 |
|
|
| BLUE MOON |
 |
|
BLUE MOON
Once in a blue moon a restaurant comes along which
is automatically cool as soon as it opens; Blue Water
Grill (520 N. Dearborn, 312.777.1400) is that kind of
place. With the fresh steel blue color interior and the
sleek fabric on the furniture, you will feel hip from the
minute you walk in. Just like the buildings predecessor
Spago from Los Angeles, this is a classic place to be
and be seen, only this time it comes from New York
City. The lounge and R & B Bar upstairs that features
live music is where the fashionable Chicago crowd
gets warmed up for a long night out. On Fridays and
Saturdays, they serve food until 1 am. Downstairs,
Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan has created a menu
prepared with seasonal ingredients which draw upon contemporary American cuisine
with a blend of Asian influences. Blue Water Grill offers a wide selection of fresh fish
and savory steaks as well as a nightly selection from the raw and sushi bars. Their
nightly raw bar features Oysters (Royal Miyagi, Malaspina, and Caraquet); Clams
on the Half Shell (Littleneck and Cherrystones); Caviar (American Sturgeon, Osetra
and Sevruga) and Chilled Jumbo Shrimp; while the sushi bar offers a variety of
special rolls including Maine Lobster with Asian Basil; Mexican Maki; Three Eel Dragon Roll;
and BBQ Freshwater Eel with Cucumber; and Spicy Tuna with a Thai Chili Dipping sauce.
Blue Water Grill also has a unique dinner menu which includes such scrumptious choices as
Butter Poached Lobster with Sweet Potato Salad and Vanilla Lobster Anglaise; and Grilled
Bone-In Angus Rib Eye with Pearl Onions, English Peas, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, and
Bordelaise Sauce. Seeing as you might get thirsty while eating or listening to live music in
the lounge, they have created an innovative cocktail menu with the Jungle (pisco white
brandy with passion fruit and kaffir lime leaves); Beyond the Loop (berry vodka, creme de
cacao, cream and chili pepper) and Kumquat Muddle (vodka, mint and kumquats) as stars.
This stylish restaurant has created a new way to chill in Chicago.
|
| ENCLAVE |
 |
|
ENCLAVE
Prepare to step into the hottest new spot
in Chicago at Enclave (213 W. Institute, 312.654.0234). This hip club is a destination, not a stop on the night's itinerary. The location has undergone a full year of
renovation. There is a new layout with a spectacular mural leading to the dance floor, new and fabulous bathrooms on
both levels (so there's never a wait), and revamped bars for better service. Just as the perfect drink has all the
right ingredients, so does the perfect nightspot- a little bit of lounge, a splash of club, and a lot of recreation.
Throughout the space, there are different booths fitted with LED lighting and sheer curtains
which allow you to mingle 42 with your select group while staying right in the middle of the action. Each booth and each
section of the open room is made distinct by varying levels and layouts. Keep an eye out
for the delectable appetizers that come complimentary for anyone selecting bottle service.
While you are at Enclave, be sure to take in the gallery of artwork adorning the walls.
The selection of original works, along with the amazing mural of cascading water down
its facade, is the premiere art collection of any Chicago nightclub.
|
|
|
|
| Union Park |
 |
|
YOUR HQ
A brand new hangout has come to the West Loop. Union Park (228 S. Racine, 312.243.9002) is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy a bite, a cocktail, and even a game. If you can peal your eyes away from one of the fifteen 50 inch plasma TV's long enough to get a drink, the eye candy will keep you occupied.
The Park has some of the best looking bartenders in Chicago who can keep you well poured during the commercials. The owners,
who have other great restaurants around the city including, Grand Central, SOPO and Bar Celona, have created another one of their
signature venues in the West Loop. Whether you are there on a first date, enjoying a martini and some gossip with the girls, or having
a beer and catching the game with the guys, you won't break the bank. With daily drink and food specials, and not a hint of a cocktail
over $6, this will become your new HQ. Thursday to Saturday, Union Park also has a DJ starting at 9 pm that spins Hip Hop, Mainstream
Club, Top 40 Remixes, and Retro (70s and 80s). So if you like Jay Z or Madonna, you are going to hear your favorite song.
|
| MOTEL |
 |
|
MOTEL FABULOUS
Check out or into Motel (600 W. Chicago, 312.822.2900), a classy
hotel bar concept without the bricks and mortar. Owners Hubie
Greenwald and Chef John Manion (Mas) bring "room-service style" fare into this retro-cool setting. A throwback to the 60s when people went out for more sophisticated conversation
rather than blaring electronic music, Greenwald calls his space ³more Peter Lawford than Frank Sinatra.²
Nostalgic favorites from the menu include a Petit Grilled Artesianal American Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup, Iceberg Wedge with
bacon-bleu cheese and the Cuban Sandwich, roasted pork loin with dill pickles and Swiss cheese, and the always classic Fried Calamari. Small
plates offer Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Beer-battered Cod, and a Cobb Salad with turkey, bleu cheese, tomatoes, egg, and bacon. Food is served
until 1am. Swanky cocktails hark back to the classics like Rob Roy, Tom Collins, and a Manhattan. After your meal, if you are in the mood to sink
the eight ball, they have a fabulous pool table tucked away in the back. Don't bring your baggage, because at this Motel, you can't stay all night.
|
|
|
|
| Level |
 |
|
Take It to the Next LevelLevel (1045 N. Rush, 312.397.1045), a new nightclub experience from the gentlemen who give good Sauce, Mike Bloem, Andy Daun, Don Wilcox and Matt Warner as well as Anthony Waver (Legroom). But the guys aren1t doing brain surgery here, it1s just a comfortable, cool, fun place with an energetic atmosphere. This is no Bar Pretentia either, everyone is welcome and covers charges are reasonable. Décor on both levels is upscale and modern with deep blue hues, clean lines, contemporary furniture, stainless steel fixtures and oversized windows facing Rush Street. Cozy VIP seating is available for bottle service, but here all visitors are created equal. Mainstream, commercial house and hip hop rock nightly, and from time to time nationally recognized DJ's will spin for various events. The clever martini menu ranges from levels 1 to 10: our picks are Level 4: The Purple Haze, Skyy citrus, chambord, sour and a splash of 7up and Level 5: The Peach Bellini martini, Grey Goose vodka, peach liquor, champagne and a splash of orange juice garnished with a cherry.
|
| Al Dente |
 |
|
Ciao on Clybourn
Jack Cerone (II Jack's on Grand) just opened some new doors in the Clybourn corridor. Al Dente (1615 N. Clybourn, 312.587.0055) features authentic, yet contemporary Italian favorites in a cozy, relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Signature dishes from Executive Chef Larry Pierce include Seared Jumbo Scallops, Baked Clams, Gnocchi Pomodoro, Rib Chop Pepe Nere, Mixed Seafood Grill, Fish Salad, Portobello al Forno and Ribeye Toscana. Thin crust pizzas, traditional pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches round out the menu. A large space upstairs offers patrons a comfortable setting for lounging, cocktails and desserts as well as private parties. The restaurant is also equipped with two large bars, and welcoming black and white photos of Cerone1s Italian family don the mustard-colored walls. Late-night dining is also available.
|
Bella Lounge
opening November 15 |
 |
|
Restaurateurs Todd Bordenaro (Bordo's, Blyss, Green room) and Jeff Laporte (Bordo's) along with partners Kwesi Dei and Jackson Miranda, just opened a beautiful ultra-lounge and grill in the Gold Coast. Bella Lounge (1212 N. State, 312.787. 9405) promises to serve the entire demographic of this thriving neighborhood by offering an upscale ultra lounge and restaurant. The "rest-a-bar" space, with it's lofted feel and natural wood finishes, offers three bars and four distinctively plush lounges where patrons can relax and enjoy libations and a bite. Bella specializes in high-end martinis such as The Bellatini (passion fruit puree shaken with Belvedere Vodka and lime) and the Sweet Violet Tini (Effen Black Cherry Vodka and pineapple juice shaken with chambord,served with a grape sugar rimmed glass), specialty tequilas, and an extensive wine list. Live DJs set the mood with a variety of musical grooves. High Definition Plasma screens for watching your favorite video or sporting event are unobtrusively positioned throughout the venue. The eclectic American-comfort themed menu, created by Executive Chef Brian Jupiter (Narcisse) and Todd Bordenaro, will also be offered late-night for bar carousers. Featured items include Barbecue Duck Flatbread Pizza with caramelized shallots and smoked mozzarella, an 8oz. Filet Mignon Burger with crispy Vidalia onion, Maytag bleu cheese and sage fries as well as Spicy Paperdelle with Andouille sausage, broccoli rabe, blackened chicken and Creole tomato bouillon. Desserts feature a Dark Chocolate Souffle Cake and Raspberry Sorbet with milk chocolate ice cream. Bella Lounge is also available for private events.
|
JP Chicago
opening November 5 |
 |
|
Chef/partner Jason Paskewitz (Wave, Pump Room, Signature Room) and partner Marc Bortz have just launched their latest venture, JP Chicago (901 W. Weed, 312.337.2001). Meshing the lively, trendy atmosphere of a bistro with a no-nonsense American cooking sensibility defines this casual space by offering great food "without a lot of drama." Simple dishes are served sans any pretension, such as starters like Fresh and Fried Mozzarella, Braised Short Rib Ravioli and Yia-Yia's Greek Salad. Main courses include Roasted Alaskan Halibut, Grilled Australian Lamb Chops and a San Francisco Cioppino. Paskewitz works with organic farmers to obtain much of the produce and meats used, and he'll change up the menu frequently to incorporate seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's 60-bottle wine list matches the menu's simplicity showcasing mostly Californian and French selections. A full bar offers martinis and other cocktails. The decor is marked by a contemporary yet unassuming vision with off-white refurbished New York subway tiles and irreverent signage reminiscent of the space's former life as a motocross repair shop. Deep red leather banquettes, black and white mosaic tile floors and a mahogany bar add classic bistro elements.
|
|
|
|
China Grill |
 |
|
China Grill (230 N. Michigan, 312.334.6700) opened its doors inside the Hard Rock Hotel. Known for attracting power
players and celebrities, a high-energy atmosphere and stylishy presented dishes, China Grill has garnered critical acclaim in New York, Miami, Las Vegas and Mexico
City. Owner Jeffrey Chodorow has commissioned Chef Gerald Drummond to create a pan-cultural menu with 40 artistically prepared offerings The colorful space
offers multilevel dining areas, an energetic bar and luxurious vaulted ceilings and gold furnishings.
|
Reserve |
 |
|
If you'd like to join the ranks of the nightclub elite, you'll want to reserve yourself a table at Reserve (858 W. Lake, 312.455.1111) like hundreds of clubbers did
just last night! You'll enjoy exclusive bottle service brought to you by knowledgeable, courteous table hostesses as signature service is a key ingredient in Reserve's
recipe for success. This upscale lounge is the first nightlife venture from Matt Mering, Anthony Demasi and Eoin Callery, of the philanthropic Tsunami Foundation.
If their recent gala, Strides and Tides, is any indication of their nightlife expertise, than this new hotspot will have no problem pleasing the many 25 to 35 year old
urban professionals they aim to attract.
|
Pick up the November issue of SCENE for the full story on these openings and other restaurants, bars and clubs opening this month.
|
|
|
|
|
