This Just In...

We don’t know about you, but we have been patiently/anxiously awaiting the June 2011 reopening of NoMI for quite awhile. So… just to tease you even more…

Park Hyatt Chicago just announced that Ryan LaRoche (former Chef de Cuisine at NoMI for the past year and a half), has been named the new Executive Chef at NoMI. Though only 32 years old, LaRoche is no amateur to fancy fare. In 2010, LaRoche was named Best New Chef by Chicago Social Magazine, and we can’t say we’re say surprised. Having spent time as Executive Sous Chef alongside the legendary Joël Robuchon of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas, LaRoche is sticking behind his mantra of local, flawless ingredients and fresh, creative cooking with the NoMI reopening.

Sounds to us like the 7^th floor just got a lot more heavenly. We’ll see you in June Mr. LaRoche.

We're Loving: Spring Nails

We're tired of waiting for the weather to turn, so we're pretending it's Spring whether Mother Nature likes it or not. We've already spruced up our home decor and got a head start on our Spring wardrobe, so now onto the nails. A few of our new faves:

• Austin-tatious Turquoise, O.P.I Texas collection
• French Affair, Essie
• Dragon, Chanel

Tonight!

Everything Old is New Again: Found Re

Instead of braving the weekend IKEA crowd again, take a detour and visit vintage furnishings mecca FoundRe: Furnishings, opening a new brick and mortar location on Chicago’s Division Street (2151 W. Division) on May 14th. While you won’t find Swedish Meatballs, owner Raun Meyn promises cold beer on-site and one of a kind pieces (leaving you immune to IKEA-itis, an epidemic frequently diagnosed upon the realization that your coffee table is exactly the same model as everyone else's).

Also specializing as a custom frame shop, FoundRe: has amazing statement frames crafted on-site, with a custom order option. With all products handcrafted using recycled materials found locally in Chicago, consider FoundRe: as your organic purveyor of home design.

Gotta Have 'Em: Home Accents

We've always been better at shopping than cleaning, who isn't? So instead of Spring cleaning we did a little Spring shopping. To brighten up your abode, we suggest these adorable accents:

Beautiful Tray, Jayson Home & Garden - $78

Decorative Oval Wall Mirror, Target - $17.99

Mod Love Pillow, Jonathan Adler - $175

Boule Flute and Helianthus Goblet, Anthropologie - $8 - $18

Eva Bowls, Sprout Home - $12

Everything's Coming up Rosie

The Harpo studios won't be vacant for long. Rosie O'Donnell announced today via her blog that starting in May she will inhabit the Oprah set to begin work on her new talk show, hosted on the OWN network.

The announcement is official as the one and only Oprah released a statement earlier today stating, “I’m delighted to welcome Rosie to the studio I’ve called home for so many years. Speaking from experience, she will be working with the best team in television in one of the greatest cities in the world.”

So is this Oprah 2.0? Not exactly. O’Donnell told O magazine that her new show will be less celebrity-driven. “The show will be about real people and real issues,” she said. “I’ll focus on a single topic for one hour, things people deal with every day. Raising children. The education system in America. Autism. Relationships, health, weight, depression — and happy stuff too, of course. I envision the show being full of love and laughter.”

Whether or not you are a fan of Rosie or Oprah, we are definitely fans of Oprah's hundreds of former Chicago employees retaining their jobs in production.

Gotta Have it: Bowdelaire Ballet Flats

Looking to add a little sparkle to your daily routine? When we were thumbing through this month's J. Crew catalog (a favorite monthly activity) we came across these showstopping ballet flats that immediately induced a "gotta have it" moment.

Add instant "oomph" to any outfit by slipping on these peep toes rocking sequined tulle bows with an attitude. Available in our favorite colors of the season (nude and olive green), these girlish yet diva-like flats help us kiss the wardrobe doldrums goodbye!

Buy them here ($158)

Get Gorgeous

Need a little motivation to jumpstart your soon-to-be-summer diet (see below post)? How about hanging out with a Victoria’s Secret supermodel? Yep. That should do the trick.

Pop into the Michigan Ave Victoria’s Secret tomorrow (Tuesday) between 5 and 7 p.m. for a meet-and-greet and photo opp with Lindsay Ellingson, the face of VS’s new Gorgeous Push-up. No time to wait in line? Purchase one of the push-ups, and automatically get in the fast lane to meet Lindsay.

Take a peek at a few of the sexy and chic Gorgeous Push-up designs here. Already added it to our list of Spring must-haves.

Feel the Burn

Though the freezing temperatures might lead you to believe otherwise, spring is here. As the days get longer, hemlines are getting shorter which can only mean that we need to step up our workout routine ASAP. Since hiding behind a down coat and bulky sweater is quickly becoming a non-option, we have done a little research on how to help fight the results of many months of pounding egg nog, green beer and whatever else has crossed our paths in these winter months.

Barre Bee Fit - "Your butt never looked so good" is a motto we can get behind. Barre Bee Fit is a 60 minute total body workout that utilizes a ballet barre and combines the most effective elements of pilates, dance and yoga with added cardio blasts to maximize body change through calorie burning. Doesn't sound sweaty enough for you? Well, the newly opened River North location (435 N. LaSalle) added a new class, Barre Bee Burn which offers the same workout, but in 90 degree heat.

Exhale Core Fusion Boot Camp - a welcome addition to Exhale's (945 North State Street) already stellar line-up of classes is Core Fusion boot camp. This new for spring addition is an intense cardio and strength training program that promises to give you the butt, arms, abs and thighs you never knew you had. Throughout the 60 minute class, the fast paced, dynamic sequences provide an intense calorie burn to help you shed those pesky lbs and work the most important muscle of all- your heart.

Gryotonic - Gyrotonics uses weights, pulleys, and cams to produce a wide range of rotational movements that strengthen the body’s core while improving the flexibility of the spine and joints. The unique yoga-based movements promote increased coordination, balance and strengthen your body without straining muscles and tendons. Our pick for the best spot in the city to offer masters specializing in the above? The one and only Elysian Hotel, contact their membership office for rates 312-646-1367.

DIY: Craft Spirits

There's no denying it, big name booze is over. Spirits from small distilleries are the talk of the town. Just today, we perused the new craft selections lining the bar at 694 (thank you Tasting Table!)

We are in love with this trend and we know what you're thinking: How can you ensure your in-home cocktailing is just as fab? Fear not. In our search of craft spirits, we found some very worthy options at Printer's Row Wine Shop. Here's a look at what lines our now perfectly on-trend liquor cabinets:

Lovejoy Vodka: $24

Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey - $45

Tequila Ocho Single Estate Plata - $60

Learn It: Cocktail'ing for Amateurs

Learning to stock your bar and mix wisely is a priceless lesson to be learned. We also know that it can be an intimidating lesson. Hence, Delve brings you two chances to learn from the pros.

Cocktails 101 at The Whistler

If you haven’t met Paul McGee (pictured), well, you need to. The master mixologist behind Logan Square’s imbiber-haven, The Whistler, is sharing his knowledge with any and all cocktailers willing to listen (er, pay) with Cocktails 101. Upcoming dates include:

• Sunday, April 3rd
• Sunday, April 17th
• Sunday, April 24th
• Sunday, May 8th

Space is limited, as each class is held to only eight people. Email Shelby at shelby@whistlerchicago.com to reserve your space, or to be wait-listed on any sold out dates. Cost is $95 per class, but frankly, it’s worth $95 to just meet Paul.

The Signature Room at the 95^th

The words "Signature Room" and "martini" are synonymous, and the man behind the cocktails, James Kuehner, is bringing his expertise to us wannabe mixologists. On Thursday, March 31^st, join Kuehner for tips on stocking your bar and mixing up the ultimate martini, all while noshing on treats from Executive Chef Patrick Sheerin. Cost is $55 per person and reservations can be made here.

Chicago Chefs Collaborate to Benefit Japan

Some of Chicago's best chefs are coming together in support of fellow culinary mastermind Takashi Yagihashi and his homeland of Japan. On April 18, chefs from Purple Pig, Blackbird, Spiaggia, Urban Belly, and Hot Chocolate (to name a few) will head to the Takashi kitchen (1952 North Damen Ave.) to create a six-course meal to benefit Japanese relief efforts. Dinner and wine pairings will range from $200 - $250 with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.

To make a reservation call 773-772-6170

Project Cabrini Green

Demolition and art usually don't go hand in hand. And while we have known that the CHA was planning to tear down the now vacant apartment complex for quite some time, we didn't anticipate it going out quite this way.

Project Cabrini Green is a public art installation (conceived by artist and educator Jan Tichy) addressing the demolition of the last high-rise of the Cabrini-Green housing development. Paying tribute to the tens of thousands Chicagoans who called the complex their home since its opening in 1942, on March 28th the 1230 N. Burling location will be lit up in the form of 134 LED lights - one for each apartment in the building.

The light installation will be visible in the evenings during the four week demolition period and as the building is razed, the lights will be demolished simultaneously. Adding another layer to the project is the live feed that will be streaming from the site to the MCA on the corner of Pearson and Mies Van Der Rohe.

No matter what your thoughts on the Chicago institution's departure, a distinguished exit seems right.

Check out their Website and Facebook page for more info on the project

Happier Hour

The River North happy hour scene just got a whole lot beefier.

Bridge Bar, located on the top floor of Fulton’s on the River, opened this week with their MO being to bridge the culinary and cocktail worlds. Word on the street is they did just that. Calling itself a “cocktail kitchen,” the chefs and bartenders at Bridge Bar work in unison, combining ingredients from the bar to the plate and vice versa. Enter the Bull Shot: jerky infused vodka, beef bouillon, lemon juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire.

I mean…meat-infused liquor? This joint knows its crowd.

And for the food? Think Lobster Dogs (complete with tomato, pickle, relish, onion and mustard), Beer Mussels and, ahem, Popcorn-Fit (duck fat, coriander, pork confit and parmesan).

Did we mention the bar boasts over 90 whiskeys?

Gotta Have 'Em: Revamped Maxis

Despite popular belief, Spring could be here any day now. Let's make sure we're prepared. Pedi, check. Spray tan, check. Wardrobe, hmm? If your closet needs a little updating, this year's maxi styles are just the ticket.

Round 2 of the maxi is dare we say, bedazzled. Think exposed zippers, ruffles, silk, prints and the much anticipated maxi skirt. Chic al fresco dining, here we come.

Winter Kate Damien Floral Long Slip Dress - $219 (Nicole rocked it thus we follow suite)

Pins and Needles Chiffon Maxi Skirt - $54

Ruffle Knit Maxi with Exposed Zipper - $59

Theory Tie Shoulder Maxi Dress - $375

Striped Maxi Skirt- $18.90

Rolling in the Deep: Adele at the Riv

If you haven't given a good listen to Adele's newest CD, you are missing out my friends. The British songstress' latest album 21 is literally breathtaking (we don't use that word lightly) and gets us through the work day on a regular basis. So if you are wondering where we will be on Tuesday, May 24, you better believe it is at the Riv, rocking out to her soulful tunes.

The catch: Tickets are sold out, but while they may be pricey ($100 and over for GA) you can still pick them up on StubHub and TicketsNow. We are pretty sure, no positive it is worth it.

PS Cut Copy is also going to be at the Riv on April 8th, our Spring concert schedule is filling up fast!

Bring on the Funny

As this so-called spring weather is straight up depressing, we thought we would do our due diligence and bring some laughter to this town. Lucky for us there are some top-notch, pee-in-your-pants acts coming this way.

Bill Maher - Love him or hate him, this titan of political humor is heading to the Chicago Theater on July 23^rd to tear every tea-party candidate a new one. Not a fan of Bill? You will be once you watch his epic interview with Levi Johntson. Yup, we agree, he’s amazing, buy your tickets here.

Bob Saget – Another one to add to your “love him or hate him” list, Danny Tanner will be bringing his blue comedy line to the Horseshoe Casino on April 1^st. If you’re dying for risqué comedy in the uncomfortable direction of the Olsen twins, you know where to be on the 1^st. Tickets are available here.

Chelsea Handler – The girl that we hold single-handedly responsible for our inappropriate vocab is coming to Chicago. Again. And needless to say, we can’t wait. Grab your tickets here for the May 11^th show at the Chicago Theatre.

His Airness Returns

The last time Michael Jordan surprised Chicagoans was when he returned to the Windy City to “play” for the White Sox. That time, opinions were mixed. This time, they’re pretty unanimous. In a good way.

Crain’s Chicago Business is reporting that construction for an MJ-owned steakhouse will be underway starting as early as this coming June (with an optimistic goal of an August opening). Crain’s says the restaurant will be located on the second floor of the InterContinental Chicago (replacing Zest) and will boast a 7,000-square-foot dining room seating up to 160 on the hotel's second floor, a bar with a 70-person capacity and two private dining rooms able to hold 18 people each.

His Airness will be in good company in the River North steak scene, with hot spots Mastro’s and Chicago Cut close by.

Go See: Underground Style Series

The Underground Style Series, Chicago's own mini fashion week(s).

For six consecutive Thursdays, the sub-terrain hot spot hosts a bevy of local and national designers showcasing their hottest spring looks as Agency Galatea models hit the catwalk. The series kicks off next Thursday (March 31st) with Oak street boutique, Sofia Vintage and ends on May 5th with a men's apparel extravaganza (think Haberdash and BucketFeet). In between, you'll find everything from Furla to Nars to Addidas.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and shows start at 11 p.m., but you can stay until the wee hours of the night to continue your post-runway buzz.

Check out the full schedule here.

Sent from Heaven: All Saints

The British are coming!

First was word of Topshop's spring opening, and now Racked is reporting that edgy, UK clothing brand All Saints will be making its mark on the Mag Mile this summer. If the brand sounds familiar to you, it's probably because you've seen their boutique set up on the sixth floor of Bloomingdales. While we haven't been thrilled with their selection there thus far, we expect this 11,000 sq-ft. store to offer a more eclectic selection than we have seen - and if they plan to carry this Aztec dress (left) we think that things are going to be juuuust fine.

Nestled in between Zara and Saks at 700 N. Michigan, we can't imagine we'll have any trouble fitting this in to our shopping routine.

"Big Girls Need Big Diamonds" - Elizabeth Taylor Remembered

To celebrate the life of one of our all-time favorite glam girls, Delve brings you a few of our most memorable Elizabeth Taylor quotes:

"It's not the having, it's the getting."

"My Mother says I didn't open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked."

"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."

"I have a woman's body and a child's emotions."

"It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting."

"When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow."