Friday, November 30, 2007

Easy Bar turns one; Do-Division Holiday Walk

Easy Bar (1944 W. Division St.) celebrates its first year anniversary with $1 cocktails all Saturday. Yes, that's right, you won't get your typical bargain basement brew offerings as the lineup includes Jameson cocktails/shots, Stoli cocktails, Fat Tire and Miller products. And as the clock ticks the dollar drinks change on the hour.

But if you head to that area during the day, you'll want to take part in the "Do-Division Holiday Walk" from 11am-6pm. The event takes place along Division Street between Leavitt and Ashland, and even though it's pretty family friendly, guests can take advantage of drink and specials along the way at such places as Bravo Tapas Lounge, Crust, Vintage Wine Bar, Gold Star and Moonshine.

There will also be free live musical theater, Santa taking pictures with kids, acapella groups singing to passersby, and deep discounts from boutiques and shops along the Division Street Corridor.

What the critics are saying. . .

. . . about:

Exposure Tapas Supper Club (1315 S. Wabash Ave., 312-662-1082): "As the name suggests, the changing menu focuses on small plates (most $4-$14), though there are a few entrees available. Oysters and clams from the raw bar were everything they should’ve been, but my favorite cold dish was charred beef tenderloin carpaccio paired with a salad of fresh baby artichokes drizzled with truffle oil and balsamic syrup." Anne Spiselman (Chicago Reader)

La Madia (59 W. Grand Ave., 312-329-0400): “I can spot an inferior pizza even before the first bite (the color of the tomatoes, the melt of the cheese, the puff of the crust). La Madia comes through with flying colors on all counts. The Margherita pizza here is easily among my top five for best Margherita pizza in Chicago.” Pat Bruno (Chicago Sun-Times)

Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge (332 E. Illinois St., 312-527-2888): "One of the better choices: crouching tiger lettuce wrap ($9). Tempura shrimp and spicy tuna are laced with mayonnaise and served with delicate soy sauce." Laura Bianchi (Crain's Chicago Business)

Prost (2566 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-880-9900): "This split-personality bar is at once old worldly with its heavy oaken tables and wrought-iron chandeliers juxtaposed with 10 flatscreens hung on the walls of its narrow hall. With three satellites broadcasting games for every kind of sports fan, Wisconsin alums can often be found catching a Badger's game, eating the bar's famed soft pretzels and drinking one of 12 German beers on tap." (Citysearch.com)