This Column is Made of Chocolate

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things

As if the name weren’t a giveaway, Chocolate Grape (chocolate-grape.com) (2113 W. Division St.; 773-772-3990), slotted to open in early April, specializes in pairing wines and chocolates together. “The concept came from my family,” says Rehanna Grady, a partner in the 65-seat café. “My brother, in earning his master’s from DePaul, had to create a business plan and a pro forma to show that the business would be profitable.” The plan was for a wine and chocolate café, and the family thought it was such a…

In Giuseppe’s Shoes

Next Gig

Giuseppe Scurato (formerly of Boka and MK), who recently parted ways with Fox & Obel, has joined forces with Branco Palikuca (owner of Amber Cafe, 13 N. Cass Ave., Westmont; 630-515-8080) to open Topaz (780 Village Center Driveway, Burr Ridge; 630-654-1616), a 150-seat contemporary American place in a new shopping center. “It should be ready to open by the beginning of April,” says Scurato, whose plans to open his own place are still on hold. “Most of our ingredients will be organic. We’re not going to …

Pour

Lakefront Organic E.S.B. is a classic British-style ale with a charming, fruity, full-bodied flavor

Schwimmerpalooza

Couldn’t get tickets to The Black Crowes’ sold-out concert tomorrow at Park West? (I’m right there with you—but still hopeful.) Never fear: There are plenty of other nightlife options this weekend—not the least of which is getting up-close and personal with Friend-turned-director David Schwimmer (try to contain your excitement). Get choice nightlife tidbits below, and keep reading for celeb and new bar news…