Ciao, Italia (xTwo)

With the announcement of the Rancic's in-the-works partnership with the Melman's underway, the downtown Italian dining scene just keeps getting better. As if a Mama DePandi presence wasn't enough reason to head to River North, two Chicago favorites might be able to change your mind:

Piccolo Sogno Due
Ask any food-loving Chicagoan what their favorite 312 restaurants are, and 9 times out of 10, Piccolo Sogno will come up. With a patio that is to die for, it’s a go-to spot for lunch’ing, fine dining and wining. Onto the good news: a second PS location (Piccolo Sogno Due) is opening in February, this one with an emphasis on the seafood of Italy. Both menus will keep their crowd-pleaser wood-fire pizzas on the menu, and will undoubtedly boast a vast, something-for-everyone wine list.

Panza
Delve’s love for the Scott Harris/Luigi Negroni team is not a secret. We could go on for days about Little Italy’s Davanti Enoteca (as we sort of already did here) – the wine list, the décor, the excessive use of truffle oil - we're happy to go on the record saying this is a Delve favorite. And now we hear that a new Davanti (called Panza) is opening on the corner of State and Hubbard, causing us to rethink our upcoming party planning locations. With the name meaning “belly” in Italian, the 150-seat spot will focus on sharable pastas. Exact opening is TBD, but you can rest assured that we’ll be pacing up and down State in anticipation.


*Pictured: Davanti Enoteca (via Chicago Mag)

Victoria Secret Fashion Show Blues

Feeling a little larger than usual after last night's Victoria Secret Fashion show? You aren't alone. While we may never look like the superhuman string beans that walked the runway last night, now is as good of time as any to start making some healthy changes in our daily routine. Check out a couple of ways to get you thiiiis much closer to being your very own angel (rockstar boyfriend optional).

Livestrong - This site (which also has a stellar iPhone/iPad app) is quickly becoming our favorite way to keep our appetites in check. Just enter your weight/height, level of daily activity and desired weight loss, and this site will give you the appropriate amount of calories to track against to reach your desired goal. Use Livestrong to keep tabs on your calories/workout routines and learn how long it actually takes to burn off that chocolate chip cookie you couldn't resist.

Protein Bar - This new addition to the Chicago fast-food dining scene is pretty much amazing. With four locations downtown (and more on the way) we turn to Protein Bar for their curated menu of healthy (almost everything on their menu is under 500 calories), yet flavorful choices. Props to their Banana Walnut Bowl (Warm organic quinoa with your choice of milk, mixed with organic agave nectar, walnuts, and fresh banana) and Vegetarian Chili for keeping us full morning and night.

Yoga Bootcamp - Starting Dec 4th, Core Power Yoga studios are offering their infamous Bootcamp sessions. For two weeks straight, get ready for intense training involving strength training, circuit training, yoga and plyometrics. Their custom blend of one-hour workouts 6 days per week are designed to increase your metabolism and change your fitness routine. Sure classes start at 7:15 every morning and cost $399 for the two-week session, but no one said looking good was easy or cheap.

Slurping Turtle Opens Monday

With the holiday coming up, we are sure everyone is craving Turkey, Stuffing and the like, but over here at Delve, we are salivating over the Japanese comfort-food menu that has just been released for Chef Yagahashi's Slurping Turtle. The River North soon-to-be hot spot is opening this Monday after months of teasing us "coming soon" signage.

We'll be there opening day, although we likely won't be able to say "hi" with our mouth full of noodles, dumplings and Sashimi.

Slurping Turtle, 116 W. Hubbard St, 312-464-0466

Black Wednesday - (Semi) Grown Up Edition

Ah, Black Wednesday. The one night a year (aside from Halloween, New Years and…well…anytime we visit the old stomping grounds) that adults can cocktail like we’re young again. Heading into the holiday weekend, we’re rounding up our top picks for partying in style this Wednesday.

For Dancing – pop into Reggie’s in the South Loop for a two-act hip hop show featuring Mathien and Animate Objects. Need a backup? The Mid is boasting a two-act show as well, this one featuring DJs Chuckie and Nathan Scott.

For serious cocktail’ing – Bangers & Lace (a Delve fave) is offering up a unique take on their cocktail/beer pairing and featuring “A Case of the Higgles” (Luxardo Amaro, blackberry liqueur, lemon, honey and Angostura bitters) alongside an Allagash Black.

For not-so-serious cocktail’ing – Dance the night away to local punk band The Frantic, while sipping “The Blackout” (PBR + a whiskey shot) at Porkchop; The Southern is offering up $5 ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ shots (hello, Wild Turkey).

Food + Film + A Discount

This weekend, the Chicago Food Film Festival is back and offering attendees a chance to bridge two of everyone’s favorite worlds: food and film. The weekend offers four events over three days, all allowing film lovers to taste what they see on the screen. That’s right, you literally eat right along with what you’re seeing in the films.

Need more convincing? A few of our (and your) favorites will be in attendance. We’re talking Doughnut Vault, The Butcher & Larder and more.

Need even more convincing? We have a discount code for you! Enter liz11 for 20% off your ticket price. Heads up that tickets are selling out fast (with a few events already sold out), so get 'em while you can.

Produced in association with the James Beard Foundation and benefiting The Good Food Project, the 2011 Chicago Food Film Festival runs from November 18 through 20, 2011 at Kendall College and Intelligentsia Roasting Works.

Behind the Scenes: Dana Rebecca Showroom

This week, Delve was lucky enough to be granted an exclusive look at Dana Rebecca’s (our favorite Chicago jewelry designer) private showroom. Having bedazzled style icons such as Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana and Olivia Wilde, we were psyched to see where Dana gets her inspiration from.

What we learned: Dana doesn’t just have a knack for diamonds, her interior design skills are equally amazing. Check out the pics below to drool over those pink chairs, as well as some of Dana’s latest creations from her upcoming collection.

Bye Bye Bulls

Even though a full-season lockout has yet to be confirmed, today’s news made it seem like that might be the reality. "I think the chance of the season slipping away from us, and the players losing all they have worked very hard to achieve … it's really a tragedy," NBA Commissioner David Stern said today.


Well, David – we could not agree more. A full year without the Bulls is just not acceptable for Chicagoans. Here are the top six things (one for every Bulls championship) we at Delve would miss most sans an NBA season:

• The dance-tastic revamped United Center playlist
• An excuse (as if we needed one) to hit the West Loop restaurant lineup
• Derrick Rose…in general
• A weekly reminder (via the Luvabulls) to hit the gym
• Welcoming visitors with open arms (Hello, Dwight, Carmello, Dwayne, etc.)
  
• Joakim Noah. The hair, the cardigans, the corduroy…must we go on?

And of course we’ll miss the hype of the Playoffs. Lucky #7 happening in 2012? Looks like we’ll have to wait…

Delve Reader Discount: Urban Fit Clubs

Does the routine of “wake-up, go to work, gym, repeat” sound familiar to you? If the monotony of the (insert cardio machine of choice) is affecting your results, we feel your pain, and have the perfect alternative. Urban Fit Clubs is linking together Chicago’s top independently-owned fitness studios and specialty gyms under one easy monthly membership. For a monthly fee of $99, you get access to over 500 exercise classes a week (from spinning to bar method), to keep your workout routine fresh and dare we say it, fun. Now with more partnerships than ever, whether you live in Bucktown or Ravenswood, UFC has got a class in your area. Sample gyms include: All About Dance, Barre Bee Fit (River North and Lincoln Park), Chicago River North Pilates, Go Cycle Fitness and Yoga Now Gold Coast among dozens of others.

Sound interesting? You’re in luck! Exclusive for Delve readers (that’s you!), enter the code FITWARRIOR when signing up and get $25 off your first month's membership. At this price, you have no excuse to wait until New Year’s to get started on a resolution.

See the full list of participants and membership packages at www.urbanfitclubs.com of friend them at Urbanfitclubs.com on Facebook.

Gotta Have it: Crimson Infinity Scarf

Today's morning commute gave us the harsh realization that Winter is just around the corner... scratch that, its here. To fight the wind tunnels that are seemingly on every Chicago corner, we are turning to this Crimson Infinity scarf. Chunky, cozy and in the perfect holiday red (to match our Starbucks cup), here's to fighting frost bite in style.

Split Infinity Scarf; $38

Little Goat Coming in March/April

We heard back in March that Stephanie Izard was in talks to open a second Randolph St. spot – this one to be a retro diner. Eight months later, we’re happy to hear that a spot has been chosen, and menu creations have begun. Expected to open in March or April, Izard’s Little Goat will take over the old Red Light space on W. Randolph.


Three rumors about Little Goat that Delve is loving:

• Not only with they make their own breads (and meats, for that matter) in-house – they’ll have a full-on bake shop inside of Little Goat
• Izard hopes to host cooking classes, bread baking classes, etc. in the private dining space
• We initially heard “retro diner” for the design theme – but Izard is saying she’s moved away from red vinyl and on to distressed leather stool toppers. Bye bye to The Max, Hello Ron Burgundy’s living room? We dig it.

Google Offers Launches in Chicago

Another Daily Deal site? Really? We're a little bit skeptical, but then again, everything Google touches turns to gold. Their Chicago beta site launched today with a $10 for $20 deal at Goose Island in Wrigleyville. Here's hoping they can do better than that.

Check out how Google Offers work via the video below.

Uniqlo to Chicago

In the long list of amazing retailers migrating East to West (Topshop, H&M, Zara to name a few), Chicagoans can now look forward to Japanese clothing store Uniqulo's debut on Michigan Avenue. As part of the company's larger plan to open 200 stores in the U.S. by 2020, Chicago will be one of the first US markets (aside from New York) to be exposed to the brand's line of sleek, functional basics. With Gap closing over a fifth of their US stores (tear) Uniqlo will serve as our go-to for that perfect white tee and crisp pair of denim.

Gotta Have It: M Missoni Boucle Cross Body Bag

The search for the perfect brown bag and the ideal black carry all stops here. The M Missoni Boucle Cross Body Bag with woven black, white and brown fabric, a contrast leather strap and drawstring is just asking to be our go to winter purse.

Buy it now at ShopBop. We're literally obsessed!

Outlet: Bloomingdale's Style

For any Chicago girl, suburban outlet shopping is like a urban oasis. Free parking, discount designer shoes, no crowds. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better. Hello, Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store. One of few Bloomie's outlets, this marquee store opened its doors in Schaumberg this week with sales to boot. Get there this weekend and enjoy even bigger deals with scratch off cards for discounts on your entire purchase and the chance to win a $500 gift card.

Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store is located at 1450 East Golf Road in Schaumberg.

IPOs for Dummies: Groupon Goes Public

We’ve all heard about Groupon’s big announcement today: they’re going public. But to be honest, we don’t really know what that means for us. To help get to the bottom of what one of Chicago’s fastest growing businesses is up to, we sought out answers from our local finance go-to. Here’s the scoop:

After one of the most anticipated IPOs of the year, Groupon joined the juggernauts of Chicago business with a $13 billion valuation (making it the 8th biggest company in Chicago!). The good news? The daily deals site is showing no signs of slowing down. Investors looking to get a piece of the pie have already pushed the stock above $26 per share, up 30% from its offering. And while the IPO is long overdue positive news for the economy in general, it's also a huge boost for Chicago business.

Ok, ok. Lots of information here, we know.

Confused by what the IPO means? Or what any of this means, for that matter? Or most importantly, what this means for YOU? Fear not, your daily deals on hot spots and fashion steals aren’t going anywhere.

Strong IPOs signal growth and momentum. As Groupon grows and rides this momentum, local businesses and consumers (aka, you!) should both reap the benefit. When the company decides to go back to the market and raise money, you can expect these funds to be put to use – meaning more innovative services will be offered (i.e. the recent roll-out of Groupon Deals).
Being headquartered in Chicago, this means many of the new services will initially be offered here, making us the lucky guinea pigs of all of the new features. Local businesses have more opportunities for promotion, meaning consumers get more deals thrown their way.

Whether you're a fan of promoting local businesses, or just saving money on lunch, this IPO should be considered good news for the Chi. Let's hope the optimism here continues for a long time (or at least until Facebook IPOs and takes over the world).

More Wine in the Gold Coast

The newest hybrid wine bar to hit the Gold Coast is coming your way via deep dish gurus Eduardo’s and Gino’s East. The pair has teamed up for the newly opened (last Friday, to be exact) Eduardo’s Enoteca, a cozy wine bar also featuring thin crust pizzas and fresh pastas.

The space (which was formerly a theater) is boasting a 40-plus wine list featuring sips from all over the globe, and a lineup of craft brews and cocktails. It's located on Dearborn, between Division and Goethe - a spot that was in major need of a cozy, wine-y watering hole.

Menu is available here.

Gotta Have it: Kendra Scott Darby Earrings

While we have always loved Kendra Scott's more classic looks, when we came across these earrings, we had a newfound love for the Austin-based designer. The unexpected color combo with the delicate feather detailing, makes this earring unlike any we've ever seen. Adding the perfect boho-chic touch to any outfit for under $100? Yup, we gotta have it.

Kendra Scott's Darby Earrings, available online $85

Gold Coast Meets Napa Valley

With the winter weather slowly creeping in, we’re dying to sneak away for a weekend of wining and dining, preferably oceanside. Unfortunately, with winter weather comes holiday budgets, so jetting off to Napa might not be as realistic as desired. So, what’s a girl to do? Delve suggests the next best thing: a visit to the newly opened TR Napa Valley.

Tucked between Jimmy Choo and Luca Luca on Oak, TR Napa Valley is a wine and champagne bar centered solely on the tastes and lifestyle of Napa. Not only can you pop in for a glass of vino and small bites, but while you’re there, pick the minds of those on staff for travel advice, you know, just in case you manage to squeeze in that trip after all. They’ve offered themselves up as Chicagoans' local Napa Valley concierge, so why not take advantage?

If you’re heading over straight from work, good luck. We have a love/hate relationship with the setup – offering eight tables and a four-person bar. So as per usual: plan to come early, stay late. But be ready to spend - cheapest glass of red on the menu will cost you $14.

More details here.

*photo via UrbanDaddy