Look for Less: Celine Mini Luggage Bag

If you have been obsessing over the Celine Luggage bags lately, you are not alone. It seems that almost every fashionista has been sporting one lately in every color of the rainbow. With its buttery leather and structured shape, it's easy to see why this bag has been in such high demand as of late.

Alas, if you are lusting over this bag but don't have $2,500 to spare, we came across this J. Crew Tillary tote that has a striking resemblance. Best part? It will only set you back $328. Thanks J. Crew, we owe you one.

Buy the Tillary tote here.

RPM Opens Its Doors

Finally! RPM, the love child of the Melmans, Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Chef Doug Psaltis, has officially opened its doors in River North. Delve stopped by last week for a preview of the space, cocktails and menu, and trust us when we say this place is everything you would expect from the all-star team, and more.

With Psaltis’s background (Alain Ducasse at the Essex House in New York, Ducasse’s three-Michelin star restaurant in Monaco, Le Louis XV, Mix in New York, and Thomas Keller’s French Laundry in Napa Valley), the menu boasts a lineup of in-house prepared pastas (a la Black Truffle Tortellini), fresh greens, hot and cold anti-pastis (hello, lobster caprese) and more. Check out the full menu here. And for cocktails, Delve-favorite Paul McGee has been newly named director of cocktail development for LEYE restaurants, including RPM, so signature cocktails are of course an experience in themselves. The rest of the imbibing list boasts over 100 American and Italian wines, and will feature a lineup of digestives, a nod to dining in true spirit of Italians.

RPM will without a doubt be River North’s newest go-to for late night dining. With the kitchen open for dinner Monday through Wednesday, from 4 p.m. until midnight, Thursday and Friday, from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m., Saturday from 4 p.m. until 3 a.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., we’re feeling very Euro.

On site at the opening were the full lineup of owners, a slew of Chicago movers and shakers, and none other than Mama DePandi herself, who had a hand in a few of the dishes.

RPM Italian
52 W. Illinois (at Dearborn)
312-222-1888

Use it or Lose it: Flywheel Chicago Delve Reader Discount

Ladies and gents, the promotion with Flywheel Chicago is coming to an end this Wednesday (2/29). The bad news? You have three more days to stock up on classes. The good news? The number of rides you purchase with the discount is unlimited. Buy now to save $5 off every ride for the upcoming month (or the rest of the year for that matter). Get it while the gettin's good!

Get the discount code here!

President's Day Treat: Tax Free Shopping!

Our favorite weekend of the year is here again! This President's Day weekend (Feb 17-20), the 900 N. Michigan shops will be hosting their fourth annual "Tax Free" weekend. Participating
retailers will offer a 9.5% discount (equivalent to Cook County sales tax) off all store items -including already reduced goodies. Participating retailers include J.Crew, Club Monaco, Max Mara, Michael Kors and Space 519.


For a full listing of participating retailers visit www.shop900.com/taxfree. Get your shop on!

Valentine's Day: Cocktails Edition

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening with your valentine, or an evening of rom-com watching your girlfriends, one thing is likely a given: cocktails will be involved. See below for a few of our favorite valentine-approved cocktails: one for her, one for him and one to be shared.

For her: Blood Orange Mimosas
Equal parts blood orange and pomegranate juice, chilled
Top with Prosecco
Pomegranate seeds for garnish

For him: Bourbon Champagne Cocktails
1 oz Maker's Mark Bourbon
1/2 oz DeKuyper Crème de Frambois
Top with champagne
Raspberries for garnish

For both: Chocolate Manhattan (created by NYC mixologist Beate Kiser)
*pictured
Combine over ice:
3/4 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
3/4 oz bourbon
1/3 oz Godiva Chocolate Vodka
1/3 oz ginger liquor
Shake well and strain into glass

Spring Awakening: Fact or Fiction?

Over the past week, the internet has been buzzing with word of yet another music festival making its home in Chicago. Spring Awakening would be the Midwest’s answer to Ultra, with headliners rumored to be among the likes of Skrillex, Afrojack and even Daft Punk (gasp). The festival is said to likely be held at Soldier field in June, but by the looks of their website and Facebook page, there is still lots to be confirmed. While all signs point to promising, we’d wait until we hear final confirmation before buying your tickets from some random on E-bay.

More Details on Melman's Latest

We’re not sure where to start with this one so we’ll jump right in. About a month ago, we caught word that Delve favorite Paul McGee was working with the Melman’s on a new project. To say the details were sparse would be an understatement. Simultaneously, we heard that the Melman’s were working with the team at Joe’s on Weed to create a country western bar, promising live performances and southern-inspired dishes. What we did not foresee, was these two projects combining into one.

But as per usual with the Melman’s, we were pleasantly surprised.

Taking over the 435 N. Clark St. space, will now be two separate floors of imbibing – both with a personality all of its own. Upstairs will be the country western bar, focusing on a selection of the best in dark spirits and cocktails (hello craft beers and whiskey). The Joe’s team will still be in the mix, booking intimate music acts for the country-loving crowd. The downstairs, on the (completely) other hand, will bring to life the tiki lounge theme that has slowly but surely been making its way to Chicago. Here, McGee will be working up a menu of his own take on tropical favorites. Not looking for a pina colada from Mr. McGee? Not to worry. He’s promising a lineup of the classic craft cocktails that drinkers everywhere have come to love him for.

As far as bar names go, the brothers are bringing back the name “Bub City” (the name of a former LEYE country-themed restaurant from the 80s) for the upstairs country-western bar. The tiki lounge name is TBD.

Opening for both is set for Summer 2012.

Happy Birthday to Delve!

It's officially been one year since we started Delve Chicago and what a year it's been! Thank you to our fabulous readers for supporting us and always coming back for more. 2012 is sure to bring more buzzworthy openings, splurgeworthy fashions and suprises from the city of Chi.

Here's to another year of Delve'ing!

xoxo,

Leslie & Amy

City Winery Chicago

Winery + restaurant + outdoor patio + concert hall = a Chicago miracle? Nope. Just the opening-this-Summer plan for City Winery Chicago. The 30,000 square foot spot in the West Loop is the second City Winery (original is in NYC) and is promising 200 concerts a year.

While mum has been the word when it comes to plans for food and entertainers, Eater Chicago just uncovered the renderings for the new space and needless to say, we’re excited. We already have visions of spending our summer hours on the patio, glass of rosé in hand.

Check out the rest of the renderings on Eater.

City Winery Chicago
1200 W. Randolph

American Idiot Takes Chicago

Looking for a cultural excursion in the cold winter months? Get a taste of Broadway angst at its best at the Oriental Theater. From February 7-19, the critically-acclaimed musical, American Idiot will be rocking Chicago.

Not familiar with American Idiot? Well, we think you will like it if a. you like Green Day (their music weaves together the entire play) or b. you are a disgruntled twenty-something debating whether to follow your dream or play it safe. Tickets are going fast so buy them here before they run out!

Um, Yes Please

Watching people head bang while benefiting Chicago Zine Fest? You probably don't want to miss this.

Hole never sounded so good.

Show Your Love: Get the Meatballs

Haven't made it over to taste-test Chef Ryan Poli's latest love child yet? Tavernita for Valentine's Day might just be your best bet. Need some convincing? Check out the featured tasting menu here.

Word to the wise: the meatballs are not to be skipped.

If you prefer to not fight for a reso, check out Barcito, the just opened bar within Tavernita that’s boasting a menu of pintxos (glorified bar snacks) and a ridiculous selection of meats and cheeses. The 92-seat bar houses a menu drafted up by the Tippling Bros. and includes kegged cocktails and sangria.


*photo via Barcito's Facebook page