo: JUICY)


"It should look sexy hanging over Milwaukee Avenue," says an excited Chris Dunstatter about the new sign he's debuting Monday over the River West wine bar formerly known as Juicy Wine Co.

He's one of the new owners of what they've officially named JUICY, and he gave 312DD some exclusive details on what to expect next at the hipster wine lounge.

Local Deejays Reflect on Rap Icon Guru's Career

I was never a hardcore hip-hop fan, but when it came to the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Common and Gang Starr, I always felt right at home.

There was something about how they all combined the best elements of hip-hop with jazz rhythms and unbelievably strong vocals. While Tribe's Q-Tip, The Roots' Black Thought and Common spat out some seriously tight rhymes, Gang Starr's Guru was simply a lyrical genius.

Gilt Bar Goes Down Under with New Cellar Lounge

(Photo: Natasha Hernandez)


An Ultimate Insider tells 312DD about Gilt Bar's plans for a sensational lower-level lounge, which are currently underway:

A Freebie for Meatball Mondays!

(Photo: Go Roma)


Casual Italian eatery Go Roma boasts an all-fresh menu of classics ranging from artisan pizzas to hand-made pastas.

They're also known for a signature ground beef meatball, which you can order as a snack or atop the house-made spaghetti with marinara sauce.

Should We All Quit Our Jobs and Become Reality 'Stars?!'

Reality-show queen Kim Kardashian commands an average $50,000 per nightclub appearance.


Were all those grueling years of higher education or practice for a career in music or the arts a waste of time?!

These days it feels like it when so-called reality stars not only command up to $100,000 per episode on a show like "The Hills," but get more $$$ than more people make in a year for a one-night appearance at a nightclub.

'Jared Leto Crashed My Dinner Party!'

Mat Devine (left) and Jared Leto at J-Bar Wednesday. (Photo: Dark Room Demons)


He may have starred in such blockbuster hits as "Fight Club," "Girl, Interrupted," "Panic Room," "American Psycho" and "Requiem for a Dream," but actor-turned-rock-star Jared Leto was just like everyone else when he struck out on getting a reservation at Frontera Grill Wednesday.

Follow Friday: @JohnTheBristol

John Ross, owner of Bucktown's The Bristol. (Photo: The Bristol)


Hello, my name is Audarshia, and I'm a Twitter Addict.

There, I said it! So now that we got that out of the way, I'm so excited to share my obsession with a number of my fellow twerps.

The Bristol, for example, credits part of its tremendous success to owner John Ross, who tweets daily specials to hundreds of hungry fans.

STAGE BITES: The Weekly Dining & Drinking Guide

Collaboraction's "Carnaval" party in 2009. (Photo: Collaboraction)


Every Monday look for the week's top performances paired with the best deals before and after the show:

CARNAVAL: The Dome of Doom at 437 N. Wolcott Ave. Collaboraction's phenomenally wild kickoff bash for the "Sketchbook" series includes live performances, dance battles, offbeat theatrics and more. 9pm April 17. Get tickets here.

Bar DeVille: Keep the high energy up by heading to this nearby corner lounge, which has made a name for itself for the classic cocktails and vintage, yet hipster, setting. Head to the rear for the old-school photobooth and billiards table.

Coalfire: The pizzas at this West Town eatery are created in Chicago's only coal fire. They're crisp, cheesy and highly recommended are the classic Margherita and the four-cheese pie made with mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan and Romano. Each pizza is made for two and under $20.

Twisted Spoke: Smut & Eggs is still going down at this legendary biker bar, offering diners soft porn with late-night brunch items. A number of egg dishes include steak and eggs, Wisconsin Scramble (with brats), Sloppy Eggs (with Sloppy Joe mix) and a fried-egg sandwich. Midnight-2:30am Saturdays.