Delve's Go-To Guide to Dining

Whether it's a first date, entertaining a client or hanging with the girls, the choosing of restaurants here in Chicago is all about strategy and preparedness. Lucky for you, Delve has created a fool proof list of some of our favorite downtown go-to's (per neighborhood coming soon!), conveniently broken down per occasion so you're never caught off guard.



Meet your new pocket restaurant guide.

Night Out with the Girls
Sunda, Mercadito, Girl & the Goat

Dinner with the Parentals
Table 52, 33 Club, Chicago Cut

First (or 15th) Date
Il Mulino, Maude's Liquor Bar, Le Colonial

For Entertaining Clients
Hub 51, Sepia, IPO, Henri, Cibo Matto, Keefer's

Dives
Rossi's, Monk's, Dublin's

For Any Occasion
Paris Club, La Madia, Pizzeria Via Stato, Hubbard Inn

Opening Friday: Bank-Turned-Bar Hits Wicker Park

The Space: Taking over the old MB Bank on Division and Ashland, The Bedford’s new home dates back to the 1920s. The main attraction? An original bank vault room filled with floor-to-ceiling lockboxes. Did we mention how you enter? After coming through the under-the-radar entrance on Division, head down the stairs and through the open door of the copper vault (pictured). So mysterious. So chic. So James Bond. Also available is a dining room complete with fireplace, a central bar for those looking to party, and plenty of booths for anyone wanting a little privacy.

The Menu: Chef Mark Steuer (formerly of Hot Chocolate and The Gage), touts a seasonal menu of what he calls “elevated Midwestern fare.” What we’re excited about: the Bedford Fish Fry (crispy skinned whitefish, minty English pea puree, curried yogurt and pea tendril salad), deviled eggs (from the snacks menu) and desserts by the likes of Black Dog Gelato, Hoosier Mama pies and Hot Chocolate’s Mindy Segal.

The Cocktails: Promising a carefully crafted cocktail list and locally sourced beer, mixologist Pete Gugni is really bringing his A-game. Cocktail list includes: Edison’s Medicine (honey-infused vodka, Cynar, Amontillado Sherry, dry vermouth and orange bitters) or the Pisco Punch (Encanto Pisco, lemoncello, lime juice, orange juice and pineapple gum). Our mouths are officially watering.

Web Site for The Bedford coming soon!

It's Here!

Now that the Lollapalooza 2011 lineup has finally been released, we’ve officially dedicated our Grooveshark to nothing but the best of this year’s acts. As expected, Perry’s Stage is where we plan to spend the majority of our days-turned-nights, but there’s quite a few others on our radar. See below for a Delve-created playlist of our fave songs from each of the acts that we’re most excited to get down with come August.

• Crystal Castles – Vanished
• Ellie Goulding – Lights (Bassnectar Remix)
• Lykke Li – Get Some
• Afrojak – Take Over Control
• Skrillex – Blow the Skrilla
• Ratatat - Loud Pipes
• Portugal. The Man. – The Sun
• Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness
• Cee Lo Green – Bright Lights Bigger City
• Pretty Lights – Hot Like Sauce

Did we mention that the rumor mill has been aflutter with talks of a Perry’s expansion? Let us be the first to say that we fully support this motion.

Beer, Ostrich and Rock

Live Music. Check. Burgers. Check. Schlitz on tap. Check anddd check.

Last week, the fella behind Duke's (if you couldn't tell by the bar sign and burger menu) quietly opened a new rock and roll watering hole at Fullerton and Greenview in the old McDunna's space. Touting a menu of 20 different burgers and nine choices of meat (from Kobe to ostrich), The Ace Bar is making quite a name for itself amongst the Depaul coeds. But let's not chalk this one up as just another burger bar. Head in on the weekends and let your inner hippie/rockstar loose to live bands ranging from hard rock originals to rock/pop covers.

Check out their beer list here - heavy on the bottles, not so heavy on the drafts.

Manly Makeovers: Trunk Club

Love your guy, but hate his oversized jeans and his disdain for shopping? The Trunk Club might be just the service for him. Boys, listen up. Here's how Chicago's first men's clothing service works:

Step 1: Tell them about yourself by talking with a TC expert via phone, email, or build your profile online. This will ensure that they are picking clothes in-line with your personal style (are you preppy or is your inner-hipster dying to come out?)

Step 2: The TC does all the shopping for you, and within just a couple of days you receive your personalized trunk full of hand selected goodies (along with a pre-paid return label, to make the return process a non-issue).

Step 3: Try your clothes on at home/work. Keep what you like, send the rest back to TC at no extra cost to you.

Suddenly you are trading in your frat boy ways for your inner metrosexual (we mean that in the best way possible) by sporting premium designer men’s brands like AG, Ernest Sewn and John Varvatos. Take the plunge, and we promise you'll look like yourself, only better.

Go Now: Bonny's

If you haven't ventured to Bonny's (2417 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in Logan Square, go NOW! Word is spreading about this late night, low lit, hipster haven and the lines are forming. Looks like The Whistler, a Delve favorite, has a little competition. Here's what you need to know:

Know Before You Go: Bonny's is open until 4:00 a.m. and is cash only. Things start to heat up around 11, so get there just before if you want to snag a table and avoid the line. Like The Whistler, the outside of the bar is subtle so it's easy to miss. Fool proof tip: look for wood paneling.

Booze: The best thing about Bonny's is the reasonably priced classic cocktails. If cocktails aren't your thing, there is a solid beer list and PBR on tap, obviously.

Sounds: The DJ plays a nice mix of fan favorites so strap on your dancing shoes but be prepared to fight for space on the floor.

If you do indeed find yourself stranded in line - The Whistler is just doors away and The Two Way, a divey (understatement) outpost, is across the street. We can't guarantee The Whistler will be any less busy, but know The Two Way will welcome you with open arms.

Photo courtesy of Planet99.com

Deal of the Day: Village Vines

Groupon, YouSwoop, Gilt Group, deal sites in Chicago are (lucky for us) a dime a dozen. But we've started to wonder if the 40% off you get on skydiving in Elmhurst is worth a clogged inbox. Enter Village Vines, a special site which offers daily deals on one thing, and one thing only, restaurants.

So, how does it work? Registered users get a daily e-mail with offers on select restaurants and if interested, pay $10 for a reservation online, which leads to a 30-percent discount off the check. Village Vine's process eliminates that awkward coupon exchange moment as physical coupons are not needed - the site’s reservation system flags members to the restaurants and automatically subtracts the discount from the bill.

The best part is, the restaurants are top-notch. Mia Francesca's, MK, De Cero, Elate and DuChamp are just a sample of the site's recent participants. Register here - it's worth it, we promise.

Two Words: Tableside Margaritas

As if we needed another reason to spend girls' night over margs and guac, Eater is reporting that Cantina No. 46 will be whipping up margaritas tableside once opening their Gold Coast doors on May 13th. How that's even possible, we don't know. But we can't wait to find out.

Taking over the sit-back-and-relax Salut wine bar space, this lively margarita haven is already boasting a menu (run by Servando Camargo, previously of Table Fifty-Two and Rockit) promising a mix of comfort foods and healthy options. Topping our list of nosh-worthy items include: tableside guacamole, ceviche and mushroom tamales.

Ay dios mio.

Say Yes to Le Dress

Whether you want a daytime frock, cocktail LBD or evening gown, Le Dress in Bucktown has always had you covered. For those of us who don't live so convienently off the Blue line, we are excited to report that their second store, aptly titled Le Dress Deux, has now opened at The Shops at Northbridge on Michigan Ave. (we like to refer to it as the Nordstrom building). Their sister store will offer the same beloved variety of designers with pricepoints varying from affordable to splurgeworthy. With wedding season quickly approaching we suggest you get your le butt there now. (Photo via Racked)

Le Dress now at 520 N Michigan Ave

Opening: Oliver Peoples on Rush

The former Barney's spot has been vacant for quite awhile now, eating up precious Gold Coast real estate. So imagine our surprise and delight when on a recent stroll we saw that this Rush and Oak spot was being occupied by the stylish sunglass purveyor Oliver Peoples. While they must have missed the memo that Chicago apparently never gets sun, we aren't complaining considering we have been meaning to pick up this pair of Daddy B sunglasses (pictured left) for quite some time.

Chic sunglasses store? Check! Sun? Hmmm....

Beauty Must Do: C.O. Bigelow Glam Slam

One of THE primo beauty events is coming up this Thursday, April 21 - the C.O. Bigelow Glam Slam. If you love C.O. like we do, it's an absolute must do.

Here are the details:

C.O. Bigelow - Water Tower Place

April 21, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Buy 2 Get 2 Free C.O. Bigelow Products
$25 off a purchase of $100
Swag bags with every purchase of $50

To RSVP, 312-642-0551

Best part? If you can't make the event, call C.O. Bigelow with your shopping list and they'll send you your beauty must haves for free (as long as you live in the US). Talk about customer service!

Dining and Drinking for Good

There’s nothing more chic than saving the world, but we’re well aware that refusing any and all electricity or eating only sustainable foods on Earth Day can be a tall order. So what’s a sub-par Go Green girl to do? Plan an eco-extravaganza of course! Delve has uncovered a few of the city’s top happenings in celebration of Earth Day.

Shaw's Crab House: With an additional restaurant menu dedicated solely to sustainable seafood, your conscience can be cleared over dinner at this Chicago favorite.

Uncommon Ground: Join the eco-masters at Uncommon Ground (Devon location) for an Earth Day beer pairing dinner featuring Great Lakes brews. Check out the menu here for the $55, 3-course plus passed apps and dessert menu.

Province (with City Provisions): Multi-course sustainable finger foods menu with cocktails by Death’s Door Spirits? Say no more. $55 includes your food, drink, tip, and a donation to the Chefs Collaborative.

Just looking to cocktail? Check here for a list of Chicago locations offering up TREEtinis.

Gotta Have it: PS1 Wallet

It's no secret that Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag has been on our wanted list for a very long time now. Unfortunately the $1,600 price tag and our credit conscience have prevented this purchase from happening. So when we heard today that the sumptuous leather, surprising colors and briefcase detail of the PS1 bag now came in wallet-friendly size, we were overjoyed. For a cool $585 you can take home one of these delightful continental wallets (available in 5 colors) today! Now that we have the "it" wallet for the season, we just need some cash to put in it. Buy it here

Go Bulls!

We LOVE our Bulls. With one win in the bank, things are looking promising for Derrick Rose and friends. If you don't have tickets to tonight's game or if you're looking for a place to watch the games while they're in Indy, here are a few of our favorite places to grab a cold brew and catch them on the tube.

West End (1326 W. Madison St.)

Come early and grab a comfy booth with your own personal TV. Just blocks from the United Center, it's the next best thing.

Cleo's (2 locales, 2048 W. Armitage Ave. and 1935 W. Chicago Ave.) 25 cent wings on Mondays and the Bulls on TV, true love.

The Boundary (1932 W. Division St.) Big TVs, tater tots, cheese sauce. We're so there.

The Rocking Horse (2535 N. Milwaukee Ave.) This is more of a divey spot to catch a game. Good for a mixed crowd of sports fans and hangers-on. Those less interested in the game can be preoccupied by a photo booth, pool table and pinball machine.

Rockit - Wrigleyville (3700 N. Clark St.)Game watching, served with a side of truffle fries.

The Pony (1638 W. Belmont Ave.) A fresh take on the sports bar.

Travel + Leisure Does Chicago

Um, finally. A national magazine has done a roundup of Chicago food, and traveled further north than Chicago Ave for her research. Hats off to you, Travel + Leisure's Francine Maroukian. Welcome to the real world of Chicago dining.

Inspired by the mass wave of southern style, comfort food dining that landed in Chicago last year, Francine ate and drank her way through a number of neighborhood favorites, from Bucktown all the way to Andersonville. See below for a few of our favorites of her per-restaurant descriptions:

Ukranian Village: Jam
"What do you do on a Sunday when you’re hungry but desperate to avoid typically treacly brunch food? Get in line at Jam, where dishes tilt the scale toward the savory side."

Wicker Park: Big Star
"Big Star is a self-billed honky-tonk taqueria that’s been a neighborhood favorite since the day it opened."

Bucktown: The Bristol
"One thing’s for sure: Pandel doesn’t play coy with food. His approach is head-on and all about bold juxtapositions."

Bucktown: The Southern
"Taylor straddles Southern and Midwestern cooking with hybrids such as his Cajun send-up of Canada’s beloved poutine: layers of freshly cut potato fries drenched in house-made tasso gravy, then topped by Wisconsin cheese curds solid enough to soften up but still hold their shape."

Andersonville: Big Jones
"Just one spoonful of his chocolate-colored chicken-and-andouille gumbo, made with a traditional dark roux, will have you feeling like you’re on the Bayou."

Andersonville: Vincent
"The rich palette of van Gogh red and Prussian blue, aglow beneath amber filament lighting, paints the perfect facsimile of Dutch gezelligheid."

View article here.
*photo from Travel + Leisure

Refinery 29 Goes Inside Food

Refinery 29 recently hit up some of our fave food and drink gurus (hello, Paul McGee) on what and where they recommend eating, drinking and being merry. A few patterns we see forming: the pros love cocktail'ing at The Whistler and Violet Hour, and over-indulging at Arami. Take a peak at the rest on Refinery 29.

Deal of the Day: Tax Free Shopping at Sarca

As if you needed another reason to spend your tax refund, Sarca, our favorite Gold Coast boutique, is allowing you to shop their new spring goods (Markus Lupfer, Alice by Temperly, Jay Godrey, Camilla Skovgarrd, among many others) TAX FREE through Friday, April 22nd. This deserves a WOOOO!!!!

That's Amore

Most Chicagoans take their pizza very seriously and we consider ourselves V.I.P (very into pizza). We've never been traditional gals so we tend to go thin crust, not Chicago style (can I even type that while in the city limits?). Here's a list of our fav thin pies shops throughout the city. From one pizza lover to another, if you have favorites - please do tell! Can anyone deliver us a large pepperoni right NOW?

North

• Great Lake (yes, it's worth the wait): 1477 W. Balmoral Ave.
• Pizza DOC (a great alternative to a 4 hour wait at Great Lake), 2251 W. Lawrence Ave.
• Pequod's (simple and delicious), 2207 N. Clybourn Ave.

Loop

• Pizzeria Via Stato (you can see through the crust), 620 N. State St.
• Pizano's (buttery crust, available in deep dish if you are into that sort of thing), 3 locations in the downtown area

West

• Coalfire (margherita, mmm..), 1321 W. Grand Ave.
• Piece (die for the white pizza), 1927 W. North Ave.
• D'Agostino's (delivery driver may or may not know us by name), 752 N. Ogden Ave. (also has a Wrigleyville location)

South

• Pat's Pizza (real nice veggie option), 628 S. Clark St.
• Vito and Nick's (southside staple), 8433 S. Pulaski Rd.

Gotta Have it: Zara Printed Kimono

Constantly keeping our eye out for key spring looks, we stumbled upon this perfectly styled combo from Zara. We are digging everything about this outfit from the the white skinny cropped trousers to the sharp black accessories. But clearly it's the Kimono that put us over the edge. We can't see the model's face but we're sure if we could, she'd be smiling at her chic ensemble. We'll keep this one short. Under $100 +blush (our fave color of the season) + sumptuous silk + elegantly draped kimono cardi + Zara = I just gotta have it.

Going This Weekend: Jellies Exhibit at The Shedd

If you haven't been to The Shedd Aquarium since your 8th grade field trip, now's the time to make your much anticipated return. The new Jellies exhibit, opening tomorrow, will unearth the underwater wonders that are jellyfish. Did you know that they are made of 95% water, have no bones and no heartbeat? It's wild and we love it.

Tickets: $34.95 Adults, $23.95 Children

Pasta Porn?

Pasta porn... we know it sounds strange. But after oogling and drooling at GrubStreet's List of 101 of America’s Most Delicious Noodle Dishes, we felt like we needed a cold shower. Staff writers there had the awful job of scouring the country — the whole country — to track down the 101 best bowls from coast to coast. So what did they find when visiting our precious little city? Lots! See below for their list of chi-town carbo-riffic favorites...hungry anyone?

Cibo Matto's Carbonara, Pancetta, Egg Yolk, Romano Ricotta

Pelago's Ravioli di Vitello in Salsa al Pistacchio

Piccolo Sogno's Pappardelle Pasta With Lamb Meatballs With Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins

Sabatino's Manicotti Filled With Ricotta

Spiagga's Cannelloni With Ricotta, Castlemagno, Swiss Chard, Spring Pea Pesto

The Florentine's Squid Ink Spaghetti Alla Chitarra

Ricardo Trattoria's Fettuccine Bolognese

Viaggo's Rigatoni With Sunday Pork Gravy

Looks for Less: Matthew Williamson for Macy's

Target knows better than anyone else, when you mix the cachet of a designer name with an affordable price tag, it's money baby. So needless to say the words "Matthew Williamson for Macy's" was music to our ears.

The popular designer, known best for dressing jet-setting celebs in flowing fabrics, bright pops of color and chic prints, brings "it" with this new collection. Priced anywhere from $59-$299 you can stock your closet with limited edition items such as printed maxi dresses, leather jackets and sheer blouses. Get it now girls, if Williamson's H&M collaboration was any indication, these items are going fast.

This may be the first time we have been happy that the former Marshall Field's is now a Macy's...

OpenTable Hearts River North

If you're not dining in River North, well, according to OpenTable diners, you're sooo not with it. The site known for bringing reservation-making straight to your desktop just released their list of the Top 50 Hot Spot Restaurants in the US (based on over 7 million OpenTable diner reviews), and River North eateries reigned supreme in rep'ing the Chi.

Girl & the Goat (big surprise) and Gilt Bar both made it into the list's Top 10. Other Chicago restaurants to land a coveted spot in the Top 50 include: Sunda, Mercadito, Hub 51 and Epic.

Check out the full list here.

Spice Up Your Sweat: Urban Fit Clubs

Over here at Delve we know that working out ain't easy. It can be monotonous, tiresome and downright boring. So when we heard that a membership with Urban Fit Clubs meant that you had access to dozens of local Chicago fitness clubs, we had to get on board. For $149 a month, get ready to shape your body and mind during a variey of workouts (think yoga, cycling, pilates or martial arts) at authentic gyms and boutique studios throughout Chicago (think Barre Bee Fit, Flow Studio, and River North Pilates). Boasting dozens of dynamic wellness locations already, Urban Fit Clubs is adding to its extensive roster frequently. You'll cure your gym ADD and gain that six pack all in one fell swoop.

A Cut Above the Rest

Chicago has no shortage of steakhouses, and good ones for that matter. So what makes Chicago Cut Steakhouse a highly publicized, Oprah/Daley/Toews endorsed favorite? Well, first of all, let's start with the view. Situated on the river, the space boasts floor to ceiling windows that gaze out on to the bright lights of Wacker. Taking advantage of their location, they also have a sizeable river-side patio that can take our love of al fresco dining to the next level. But Cut is not just aestheically appealing, it's damn tasty too. Whether you are looking for a man's cut of beef or a perfectly seared piece of Chilean Sea Bass, this restaurant has it all. While the main dishes were delectable, the sides stole the show with decadent Truffle Scalloped Potatoes and sinful Lobster Mac and Cheese. Adding to the glitz and glamour of it all was the presentation of their extensive wine selection (ranging from $28 a bottle to over $300) on a sleek iPad.

While Chicago Cut is not the place for dainty appetites and shallow pockets, it is the place for above par service, well shaken cocktails and lots and lots of men in suits.

Chicago Cut Steakhouse/312.329.1800/300 N. LaSalle, Chicago IL

One Sweet Tour

Our high school selves are jumping for joy at the just-announced news that Chicago will be the second stop for the Dave Matthews Caravan tour. July 8th - 10th, DMB and a pretty fab lineup (per below) will be Two Stepping their way to Lakeside for three full days of jam sesh'ing. Tickets go on sale to the general public on the 15th at DMBCaravan.com, and start at $195 for the three days.

Here's hoping they find somewhere other than the Chicago River to "empty" their tour bus this time around...

Gotta Have it: Rag and Bone Harley Dress

Every season, there is one item that has us counting our pennies in hopes we can purchase. Ladies, we have found that item for Spring. Delve favorite designer Rag & Bone has surprised and delighted us with their Harley Dress ($575). A form fitting silhouette with vibrant chiffon layers lend an artsy feel to this masterpiece. For those of us gals on a budget, you can get half off the real deal by purchasing the skirt for half the price. Hey, we'll take what we can get.

Spring Showers

In Chicago, there is no such thing as Spring. Instead, we get a string of rainy days that have our outdoor activities on constant hold. But since we aren't the glass half empty kind of gals, we searched high and low for the cutest wellies, to help put a little pep in our step and show those puddles who's boss. Whether your style is tough (Burberry $395), girly (Kate Spade $125) or edgy (See by Chloe) we have found rain boots so cute, you'll be begging for a storm.

Royal Roundup

Whether you’re a sucker for a royal love story or not, every girl is happy/relieved that Prince William finally popped the question to Waity Katie. With the nuptials airing at 4:30 a.m. CST, Chicagoans need a few more time-friendly options to don their Sunday’s best and ooooh and aww over the blushing bride eagerly saying “I do.” Lucky for you, Delve has a few recommendations.

Crumpets and Couture: (pictured) Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and 900 N. Michigan Shops are blurring the lines between high fashion and high tea. On Friday, April 29^th, London retailers Karen Millen and soon-to-open L.K. Bennett will showcase pieces from their most recent collections at the 3 p.m. event celebrating the Royal Wedding. Enjoy an English-inspired tea menu and bites by Executive Chef Kevin Hickey as you sip Laurent-Perrier Rosé and watch the Royal Wedding festivities on large flat screens in Seasons restaurant on the 7th level. Cost is $55 per person and reservations are encouraged. Did we mention there will be swag bags?

A Touch of Royalty: Park Hyatt Chicago knows a thing or two about treating guests like royalty – and they just took things to a whole new level. In lieu of the long awaited vows, The Park Hyatt is giving guests the chance to let their inner princess shine with the “A Touch of Royalty” package. We’re talking full-on pampering including: overnight accommodations for two, a horse drawn carriage ride (sigh), tickets to The Art Institute of Chicago’s “Kings, Queens and Courtiers” exhibit and an early morning wake-up call (hello, 4:30 a.m.) to watch the wedding of the century while enjoying an English breakfast in bed. Package rates start at $457 – a small price to pay for an evening of glitz, glamour and royal symbolism, don’t you think? “We do.”

London’s Calling: Want to pretend you’re one of Kate’s pals in actual attendance at the wedding? The Drake Hotel is decking out their Palm Court to make guests feel like they’re besties with the blushing bride-to-be. On top of the screening of the Royal Wedding, there will be a fashion show by Chicago’s top Milliners and, of course, an Afternoon Tea Service including tea, scones and finger sandwiches. Cost is only $35 per person and reservations can be made by contacting Shaun at shaun.rajah@hilton.com.

Now let’s just hope a certain someone doesn't get cold feet...

Grahamwich New Menu

Let's just say that when we visited Grahamwich for the first time this fall we liked, but we didn't LOVE. So when we heard that Mr. Elliot rearranged a few things in the kitchen, we were overjoyed. Not because things were bad initially, but because things look just about perfect this time around.

So let's get down to business, what's different on this new menu? How about the fact that all but 2 items have been revamped. New additions include lamb gyro, Waygu Beef, Mediterranean Veggie and the Waldorf Chicken. The change doesn't just stop there, all sides now come in two sizes and any sandwich can be carb free by substituting the bread altogether for mixed greens.

Additional seating has also been added so you actually have a chance to enjoy your meal without hovering in a corner. The best part of it all? How about the new vanilla soft serve with roasted banana, nutella and marshmallow fluff? We know, you're drooling. Second chances have never been so sweet.

Opening: GT Fish & Oyster

Although it's only Tuesday, we are already wondering what we are eating for dinner this weekend. Always on the lookout for something new, Delve has our eye this weekend on GT Fish & Oyster which is opening in River North (531 N. Wells) this week. Brought to you by Boka Restaurant Group (the people behind Boka, Perennial and Girl & the Goat to name a few) this contemporary seafood joint is boasting a formidable menu. Dishes we can't wait to try include the Crab Agnolotti and a little something called Lobster Pot Pie. Check out the full menu here and let us know what you'll be chowin' down on come Friday.

Wine 101 at BIN 36

Starting April 20^th, Spring Semester at BIN 36 is officially back in session. Looking for a full-on beginner’s guide to wine? Check. Looking for a few tips on tasting? Sure, sure. Want to learn everything there is to know about pinot noir? Say no more.

Check here for a list of upcoming Wine 101 classes.

Next Chicago - A Restaurant Revolution

This Wednesday, Next Restaurant will open its doors for the first installation of Grant Achatz's latest brain child. Chef/owner of Alinea, Achatz is shaking things up with a brand new restaurant concept where the entire restaurant (cuisine, menu, etc.) changes every three to four months and tickets must be purchased in advance, making Saturday evening dinners the hottest ticket in town. The menus will highlight certain moments in time – both those that have already happened and those that are predicted to happen in the future.

First up, Paris 1906. Chicago Mag is reporting that the first concept is “an homage to Auguste Escoffier, the turn-of-the-century chef credited with inventing the modern restaurant’s kitchen brigade system and making French haute cuisine widely accessible to cooks.” Check out the work-in-progress hors d’oeuvres selection by 29–year old Next chef, David Beran here.

Sad to report, no reservations will be taken. Instead, you'll buy tickets online, priced around $100 each depending on the featured menu, time, etc. Emails for purchasing of tickets are being sent out to those that signed up on Next’s Web Site – the lucky ones who signed up earliest, get first dibs. Similar to airlines, movies, etc. – tickets will be cheaper during off-peak hours; so scoring a Saturday evening reso will cost you more than a weekday early dinner.

Stay up to date on upcoming Next installations here.

Deal of the Day: Scoop Discount

It's not always economic to be chic, so anytime we can help you out, we like to share the love. Which is why we are telling you that our favorite NYC import, Scoop is having a fab little sale. Until April 5th, take 25 percent off full priced merchandise in-store and online with the code FRIENDS25. With their spring merchandise rolling in, there is no better time to take advantage of their patterned suits (we like this one) or adorable dresses perfect for day (we smile just looking at this Marc Jacobs) or night (Halston does it right). Spring shopping, now with 25 percent less guilt.

p.s. While Scoop has already made its mark in Bucktown, a little birdie has told us that it is soon to be opening a new location on the Gold Coast, filling the former Anthropologie spot on Cedar and State