1. You heard it here first: Dan Schwab of Avenue M has partnered with White Sox GM Kenny Williams to open an upscale sports bar late this fall or early winter in the West Loop, at 1113 West Randolph Street. There’s no name yet, and Schwab is open to suggestions. Post your best shot below in the comments box.
2. File under "ridiculous": NV Penthouse Lounge wants you to dip into your savings for the new $2,500 NV Martini: Belvedere Vodka, Midori, Dom Pérignon, and a splash of juice, with a 2.3-carat emerald pendant as garnish. Forget the emerald: We can’t imagine anyone who’ll choke down that price.
3. We’ve got mixed feelings about the Green Tie Ball being held indoors this year, the first time in its 17-year run. Last year’s venue, Northerly Island, would have been perfect—if the temperature hadn’t dipped to a chilly 45 degrees. The move to Chicago Scenic Studios means two things: 1) Women once again will be wearing skimpy frocks, sans coats; and 2) You’ll want to get your tickets to the uber-popular singles event before it sells out, since capacity is roughly 3,000. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. September 13th, and admission is $150 to $250.
4. No backyard? No grill? No problem. Spend Monday, September 1st at Risqué Café, where $9 lets you belly up to the barbecue buffet. The spot has more than 300 American craft brews on offer, but if Labor Day just isn’t Labor Day without cheap beer, there are also $2 Old Style and $2.50 312 drafts.
5. The party moves out front at Enclave this Sunday, August 31st, when the parking lot becomes a massive beer garden/concert venue. On the bill: a reunited Sugar Ray, complete with Extra anchor Mark McGrath (no word yet on whether he’s still got abs of steel). The outdoor bash runs from 5 to 10 p.m., and tickets are $10; $20 gets you entry to the indoor afterparty.
6. Good luck, Chuck.
7. On Sunday, September 7th—plus every Monday night during football season and every Bears home game—former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone will hold court at Stretch Run, signing autographs and telling stories from his legendary career. Drink specials include the Buffone Blitz, which sounds like a full-on tackle in a glass: tequila, rum, gin, vodka, cranberry, sour mix, and tonic for $5.75.
8. Speaking of good sportsmanship, if the Olympics wet your whistle for international mingling, head to Sushisamba Rio and raise a toast to Brazilian Independence Day on September 7th. Drink specials include the Bandeira cocktail (pinot grigio, cachaca, and pineapple juice); plus, samba dancers, a live band, and capoeira dancers.
9. NBC5’s Anna Davlantes, the Sun-Times’ Richard Roeper, and Chicago Bear Robbie Gould will be among the local glitterati hosting an alfresco charity event for Wounded Heroes Foundation, a non-profit that supports injured troops, from 5 p.m. to midnight September 11th at Boss Bar (420 N. Clark St.). Suggested donation is $25.
10. In other local semi-celeb news, former Apprentice Bill Rancic—who knows a thing or two about winning a big public contest—emcees a Rock the Vote event September 24th from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Double Door. The night pairs music from Matt Roan and Bang! Bang! with an eco-friendly fashion show. Tickets are $18 in advance or $24 at the door; call 773-235-4085.
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And I’m off to get married! Keep an eye on Chicago magazine for nightlife news, then tune in in October for the latest from the nightlife front.