Store Sighting: Alexis Bittar

So maybe we are a little late on the up-take, but while perusing Bucktown this weekend our eyes set sight on Delve favorite jewelry designer - Alexis Bittar and his standalone store. After doing some research we felt better, the store (located at 1710 N. Damen) has only been open for just over a month. This is the designer's seventh retail store and lucky for us Chicagoans it is boasting a divine collection of baubles.

If you aren't familiar with Alexis Bittar, you are missing out. While he is known for his Lucite pieces (which are definitely lust-worthy), it is his work with semi-precious stones and metals which has us coveting almost every piece from his latest collection.

Check out the goods for yourself at the new location and while you are there, please pick this up for us!

Feathers, Peacock, Leopard - Oh My!

We love these Spring goodies from Forever 21. Go buy them now, your wallet won't feel a thing.

Feather Trimmed Necklace ($7.80)

Peacock Feather Chiffon Dress ($22.80)

Wild Thing Heels ($27.80)

Wicker Park - Four Ways

There are so many things to do in the WP, it really boggles the mind. If you aren't sure where to start exploring, here are some ideas – just in time for the weekend.

Laid back: Dinner at Thai Village (2052 W. Division) and craft beers at Small Bar (2049 W. Division). Thai Village has been a staple Thai restaurant on Division since way before Wicker Park was hip. Small Bar on the other hand, has always been a hipster haven, and the best place in all of Chicago to catch a football match going on across the pond. Great, inexpensive food followed by delicious beers = perfect evening.

Romantic: Dinner at Blue Bird (1749 N. Damen) or Hot Chocolate (1747 N. Damen) and drinks at The Violet Hour or The Exchange (1270 N. Milwaukee).

Caution: The line is always long at Violet Hour on the weekend. The Exchange is a great alternative for crafty libations. We’d reco Violet Hour on a weekday night to avoid the crowds. The Exchange is sleek and the bartenders are geniuses.

With the Girls: Dinner at Folklore (2100 W. Division), where the chimichurri is delicious, the steaks are hot and the Argentinean waiters are hotter. Pop into Lokal (1904 W. North) for some champagne. On Damen and Milwaukee you’ll have your pick of raucous dancing locales but we can’t honestly recommend any of them if the sun is out and we aren’t yet 3 drinks in.

Wasting Away the Day: Have brunch at Blue Line Lounge which is under the Blue line Damen stop (3 dollar mimosa and bloodys!), nails at Pinky, impulse shopping on Damen or vintage shopping on Milwaukee, quick black & white cookie from Goddess and the Grocer (1646 N. Damen) and finish off the afternoon with some day drinking and tacos at Big Star (1531 N. Damen).

We realize we may dip into Bucktown with some of our recos, a full list of Bucktown recommendations to come!

Splurge vs. Steal: Cheetah Edition

There is no quicker way to add some spice to an outfit than adding a little hint of cheetah. Just a dash gives any outfit a walk on the wild side, and it’s owner an instant air of edge. Delve has been scouting this trend on handbags and has found two options that will instantly update your closet no matter your price range.

Rebecca Minkoff "Cherish" Cheetah Print Denim Tote ($95) - Classic cheetah pattern turns an everyday tote into a head turning accessory - cut from slouchy denim and topped with leather handles for an unbeatable price.

Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos Leopoard-Print Calf Hair Bag ($2,010) - Wondering what an extra 2K will get you? A real calf hair bag in a standout leopard print, that’s what. This stunning bag comes with a hefty price tag, but with an additional long strap, this bag gives you the freedom to carry it as a tote or wear it cross-body. That’s worth the investment… right?

Class in a Glass, 694 Wine Bar

Some things in life are sacred and birthday parties are one of them. For festive occasions as such, don't go drab drink package or stiff dinner party, think 694 Wine Bar.

The 694 (formally Juicy Wine Bar) wine and nosh is serious. The menu boasts the best of the season with rich red blends, bubbles, unique brews, a selection of nutty and creamy cheeses and many a cured meat. The menu continues to expand with new options and great weekly deals. There’s a great second floor area available for renting. Speaking of sacred, the famed DJ LA Jesus hits the decks on Fridays and Saturdays to create the ultimate dance party.

Party or not, 694 is definitely worth stopping by on low-key Friday or a date night. When summer months are in full bloom, the patio at 694 is one of the finest in the city. It's intimate and charming with lovely flower boxes, ideal for catching up with your girls or taking the day into night with your guy. We dream of bronzing our shoulders during rosé afternoons at 694...

694 Wine Bar
694 N. Milwaukee Ave
(312) 492-6620

Pass the Bubbly

Bette Davis said it best: "There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of Champagne."

We could not agree more. Lucky for us, Bistro 110 is hosting the monthly Bubble Series, featuring tastes from select Champagne and Sparkling Houses. Tonight’s tasting will feature bubbles from Mumm, Perrier Jouet and Deibold-Vallois (among others) and will be paired with bites from Executive Chef Dominique Tougne.

Tonight’s Bubble Series is $30 and will be the last tasting before the finale held on March 31^st.

Can't Wait to Try - Brunch

Who’s next on Delve’s list of must-do brunches? Old Oak Tap. The Ukrainian Village favorite has introduced a new brunch menu, and it has our mouths watering.

Be forewarned that if you’re in search of a low-cal brunch, this might not be your top option – but if you’re anything like us, you likely welcome (and anxiously await) the occasional over-indulgence. Let it be known that they do have options that can work in favor of your “it’s almost summer and I have to wear a bikini” plan (plenty of salad entrees) – but the items that caught our eye likely fit more into the “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” plan.

What we can’t wait to try:

• Fried Chicken Sliders served with fried pickle chips, red onion, arugula, hot sauce and garlic aioli on buttermilk biscuits
• Chipotle and Black Bean Chilaquiles (based on our current obsession with chilaquiles) with cotija cheese, crema fresca, pico de gallo and fried egg
• Vanilla Apple Fritters served with a maple brandy glaze

And what’s brunch without a few cocktails? Serving up the expected Bloody Mary and Mimosa options, we suggest opting for one of Old Oak Tap's less traditional concoctions, such as the Hummer, made of Hum Botanical Spirit (a love child of Chicago’s own Adam Seger), ginger beer, Cava and a dash of sour and bitters.

Brunch at Old Oak Tap is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hey Chicago, What Do You Say?

Get out your trench coat and slap on a campaign button – it’s election day. What’s more chic than a Jackie O. inspired wardrobe? Voting. We assume most of our readers have never voted in a Chicago Mayoral election that didn’t have a Daley on the ballot (it’s only been 60 years after all). Well, here’s your chance. Get out there and vote Chicago – it’s your civic duty.

Find your voting location here.

Born This Way

For any of you who have been to the Kit Kat Lounge you know what a treat it is. This Boystown cabaret/restaurant features oh so talented divas in drag alongside enjoyable cuisine and an extensive drink menu. As if that weren’t enough to get you in the door, next Monday (Feb 28^th) the place will completely go "gaga" (not coincidentally the same day that Lady Gaga takes the stage at the United Center). If you couldn’t score seats to the actual show, the Kit Kat Lounge is the next best thing.

Diva Aurora Sexton will perform as Lady Gaga throughout the evening (in costume of course), belting her way through the pop tart's hits. Chef Mark Kasper's entire menu will be offered at half-price and Kit Kat's mixology crew will be shakin' up the below themed martinis (all $5 each).

Gaga Ooh La La - Effen Vodka, Hpnotiq liqueur and a splash of pineapple juice garnished with rock candy and a glowing disco stick

Bad Romance - Effen Vodka, Apple Pucker liqueur, melon liqueur and a splash of pineapple juice adorned with a wedding ring

Poker Face - Effen Raspberry Vodka, Chambord, St. Germain liqueur and champagne crowned with a poker playing card

See all you little monsters there!

3700 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613-3910
(773) 525-1111

Spring Awakening

With spring peeking it's head around the corner, spa's around the city are recognizing that Chicagoans will soon end hibernation and will need a refresher to get them feeling great after the brutal winter. Don't know where to start the rejuvenation? Check out Delve's favorite wellness packages this month (for great prices may we add)!

Massage Envy: Reawaken your senses and rehydrate dry skin with a 60 minute facial and 60 minute massage for only $108. This pampering package is offered at both of their Lincoln Park spas, 801 W. Diversey and the soon-to-open 1845 N. Clybourn location (hosting its Grand Opening in March).

Spa at Dana: The lux spa is hosting an evening of pampering, cocktails and an exclusive preview of its spring treatments on Thursday, March 10th from 6pm – 9pm. Attendees will enjoy two mini treatments (choose from Hot Oil & Scalp Treatment, Energizing Leg & Foot Treatment, Bacial - aka back facial or Zents Aromatherapy Massage) while sipping wine and enjoying appetizers from aja. Tickets are $50 a person, and will get you: two 20 minute mini spa services, a $20 gift card to use towards the spa and 20% off your future spa service if you book at the event. Secure your reservations by March 3rd by calling (312)202-6040.

Hubbard’s Newest Addition

After a stagnant couple of years, the River North nightlife scene is finally blowing up. Between Moe’s, Public House and Paris Club, we can’t say we are too upset about all of the change. But, when we heard that the guy’s behind English and LaSalle Power Co were opening another restaurant-tavern hybrid within a 3 block radius of their other properties, we were a little skeptical. That was until we read the menu. Hubbard Inn wowed us with its extensive and mouthwatering list of appies (whipped potatoes and spicy chorizo crostini), flatbreads (asparagus and mushroom ragout with caramelized onion and ricotta) and small plates (seared scallops with pumpkin puree and hazelnut brown butter).

For you boozehounds, there’s good news for you as well, you can accompany your fabulous meal with one of the 22 craft brews on tap. While the food sounds fab, the jury is still out on the nightlife scene. Like its fellow bars, the place is huge (8,000 square-feet, two-stories and can seat 250) and is open till 3am on Saturdays. Definitely not an intimate venue, but a good place to lose your date and find a new one.

Hubbard Inn
110 W Hubbard

(312) 222-1331

Coming Summer 2011: Japanese Tapas in the Loop

Hey Loop scenesters, get ready to incorporate a little bit of Tokyo into your after work agenda. The Slurping Turtle, a Japanese tapas spot from chef mastermind Takashi Yagihashi is headed your way. His inspiration? In chatting with Takashi we learned that in Japan tapas joints are the after work hangout for grabbing a quick drink, slurping on some noodles or enjoying some sashimi.

We love it! Look for the Slurping Turtle to open its doors next to Epic on Hubbard in June.

In the meantime if you haven’t been to Takashi, then, quite frankly, you haven’t lived. A blend of Japanese and French cuisines, this adorable Bucktown restaurant dons a Michelin star, a seriously flavor-packed menu and an intimate dining scene. Try the soy-ginger caramel pork belly-steamed buns with hot mustard (dream of these on a regular basis!), the wasabi crusted New York strip or the pheasant with chestnut risotto and truffle oil. We’d recommend this spot for a date night or dinner with a gal or two. Takashi, you’re in our top 5.

Takashi

1952 N. Damen (Damen and Armitage)

Visit OpenTable.com for resos.

Let's French (again)

Continuing on our French cuisine (er, champagne) kick, the Delve crew headed to Maude’s last night as a follow up to Sunday’s Paris Club soiree. As we headed to the upstairs dining room, we quickly realized that we were in the company of the Paris Club’s edgy cousin. The room was dark (illuminated by amazing oversized candles) and intimate with dark wood from corner to corner and tarnished mirrors covering the walls.

Note that if you choose to dine at Maude’s Delve recommends requesting an upstairs table. Downstairs décor was like that of an old café – tiled walls and antique chandeliers, upstairs was dimmer and gave us an edgier feel. Depending on the occasion, you really can’t go wrong.

Delve Eats

Bouchot Mussels – once again (as with Paris Club) we weren’t dying over the mussels. Don’t misinterpret, they were good, but not the best. We’re still not completely on board with the overly lime taste that both French powerhouses doused their mussels in.

Pomme Frites – Can’t speak highly enough of these. I know, I know – they would be hard to mess up. But the pomme frites at Maude’s were unlike any other. And pairing them with garlic aioli only heightened our obsession.

Tenderloin Steak Tartare – This seemed to be the overall favorite of the table. With an egg yolk center and flavored with capers, parsley and espalette, the tartare literally melts in your mouth. Definite must-have.

Sausage of the day with lentils – Spicy. Sharable. Sold.

Beef Shortrib Bourguignon – Another favorite – especially with the men at the table.

Blackened brussel sprouts with lemon and parmesan – If I’m not mistaken, I think we had four orders of the brussel sprouts. J ‘adore.

Delve Drinks

According to our fab waiter, the imbibing road at Maude’s should go in one of two directions: whiskey or rosѐ. I went with the whiskey, but the other girls are still talking about how fabulous the rosѐ was. Either way, tap your waiter’s knowledge for the best of the best when it comes to cocktail options and pairings.

Maude’s vs. Paris Club

This is tough. Luckily (we think) for the two reigning champs of Chicago French food, Maude’s and Paris Club could not be more different. Food at both leaves very little room for criticism. Paris Club has a bit more of an extensive menu, but Maude's has mastered their own take. Cocktail’ing is superb at both. So – we’ll try to sum this up based on overall experience. Looking for a hot spot and more of a see-and-be-seen environment? Hit up Paris Club. Looking for a dark, intimate, getaway of sorts? Maude’s is your place.

Photos via Maude's fabulous photo blog.