Wednesday, August 31, 2011

2nd Chicago Pinkberry to Open Sept. 9th

Delve reported a few week's ago about the Wells St. updates and improvements, and our good news was just confirmed. Pinkberry will be opening its second Chicago location on Sept. 9th next to the new Kamahachi location.

Our only additional ask is that they please, please bring back the salted caramel option.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fall Restaurant Openings


What do a celeb chef, a hotel guru and the villa where the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main Street have in common? Each are part of one of five restaurant openings coming to the Windy City this Fall.

Our friends at Pop Sugar are dishing on the openings they can’t wait to try, and we could not agree more.




  • Balena – This Italian eatery is backed by teams from BOKA and The Bristol, Chef Chris Pandel is pulling out all the stops
  • Pump Room – A 50s Chicago icon reopens at the helm of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (of New York's ABC Kitchen)
  • Nellcôte – this is the one apparently named after the villa where the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main St. So that’s cool… Expect housemade pastas and pizza, all whipped up via their in-kitchen flour mill
  • Tavernita – Chicago loves all-things-Ryan-Poli these days, and Tavernita's Mediterranean and Latin-inspired dishes are no exception
  • Bavette's Bar & Boeuf – European steakhouse from the crew behind Gilt Bar, Maude's Liquor Bar and The Doughnut Vault

Which is Delve most excited for? We couldn’t possibly choose.

Photo via Pop Sugar

Monday, August 29, 2011

Fashion Faceoff


Ladies, the world is your runway. Or at least you better act like it is. Fall fashion is here and some of the top celeb stylists are hitting the streets of the Chi for the city's biggest, most stylish events. Don't be a fashion victim; these guys are armed and fabulous.

Carson Kressley: Our favorite "Queer Eye" guy was in town this weekend as part of In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival

Robert Verdi: Verdi (sunglasses and all) will be giving fashion advice at The Thompson Center tomorrow, August 30 from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. as part of the Special K Pop Up Runway

Brad Goreski: Bravo fashion guru and former assistant to the one and only Rachel Zoe will be hosting the 900 N. Michigan Shops Fashion's Night Out event on September 8 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Two words: Work it.

Photo courtsey of TheMagnificentMile.com

Opening Tonight: 25 Degrees

There’s a new burger joint in town, and it’s opening tonight.

25 Degrees, an upscale burger and wine bar hailing from California, is touting a “bordello meets burger bar” appeal. Opening tonight in River North (on Clark, between Chicago and Superior to be exact), 25 Degrees promises a casual, yet upscale dining experience with an old Hollywood ambiance.

So what’s on the menu? 25 Degrees offers up a few signature burgers and a “build your own” menu with the choice of grilled sirloin, turkey or veggie patties. On Delve’s list of must-tries: the Number Two – roasted tomato, burrata, crispy prosciutto and pesto and the Number Four – yellowfin tuna, butter lettuce, crispy fried onions and spicy aioli. While checking out the full menu, also take a moment of silence with the list of cheeses and sauces available. Unreal.

And to drink? Aside from a full bar and a wine list of over 50 selection, 25 Degrees makes adult-inspired (aka spiked) milkshakes and sodas. If that’s not reason enough to pay this new spot a visit, we don’t know what is…

Oh! And trivia question: What’s with the name 25 Degrees?

Answer: It happens to be the temperature difference between a medium rare and well-done burger. Who knew?

Lulu Frost Falls for J. Crew

If you are like us, you can't get enough of high-end meets affordable designer collabs. While this one might not be new, Lulu Frost's fall collection for J.Crew has us ooh'ing and aah'ing over bright colors and art-deco inspired embellishments. Prices range from $65 to $135, so let the bangle stacking begin!



Click on image to enlarge; photos courtesy of J. Crew

Mama DePandi Coming to Chicago

Delve reported back in July that the Melmans were up to something with the revamp of the Ben Pao space, but we didn’t expect, in our wildest dreams, that it would involve a collaboration with two of our fave Chicagoans: Giuliana and Bill.

We knew Mama DePandi had to be behind this the second we heard the news, and it’s looking like we were right. While Chef/Partner Doug Psaltis will be running the kitchen, rumor has it that Giuliana’s beloved mom will be a regular fixture in the new Chicago-based restaurant. The combination of Psaltis (having worked in some of the world’s most lauded kitchens including Alain Ducasse at the Essex House in New York, Ducasses’s three Michelin star restaurant in Monaco, Le Louis XV and Mix in New York, and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry in Napa Valley) and the old school Italian cooking of the DePandi family, already has our mouths watering.

Jerrod Melman says the Lettuce Entertain You crew has been thinking about creating an Italian spot for awhile, and once they got to know the Rancics, the concept “just organically all came together.” With a lineup like this, how could it not?

Think they’ll discuss on tonight's episode of Giuliana & Bill? We’ll be tuned in to find out.

Until then, arrivederci.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Counting Down: Missoni for Target September 13


With dreams of inexpensive yet fabulous knitwear swirling in our heads, we are literally counting down the days until the Missoni for Target launch on September 13. These stylish Italian stripes will grace the women's, men's, kid's, shoe and home accessory lines at our favorite retailer. Prices range from $2.99 - $599.99 (hello, Missoni patio furniture). Would it be inappropriate if we started lining up now?


Taking on Fall

We’re grasping on to every last ounce of warm weather we possibly can, but our fave stores are already throwing in the towel on Summer. With cozy frocks starting to hit shelves, our friends at Refinery 29 are showing readers how to transition your favorite maxis from Summer to Fall.

Check out their full article here on how to help your maxi take on autumn, one tweed blazer at a time.


Photo via Refinery 29


Monday, August 22, 2011

He's Heating Up

Opening a steakhouse in Chicago is no easy task. Lucky for us, the newest one to hit town is in the hands of a certain gentleman who Chicagoans are confident is pretty good under pressure.

Opening tomorrow, Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse is taking over Michigan Avenue, one steak-craving, scotch-drinking man at a time. And with a 38oz, 28-day aged bone-in rib eye on the menu, we advise you show up hungry.

What else can you expect? We have our hearts/stomachs set on a few things: the sweet corn lobster bisque with a lobster and corn hush puppy and vanilla bean aioli, the Alaskan Salmon with Mussels, peperonat, La Quercia prosciutto and lardo crostini and the 23 layer chocolate cake, with chocoloate-coffee ganache and whipped cream. And to drink? We're going with the Le Grande Dame - cognac, mint, lemon and champagne.

What can we say, we’re feeling ambitious.


Clockwise, starting with upper left: 23oz Bone-In Ribeye, Colossal Crab Cake, Key Lime Bombe, Wild Alaskan Salmon, Tomato and Sweet Onion Salad

Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse
505 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
312.321.8823
Website

Friday, August 19, 2011

Weekend Recos


For those looking to avoid the Air and Water Show crowds pouring into Chicago this weekend, Delve is here to equip you with a few alternatives. From pop-up dinners to side walk sales, here’s your weekend go-to:




  • Lucky enough to snag a reservation to Brandon Baltzley's out of the ordinary pop-up dinner tonight? Tweet from dinner at @getCRUXed (#CRUX). Delve dishes on the concept developed by CRUX, a three man team including Baltzley, Emmanuel Cadengo of Longman & Eagle and Jaimee Vitolo of NYC’s 6th St. Kitchen and Cleveland’s Moxie.
  • Two words: Gelato Fest. Tonight from 6-9 in Little Italy. Need I say more?
  • Head to Big Star for the ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ sidewalk sale this Sunday from 12-4 p.m. to pick up unused housewares from your favorite Chicago restaurants and watering holes including Publican, Avec, Big Star, Blackbird and Violet Hour.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

B by Brian Atwood

The king of fancy feet is taking a huge step into the closets of fashionistas everywhere. Known for dressing the feet of Hollywood’s most famed starlets, Brian Atwood is no stranger to signature, sexy soles. And now, with the launch of B by Brian Atwood, the glamazon is offering up styles for those of us that shutter at the thought of spending an entire month’s rent on a new pair of pumps (no matter how killer they may be).

The 30-piece collection has it all , from two-toned leopard pumps (meow!) to fringed booties and chunky heels. With pairs starting at $250, Mr. Atwood promises a more “downtown and edgy feel” than what we’re used to seeing all over the red carpet.

In B by Brian Atwood, it seems to be all about the bootie(s). See below for a few of our faves:


Pembra Suede Fringe Ankle Boots ($500), Edeline Gray Stretch Suede Ankle Boots ($450), Taurasa Leather Lug-Sole Ankle Boot ($550)

Browse the full collection on Fashionologie.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Swanky Panky

If you were anywhere near Millennium Park over the weekend a.) we commend you for surviving the weekend tourist trap and b.) you may have noticed a new addition in the form of a huge white tent complete with swanky clientele. Just past the slow-moving crowd of flip flop- and fanny pack-wearing Bean visitors, you may have caught a glimpse of The Lounge at The Plaza, a just-opened watering hole that, ready for this, has a “no children” policy.

As Chicagoans know better than to frequent Millennium Park on a weekend, the lounge-style furniture is the perfect spot for weekday cocktail’ing, socializing and people watching with your favorite 21+ friends.

The food menu is on par with the usual Park Grill offerings, serving up pulled pork sliders, chips and salsa, hummus and pita, etc, but the cocktail menu looks oh-so-refreshing. A few libations Delve can’t wait to get our hands on: the honeydew mojito (10 cane, honeydew, fresh mint, lime, soda), bourbon tea (maker’s mark, pama, mint, lime, fresh iced tea) and, based solely on the fact that we are fresh off a trip from New Orleans, the hurricane (cruzan light, cruzan black strap, amaretto, pineapple, orange juice, grenadine). Who says Summer is coming to an end?

Full drink menu (include daily drink specials) available here.

*Photo via Urban Daddy

Monday, August 15, 2011

Alessi Says Goodbye to Chicago

First the bad news: Alessi, Chicago’s favorite Italian design factory, announced last week that they are officially closing their State Street doors this September. And now for the good: everything is on sale. Major sale. We’re talking a sale of “everything must go” proportions.

Racked filled us in on the below sales, with many many more where these came from.



(From left to right) The Super Star hors d’oeuvres bowl by Tom Kovac (was $150, now $75); the Hupla espresso set designed by David Chipperfield as part of the Tea and Coffee Towers project (was $112, now $56); and the Fruitscape fruit holder by Stefano Giovannoni (was $210, now $105).

The sale ends September 3rd and with discounts ranging from 40-75% off, we trust that we don’t need to coach you on the urgency of this sale. We’re in the home stretch of wedding season, so head in and stock up on gifts to help you ride it out.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

Been awhile since you last updated your kitchen housewares? We know, it’s near impossible to say goodbye to that souvenir coffee mug that stands for everything you remember about girls’ trip 2004. But ready or not, it’s time.

Here to help revamp your humble abode are a few of your favorite Chicago restaurants. This Sunday, August 21st, Big Star, Violet Hour, Avec, Blackbird and Publican are teaming up for the Everything But the Kitchen Sink sidewalk sale benefiting the Garfield Park Conservatory. Offering up everything from unused plates to dining room chairs (and all that in between), the sale is all about the benjamins, baby. This past winter, the conservatory (a beloved Chicago staple) suffered hail damage and doesn’t have the internal funds to patch things up. That’s where you (and the participating restaurants) come in.

Stop by on Sunday from 12 – 4 p.m., pick up a new collection of drinkwares (we’re hoping the Violet Hour punch bowls make the list) and help save the Conservatory.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Tonight: Macy's Glamorama

Delve is headed to Macy's Annual Glamorama tonight! We can't wait for the fashion, the food and of course, Mr. Cee Lo Green. If you're unfamiliar with the event, Glam is a fabulous, over-the-top fall fashion show and performance at the Chicago Theatre and after party at the historic Macy's State Street store. This year's show includes performances by Far East Movement and Cee Lo Green with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Who's going and more importantly, what are you wearing?! No plans for tonight? A few tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Lolla Street Style

Sure Lollapalooza was all about the music, but let's be honest, the part we were most excited for was the fashion/people watching. High temps and pouring rain made it nearly impossible to look put-together, but Elle.com snapped a few lolla-goers who were able to pull concert-chic off. See above/below for our favorite looks (click on images to enlarge).



Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Macy's Chefs A-Go-Go

The 7th floor at Macy’s has long served as a go-to lunch spot for those of us workin-for-the-weekend in the Loop, and one more chance to enjoy the tastes of the Macy's Culinary Counsel is welcome with open arms as far as we’re concerned.

Starting Sunday, Macy’s “Chefs A-Go-Go” food truck is finally making a stop in the Chi. After launching in June in Miami, the food truck has been traveling across the country, connecting foodies everywhere with Macy’s impressive list of celeb chefs. And when we say impressive, we mean it. Chefs on the tour include: Rick Bayless, Michelle Bernstein, Cat Cora, Tom Douglas, Todd English, Marc Forgione, Marcus Samuelsson, Nancy Silverton, Ming Tsai and Takashi Yagihashi.


Stop by and visit two of our most beloved chefs next week as they tour through the Windy City:
  • Sunday: Takashi Yagihashi (of Takashi) will be at Street Food Artistry-Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie) from 1-4 p.m.
  • Thursday: Rick Bayless (of Frontera/Topo/Xoco) stops by the Food Truck Round Up on Ethyl’s Beer & Wine (a Delve fave!) on Thursday from 6-9 p.m.

While all of the dishes served up are free, Macy’s is collecting donations for Feeding America, with every $1 donated providing seven meals to those in need on behalf of local food banks. Doing good while eating amazing food? Twist our arm...

More info available here.

Gotta Have It: Scalloped Lace Shorts

As stores are stocking up with bulky sweaters and fur vests, we are trying to hold on to what last piece of summer we have left. This has not made shopping an easy task. While we are veering away from purchasing anything that screams summer, we are looking for those key transition pieces that we can wear now and well into the fall. Enter these scalloped lace shorts courtesy of Free People. Delicate lace, scalloped hem and a rich bordeaux hue hit all the high notes for fall, while the hemline makes them wearable through the dog days of summer. Pair them with a white tank and nude wedge for now and keep them relevant with tights and a blazer come chillier climates. For $78 you can't afford not to.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Wells Street: Two for One

We’re all aware that Kamahachi is making moves. The one on Ohio has officially closed its doors, and the staple location on Wells is moving to a new home.

During a stroll through Old Town this weekend, we came across some amazing news about Kamahachi’s new Wells St. location. One of our favorite insiders filled us in that the newest Chicago Pinkberry location will be right next to Kamahachi’s new spot. Can you think of a better way to spend your evening? Because we can’t…

Timing for opening is still TBD.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Lolla Look: Black and Yellow

With many Chicagoan's favorite weekend of the year approaching, here is what we'll be wearing while we rock out.


Music Picks: Two Door Cinema, Skrillex, Afrojack, Ratatat, Coldplay, Kid Cudi, Deadmau5, Ellie Goulding, Foster the People

The Look: Our homage to the '90s, Bodycon cut-out mini (we like to think of it as built in air conditioning) paired with moto boots to protect your feet from any dance-party mosh pits that may arise. Top it off with a backpack for all your festival essentials and some bright nail polish so your friends can spot you in a crowd.


1. Kenya Cutout Dress $58/Troopa Boot $100/Funkylimelight Nail Laquer $8/Oak Leather Backpack $198/Von Trapp Sunglasses $180/Long Arrow Ring $65


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Just Dance

Whether you missed out on snagging a Lolla ticket (seriously, what’s up with them selling out this year?), or you’re simply looking to keep the Lolla train rollin’, this weekend is all about hitting the dance floor. From Grant Park, to the after party, to the late night jaunt, we’re sure you’ll be shakin’ it into the wee hours of the night (er, morning). Our friends at Refinery 29 rounded out their list of the top spots for the dancing the night away, and we included a few of our very own.

Refinery 29’s Top Spots (check out the full article here):
  • Smart Bar
  • Life During Wartime at The Hideout
  • Windy City Soul Club at the Empty Bottle
  • Smith’s Night at Danny’s
  • Debonair Social Club
  • The Burlington

And a few from yours truly:
  • Funky Buddha – shake, sweat and sing your heart out with questionable the most eclectic crowd in Chicago
  • Beauty Bar – your friendly alternative to Top 40 set lists
  • Underground – world-renowned DJs + mixologist-approved libations

Perchance at the Elysian

The Elysian Hotel has already brought luxe shopping to the Gold Coast with Marc Jacobs, but the news that Southport favorite boutqiue Perchance was also occupying the hotel's storefront, literally made us jump for joy.

This fall, the uber-stylish boutique will move into the hotel's courtyard at Walton and State carrying designers with price tags both high and low (well not that low). Think Marchesa, Doo.Ri, Erin Featherson, Gryphon and Tucker. A little morning spa service, lunch at Balsan and afternoon shopping? Sure beats a Saturday spent at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Visit the flagship Perchance store to see what goodies are about to hit the Gold Coast at 3152 N. Southport.

Opening Soon: The Scout Waterhouse & Kitchen



The South Loop is getting a little restaurant love post the Jerry Kleiner exodus. In the former Opera space, The Scout Waterhouse & Kitchen (1301 S. Wabash), a neighborhood eatery and sports bar, is just about ready to open its doors. This new spot by Chris Bravos of The Pony promises upscale bar food, DJs and plenty of TVs for catching your favorite game. There are rumors it may be opening tonight. So close we can, well, taste it...

Monday, August 1, 2011

Local Business to Watch: YNH

Constantly in search of the perfect date-night top? You're not alone, which is why we love the concept of semi-custom clothing from YNH (Yours Not Hers). The brainchild of local Chicagoan Jeannine Benoit, YNH allows women to take a shirt silhouette and customize the color (6 bold hues to-date) and trim (i.e., lace, gold buttons, zippers) to create a piece that is uniquely individual. In the infancy stages of the site, there is currently one silhouette available (a classic como crepe/poly fabric tee dubbed the Sheridan Blouse) but the owner has promised us that more styles are to follow.

Retailing for just $68, these custom tops will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe. Design your own blouse and keep an eye out for new colors, designs and trims at www.shopynh.com.

Not quite convinced on what to order without seeing it in person? Host your very own BYOD (be your own designer) party, at your house, with Jeannine on site to offer up her expertise on design. For more info, email sales@shopynh.com.

Where to Dine: Late Night Edition

Chicago’s third NYC Bagel Deli is officially up and running and much to our pleasant (3 a.m.) surprise, is offering up a weekend late night menu that includes pizza slices. Our scale says no, but our post-bar appetite says yes.

In celebration of the River North addition, we’re rounding out our list of top spots on the late night nosh scene:
  • Cheesies Pub & Grub – Chihuahuah cheese, chorizo and pickled jalapenos, all on Texas toast. Just in case you can’t decide if it’s time for dinner or breakfast.
  • Wiener Circle – An obvious hit on any and all Chicago late night food lists. Just don’t ask for the chocolate shake. Or do.
  • Tempo – Come brunch time patrons wait up to a half hour for a table at this hot spot classic diner. Beat the crowds by getting a head start on that bacon and cheese omelet at 3am.
  • Flash Taco – After burning off calories on the Debonair dance floor, refuel with tacos galore.
  • Ian’s Pizza – Mac and Cheese pizza, need we say more?
  • Mr. Beef - Because "Food Wars" doesn't lie.

Oh la la! Rue Chicago

Deal sites, can't live with them flooding your inbox on a daily basis, can't live without the half priced massage from the cute spa a block from your apartment. This torn stance leaves us questioning whether we should be happy or exasperated to tell you that Boston-based fashion-flash retailer Rue La La is launching "Rue Local" for Chicago (amongst other cities). The daily deal site will fight with Groupon and Gilt City for the best deals on local products and services. We're skeptical on whether or not the deals will be worthwhile, but hey, if they're giving away half priced drinks at the Aviary, we're on board.

Rue Chicago is set to launch later this month.