Friday, February 29, 2008
Last Friday: 4 Stars
What: The Professional Afterwork Committee Presents "Last Friday"
When: Friday, February 29, 6pm - 10pm (early arrival suggested)
Where: Fulton Lounge, 955 W. Fulton, Chicago
DW’s Loop
“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”
Friday
Leap Year Party at Enclave
220 W Chicago
Cocktail Reception from 9pm – 10:30pm
No cover before 11pm with RSVP
RSVP @ www.chicagotwentysomething.com/eventpages/February29.aspx
Saturday
Mannequin Nightclub celebrates the birthday of DJ KCJ
306 N Halsted
Two options to choose from: No cover until midnight or $30 open bar from 10pm - 1am
RSVP @ info@djkcj.com Subject: Mannequin
Please provide all first and last names as well as the package you want.
Must be on the list to receive one of the deals
Guest list closes at 5:00 Saturday.
Sunday
Republic presents Afterdark
Exclusive Engagement honoring the salon and spa industry
1520 N. Freemont
9pm – 4am
Cocktail Reception from 9pm -11pm (Belvedere and Moet & Chandon)
RSVP @ beautystar08@gmail.com to guarantee admission
Cocktail for the Week
The Daydream Martini
6 oz Ketel One Citron
1 oz Triple sec
2 oz Fresh orange juice
1/4 tsp bar sugar
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well and pour.
Bonus of the Week
Martini Park's New Torch Tuesdays
151 W. Erie St
5pm – 8pm
Classic cocktails (Old Fashioned, Manhattan) for $7
Gratis hors d'oeuvres (Kobe beef sliders, pigs in a blanket, Mac 'n cheese sticks)
Local jazz diva Stephanie Browning performs at 7pm
Dating Dimes* on a Dime in DC
By Westmoreland
01. Sifting and Shifting
I am recently disjoined from a dating situation that I thought was destined for the altar. Two Saturday mornings ago I finally packed an electronic piano, keyboard stand, sheet music, books, recently laundered underwear, a suit and several pairs of shoes into the back seat of a Budget rental (I don’t own a car) and relocated my life from my ex-girlfriend’s place -- back to my own apartment in downtown DC. Amy Winehouse’s longing, disappointment and self-medication have been the cathartic themes to the opening of this year.
But, I did the math. If there exists one woman (out of billions) with whom I will make a life, I at least know that it is not this woman. I can safely exclude her from the statistical sample space of potential life mates and keep it moving. She was beautiful, and I really thought it was working. Sigh...
So in keeping it moving, armed only with a well-worn American Express and several gold-wrapped Trojans (for guys with special needs), I am actively consuming premium vodka and premium bachelorettes. I guess I hate it, but it beats coming home to an empty apartment and shouldering the sobering burden of loss and loneliness.
O's Corner: Quick & Easy Dips & Spreads
- Keep a jar of roasted red peppers and some mozzarella cheese (whole not sliced or shredded) on hand. Dice or cut into chunks the red peppers and an equal amount of mozzarella, then mix the two to create a paste. Serve on your choice of crackers.
- Stock bread sticks of your choice to serve with a hummus or tapenade.
- For an interesting and tasty change from the usual dip and chips add a can of smoked oysters or chopped clams (drain them first) to onion or ranch dip. Or add baby shrimp (canned or frozen) to cheese dip.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It's Chicago Restaurant Week! 5 Stars
Friday, February 22, 2008
Dating Dimes* on a Dime in DC
By Westmoreland
00. Prologue
The dating disposition of the reasonably appointed* heterosexual male shifts through three standard categories. Guys date in
* Preparation
* Selection
* Consumption
These states tend to transition in and out of range of each other given the appropriate context. Each phase leads into the other on a predictable cycle until that male achieves a steady state of marriage, confirmed bachelorhood, or death. Quickly, let���s walk through a primer for each, shall we?
Preparation
Dating a woman in this phase means that this is said male���s lady. She is also very likely to be the ���One���. They have attended church services. She has met his mother, hung out with his friends, gets money from him (without prompting) and has been in abstract or detailed discussion/negotiation regarding marriage. She is good to go for the gold band. She is the future mother of his child���ern.
Selection
Dating a woman in the selection phase does not guarantee that she is exclusive to his dating pursuits, but she is competitive. He is buying dinner for her (sigh) with the expectation that she may soon be cooking dinner for him. This is the phase where he is returning her phone calls, popping the cell open on the first ring or kind of happy to get her text messages. She is foxy, and makes him feel warm (and/or corny and/or vulnerable). A dating operation in this phase may also be discontinued without any warning. What?
Consumption
Dating a woman in this phase is not really dating. Sometimes you can just text a ���babe��� to meet you at a bar. (I actually learned how this phase worked from a beautiful female friend of mine. I cringed when I discovered that you can actually get a woman to go back to your place WITHOUT ever having bought her dinner. I have run through some experiments using this approach. Unfortunately it is fairly effective. Note to self: train my unborn daughters well not to meet some clown at a bar for a drink. Ever! But I digress.) Consumption is really about frequency -- quantity. Usually this is a phase that younger guys overindulge once they discover that they have a subtle superiority in the urban dating marketplace. One day, though, they will discover the hidden costs and loneliness inherited from crunching through a bunch of women like Pringles. I love Barbecue Pringles, but they don���t fill you up and you can���t even throw them in the microwave, so they are hot but never ever warm.
In any case, this is where I, as a 30-something, professional, single male in D.C., will track my phase implementations. Who knows, maybe along the way you and I will learn something powerful���
Thursday, February 21, 2008
DW's Loop
“How can you stay in the Loop, if you aren’t in the Loop?”
Friday
Plan B Bar and Kitchen
1635 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(773) 252-2680
$50 Heineken keg and a dozen wings
Saturday
The LuxGiv and Pursuit of Passion VIP Soiree at Enclave (220 W. Chicago).
- VIP Raffle from 8 – 8:30 pm (Dinner party at Cuatro for up to eight guests $1,200
- Cocktail party featuring signature drinks by 10 Cane Rum
- Food courtesy of European Chalet
- Music by Grammy Nominated, DJ Bill Hamel
- There will be over $50,000 of LuxGifts and Raffle prizes
- Raffle items include: One week villa rental in Italy (worth up to $3,450); Wine and food Pairing at DeLaCosta for up to 12 ppl ($1,500)
$20 w/RSVP and pre paid admission online
$30 at the door
$50 VIP Tickets - includes gift bag, one raffle ticket and express entry
RSVP at www.luxgiv.com/enclave/
Sunday
Room 21's Hollywood Glam Party for the Oscars
2110 S Wabash
Time: 6:30 pm
Price: $40 in advance ($45 at the door)
Ticket includes appetizers, desserts, signature Belvedere cocktails and wine.
Silent auction benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Cocktail for the Week
Tahitian Tea
Ingredients:
Ice cubes
1/2 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Rum
1/2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Triple sec
3 oz Orange juice
3 oz Cranberry juice
Mixing instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1/2 oz liquors. Fill with 3 oz of each juice. Shake. Serve in a Hurricane or Collins glass
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Welcome to O's Corner
I am often asked to share cooking and other good housekeeping tips with my family, friends, and even strangers, including my recipes and simple how-tos for everyday and special occasions. This past Thanksgiving, I found myself in the supermarket giving recipes to people for dishes I assumed everyone had learned from family members. Such as how to make real macaroni and cheese, sweet potato souffle, and candied yams. My philosophy is make it easy, make it great! More is not always better. A little time spent with good information and planning means more time to enjoy friends, family and a good cocktail.
O's Corner: Removing Stubborn Stains
Chicago February Events
February 22 - 29
Chicago has finally joined other major cities in hosting Restaurant Week. During Restaurant Week you can enjoy three course meals at some of Chicago's best restaurants for $21.95 during lunch and $31.95 for dinner. Reserve now because participating restaurants will fill quickly!
M Lounge
1520 S. Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-447-0201
Join the CAAC & M Lounge for a Celebration of Black History Month
When: Thursday, February 21, 2008
Time: 6PM-10PM
Stop by and enjoy: $5 Absolut cocktails, $5 glasses of champagne, Appetizers
Proceeds benefit youth programs, workshops and scholarships for Chicago's youth.
Click HERE to learn more about the Chicago African American Committee (CAAC).
African American Heritage Month Concert Series
M Lounge
DATE: February 5, 2008
TIME: Doors open at 5PM
MORE: Julia Huff performance begins at 7PM, No cover. Free champagne, prizes, and a chance to win a gift basket worth more than $400.
VALET PARKING AVAILABLE
Exposure Tapas Restaurant, 4 Stars
Super Bowl Party, February 3, 5pm
Appetizer & Beer Specials (ask about specials for "out of towners" and those who live or work in the South Loop)
Fat Tuesday Party, February 5, 5 pm
New Orleans inspired appetizers and drink specials
Room 21, 3 Stars
2110 S. Wabash
Info. & Reservations: (312) 328-1198
Dessert & Champagne Tasting, January 31, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Price: $15
Oscars Viewing Party, February 24, 6:30 until the last envelope is opened
Complimentary: appetizers, Belvedere cocktails, and dessert 6:30-8:30
Price: $40 (a portion of the proceeds give to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
$29 Three Course Dinner, Mondays & Tuesdays
$10 Red or White Wine Flights, Wine Flight Wednesdays
Gallery Guichard Exhibits
3521 S. Martin Luther King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 373-8000
Exhibitions:
Black History Month Exhibition
Reflections of An Art Mastered: An Introspection (featuring Charlotte Riley Webb & Louis Delsarte)
Contact Gallery Guichard for more information
Museum of Modern Ice
February 1 - 29
Free outdoor exhibit at Millennium Park behind Cloud Gate from Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. The exhibit features Halloran's largest installation, a 95 ft long 12 ft high colorful ice wall. There is also an embedded ice painting in the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (open 10am - 10pm daily).
Sunday, February 17, 2008
African American Lives 2: 5 Stars
Series Overview
Building on the widespread acclaim of African American Lives (2006) and Oprah's Roots (2007), AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2 again journeys deep into ancestry of an all-new group of remarkable individuals, offering an in-depth look at the African-American experience and race relations throughout U.S. history. Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns as series host, guiding genealogical investigations down through the 20th century, Reconstruction, slavery and early U.S. history, and presenting cutting-edge genetic analysis that locates participants' ancestors in Africa, Europe and America. Joining Professor Gates in the new broadcast are poet Maya Angelou, author Bliss Broyard, actor Don Cheadle, actor Morgan Freeman, theologian Peter Gomes, publisher Linda Johnson Rice, athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee, radio personality Tom Joyner, comedian Chris Rock, music legend Tina Turner, and college administrator Kathleen Henderson, who was selected from more than 2,000 applicants to have her family history researched and DNA tested alongside the series' well-known guests. (See http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aalives/)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
D.C. Restaurants I Like and Love
Acadiana: 5 Stars
Love the food, but I don't always love the service. Great for dining with dates, friends, colleagues, or clients. Louisiana inspired meat & seafood dishes. Reservations Recommended. $$$
Hank's Oyster Bar: 5 Stars
Love the food, great oysters, great service. Happy Hour. Limited seating. Seafood. $$
Mei Wah: 5 Stars
The only place I eat Chinese in DC. $$
Ruth's Chris (Convention Center): 5 Stars
I generally dine in the bar area to enjoy the live music and to people watch. Steakhouse. Favorite Bartenders: LaDawn and Stephen. $$$$
Vidalia: 5 Stars
Great for dining with dates, friends, colleagues, or clients. Contemporary American. Reservations Recommended.$$$
Cafe Mozu at the Mandarin Oriental DC: 5 Stars
Excellent food and service. Great for special occasions. Asian inspired. Reservations Recommended. $$$
The Grill From Ipanema: 5 Stars
Bring your appetite. Casual dining. Delicious Authentic Brazilian Cuisine. $$
Oceanaire Seafood Room: 4 Stars
Try the crab cakes. Great for special occasions and entertaining clients. Reservations Recommended. $$$$
Todd English's Olives: 4 Stars
Open kitchen, warm contemporary decor. Contemporary American. Reservations Recommended. $$$$
Ceiba: 4 Stars
Enjoy bites and spirits at the bar or relax at a table in one of the elegant dining rooms. Contemporary Latin American. Reservations Recommended. $$$
Rosa Mexicano: 4 Stars
The guacamole is a must! Always fun & festive. Mexican. Reservations Recommended. $$$
Creme Cafe & Lounge: 4 Stars
Don't miss this opportunity to dine on U Street! Live Jazz late weekend nights. Brunch. Contemporary American Home Cooking. $$
Brasserie Beck: 4 Stars
Great D.C. addition! Open kitchen. Brunch. Awesome Belgian beer menu. Nicaraguan coffee. French Belgian Cuisine.
Kinkead's, An American Brasserie: 4 Stars
American with a seafood focus. Highly acclaimed. The Crispy Ipswich Clams are delicious! Reservations Recommended or grab a seat at the bar. $$$
Jaleo (7th St. NW Location): 3 Stars
Authentic Spanish Tapas. $
Chef Geof's: 3 Stars
Contemporary American. I prefer the New Mexico Ave. location. $$
Old Ebbitt Grill: 3 Stars
A Washington D.C. institution. Steps from the White House. Classic American. Reservations Recommended. $
Georgetown Waterfront Restaurants: 3 Stars
Sequoia, Tony and Joe's Seafood Place, and Nick's Riverside Grill
These restaurants offer fabulous views of the Washington Harbor. Tony & Joe's atmosphere and food is the best. Sequoia has the best view and is family friendly. People flock to these restaurants in warm weather to enjoy the outside seating and outside bars. Great people watching.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Don't Sleep on Phila's Nightlife
Thursday, February 7, 2008
DW's Loop
Thursday
Chinese New Year Wine Dinner - The Year of the Rat
Vella Café
1912 N. Western Ave.7:00pm - 10:00pm
6 course meal with wine pairings provided by Cellar Rat
You must reserve in advance by calling Cellar Rat at 773-489-2728
Cost: $75, which includes tax, gratuity & wine.
Friday
DJ Fashen @ Enclave
220 W Chicago
9pm - 10:30pm complimentary cocktail reception
RSVP to outfitevents.com for comp admission before 11 and reduced admission after 11
Saturday
Love Injection @ The Pleasure Dome hosted by 5 Magazine
75th and Exchange
11pm – Until
DJs Antione Williams, Craig Loftis, Gene Hunt, Dave Maze and DJ Cease
100 free house music mix CDs will be given away.
“House Music all night Long”
Sunday
SonyBMG Grammy Viewing Party &
Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary Thriller Listening Party.
Plush
1104 W Madison
6:30pm – 2:00am
www.plushchicago.com
Cocktail for the Week
Jump Start
2 oz Mango Vodka
1 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Coconut Rum
4 oz Cranberry Juice
Mix together in order above over ice. Stir and enjoy!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
It's Super Tuesday! Vote!
Go Obama Go!
http://www.barackobama.com
Monday, February 4, 2008
Chicago - The Party Scene
Bon V - 5 Stars
I love Bon V. Why? Because each time I have been there the staff has been fabulous and the DJ's were outstanding. I recommend Friday nights and Thursdays if there is a special event scheduled. Go for bottle service if you want to sit. Mixed crowd. Dancing
Sound Bar - 5 Stars
I also love Sound Bar. Why? Because I love the party scene on the lower lever. What makes it different is that Sound bar projects music videos on the walls and ties the video to the song being played by the DJ. Upstairs Sound bar has a VIP lounge (the red room) and a room that spins pop/rock/techno. Special shout out and thank you to VIP Host Mike Lang for his outstanding service. Mixed crowd. Dancing
Underground - 3 Stars
This party goes very late/early. Can be hard to get in, but if you do you will find a mixed crowd, good DJ's (mixing the latest hits), dancing, and maybe a celebrity sighting or two. Underground also has eats. Go for bottle service if you want to sit. Check the website for info. on weekly events.
Y Bar - 2 1/2 Stars
Y Bar describes itself as a "luxury cocktail boutique." It is a well designed upscale bar/lounge. It draws a see and be seen type of crowd. The service and the music are the reasons I give it such a low rating. The service is inconsistent. My experiences with the staff have either been great (shout out to Nico) or awful (some have actually been rude). The DJs are just ok. You can expect to hear good songs repeated. Dancing
NV Penthouse 2 1/2 Stars
As the name suggests, NV Penthouse is located at the top of the building in which it resides. You take an elevator ride up to this upscale lounge. I really like the design; it has a fantastic view of the city and the deck is fabulous (although the reserved cabanas are very small). This may be the problem. Maybe the owners invested all of their money in the design and are now trying to do upscale on the cheap. The bartenders lack training and repeatedly fail to properly mix drinks, yet the drinks are very expensive. Although bottle service is available, we were told we could not buy a bottle at the bar. An event was advertised featuring 7 specialty cocktails, when in fact they were only offering 2. This place just has not reached its potential.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
DW's Loop
Thursday
Exotic Brazilian Night @ Olé Lounge
2812 N. Lincoln Ave.,
7 - 10pm
Free 10 Cane cocktails, appetizers, body painting, makeovers, airbrushing
RSVP to info@shequechicago.com
Best of 2007 Party @ Manor
642 N Clark
Hosted by Chicago Scene, Tony Macey, Trigger and Z.
RSVP to info@manorchicago.com to be placed on the guest list
Friday
Braziliance@Sonotheque Presents - ‘Carnival 2008’
1444 W Chicago
9pm-2am
Free before 10pm / $10 after
For “Carnaval 2008”, Sonotheque will be unveiling a revamped, special Braziliance Cocktail Menu, with liquid creations that capture the art of drinking in Rio. Start off the evening with dinner at Flo (1434 W. Chicago) featuring a special Brazilian Appetizer & Cocktail Menu. Diners at Flo on February 1will be guests of Sonotheque for the event.
The Original V5 First Friday @ Vision Nightclub
632 N Dearborn
9pm - 4am
6 Rooms 6 Dancefloors, 16 Bars
RSVP @ www.baila.com/V5group-Chicago
Saturday
Knowledge Tattoo Grand Opening
2706 W. Chicago Ave
Free Boru Vodka drinks, beer & giveaways
Begins @ 8pm
RSVP @ thiasvagin@yahoo.com Space is limited
Craig Alexander & David Sabat @ Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash
10pm - 2am
No Cover
Sunday (Super Bowl Events)
Juniors Sports Lounge
Tailgate buffet from kickoff to halftime
724 W Maxwell
$10 Cover
McFadden’s
1206 N State Parkway
15 50 inch Plasmas
$2 Coors Light Pint & ½ Priced Appetizers
Party with the Coors Light Girls
Call/Email Kristi to book the VIP Room, or a private game-watching party
312.475.9450 or Kristi@mcfaddenschicago.com.
Super Bowl Sunday @ Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N Damen
$2 Domestics & Tailgate Buffet at Cans
Tailgate buffet from kickoff to halftime
3rd Annual Chicago Vine Super Bowl Party @ Mix
2843 N Halsted
4:30pm – 9:30pm
$40 Premium Open Bar and all you can eat and drink
Multiple TVs and Projection Screens
Babalu Super Bowl Party
1645 W. Jackson Blvd
Starts at 4pm
Free Pizza & Pasta at half time
$3 Domestic Beer & $5 Top Shelf Mix Drinks
Watch the game on 30 Screens Party til 4am
Super Bowl Buffet @ Paramount Room
415 N. Milwaukee Ave
Free food, beer specials, prizes
Starts at 5:30pm
A2 Marketing & Ced Nolen of The Ced Nolen Education Foundation
Cactus Bar & Grill
404 S. Wells
4pm - 2am
Free Admission All Night
Free Pre-Game Buffet (4 pm - 6pm)
Free Half-Time Hot Wing Eating Contest
$5 Drink Specials
Cocktail for the Week
Sex Monster
3/4 oz Sex vodka
1/2 oz VSOP cognac
1/4 oz Melon liquor
1/4 oz Raspberry liquor
2 oz pineapple juice
Combine in shaker, shake and pour