Thursday, May 28, 2009

Get a load of this . . .

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(Photo: Jake Melnick's Corner Tap)


Just in time for Father's Day, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap unveils the Big Daddy Burger.

It's nine ounces, hand-crafted, stuffed with bleu cheese, basted with homemade steak sauce, and topped with black peppercorn bacon, horseradish havarti, crispy onion strings, aioli, lettuce and tomato on a pretzel bun. If that's not enough for you, it comes with a Phin & Matt’s Extraordinary Ale and fries for $9.95.

On Dad's day, he gets it for half price.

Going Once, Going Twice, Gone!

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Chaise Lounge's Cary Taylor might whip up his signature Chaise Tacos at your home. (Photo: James R. Lasky)


312DD's been gushing about the Swan Creek Live Twitter Auction all week long, but at 9pm it comes to a close.

So time is ticking if you're still trying to place a bid on one of 15 of Chicago's prominent chefs to come cook at your home, including Paul Virant (Vie), Troy Graves (Eve), Suzy Crofton (Crofton on Wells) and Cary Taylor (Chaise Lounge).

To find out who placed the highest bids, head to a party happening at Goose Island Clybourn tonight. Your ticket includes beer, snacks, giveaways and a chance to win your very own wine-tasting event at Juicy Wine Co. 6-9pm. $25.

Of course, there's so much more going down this weekend. . .

THURSDAY

Make sure you wear a cute jacket or cozy sweater (and gloves!) if you plan on attending Red Kiva's patio party celebrating the summer. They'll be doling out mojito samples, drink specials and complimentary flatbread pizza to go along with live entertainment by Those Guys. 6-9pm. No cover.

Those looking for a hot new space to entertain this summer might want to check out the party happening at Gallery 1028 (1028 N. Hooker St.). They're doing an open house with a tour of the venue. Complimentary cocktails. 5:30-8:30pm RSVP to shelley@gallery-1028.com for admittance.

Indulge in a South of the Equator Tasting at the WineStyles on Belmont. You'll learn about vino from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, plus sample flavored grape seed oils from WildTree. 6-8pm. No cover.

FRIDAY

Get 20 percent off your bill at Lockwood with proof of a ticket purchased for the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.). It's good for lunch or dinner daily, so you can finally get your hands on that World Famous Lobster Dog. (NOTE: Discount does not include alcohol or tip.)

Since our city's outlawed real happy hours, MORE, the cupcake boutique in the Gold Coast, offers the next best thing. Every Friday, they're hooking up comped, cocktail-inspired cupcakes in flavors like margarita, piña colada, Cuba libre, mojito and Kir Royale. 5-7pm. Free.

SATURDAY

Do Division Street Festival, Wicker Park's first official street fest of the year, happens today and Sunday. All the little edgy shops, eateries and bars will have deals all weekend, plus look for live music by Flosstradamus, Dark Meat and Menomena 1-8:30pm. Hop on over to The Fifty/50, Boundary, Moonshine and Enoteca Roma while you're in the area.

SUNDAY

How does French toast sound to you right about now?! How about if it's topped with macerated Door County cherries, bourbon syrup and cracked hazelnuts? That's one of the highlights at Farmerie 58's new brunch service, which launches on its new patio this weekend. We also like the sound of the Crab Cake Benedict and Quiche Duo, made with housemade sausage, bell peppers, spinach and Gruyere. A comped Mimosa comes with each entree. 11am-3pm.

MONDAY

Vie's celebrated chef Paul Virant serves as special guest bartender during Shift Mondays at Pops for Champagne. Not sure what he's shaking up, but you're certain not to be disappointed. Rock star mixologists Debbi Peek and Bridget Albert will also be on hand, donating all their tips to Gilda’s Club. 9pm-2am. No cover.

And keep your fingers crossed for awesome weather so you can hang on ENO's patio for this summer-focused soiree. They're pairing five seasonal wines with cheese. 7-8pm. $25. RSVP to venue.