Happy Hour International

Karl Lagerfeld

Whitsunday Writers’ Festival

Writers’ festivals are creeping further north in search of winter sunshine and tranquillity.

April Fools Day – You Tube

UniverSoul Circus
Clowns, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, contortionists, animals and more perform under the big top during a traditional circus with an urban edge. The 17th annual show features performers from Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Russia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Jamaica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and the…

Rooftop Revelry

courtesy of Bridget Montomery; Citizen Bar

When the weather gets nice in this city, you’d better enjoy it. What better way than to get high…at one of Chicago’s rooftop bars. Check out these watering holes where the breeze is free and the brew comes with a view.

Roof
The Wit Hotel features a number of restaurants, bars and attractions, but none of them garners the attention nor the crowds that this 27th-floor indoor/outdoor lounge does. You’ll pay for the views (of both the city and the good-looking crowd), as drinks cost $8-$12 and food is more than at your average pub, but you can’t top the scene.

C-View
As if the killer view from the top of the Affinia Chicago hotel weren’t enough, this 29th-floor lounge has upped the ante with a brand-new list of luxury cocktails, including the Shake Rattle and Hum (featuring master mixologist Adam Seger’s Hum botanical spirit along with Bacardi rum, lime juice and simple syrup) and Back Porch Punch (Southern Comfort, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sweet tea). When hunger hits, head downstairs to the C-House restaurant, owned by famed chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Epic
The newly opened rooftop at the already massive (14,000 square feet) River North spot, dubbed Epic Sky, offers lounge seating, two private cabanas and a 28-foot long bar serving up signature cocktails, wine and beer. Expect a food menu coming soon.

Vertigo
This sky-high, indoor/outdoor watering hole atop the Dana Hotel and Spa offers strong cocktails, breathtaking views of the city and waitresses in skin-tight catsuits. Combine that with the ultra-chic d?cor and a DJ spinning everything hip in rock, funk, pop and electronic, and you?ve got the perfect meeting place for young business professionals (the co-ed bathroom could be a good place to break the ice. Don’t miss out on the gourmet food options from the downstairs restaurant, aja, and be prepared to spend: drinks cost $9-$12.

Market Bar and Restaurant
Professional hockey and baseball players may not all be beautiful, but they and their paychecks can certainly hang with a sultry crowd. This snazzy restaurant and lounge is partly owned by White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams, and the place is popular with Chicago sports stars (some live down the street) ? as well as sexy clientele sporting mascara, pearl necklaces, silicone cleavage and pressed suits. The newly remodeled rooftop deck, open daily from 2 p.m.-midnight, features eight private cabanas, a walk-up bar, flat-screen TVs and a small-plates menu including spring rolls, a cheese plate and a tuna tartare trio (available 5-10 p.m.; dishes range from $10-$13).

Plymouth Restaurant and Bar
This three-story establishment has dining and drinking options on all levels, but the rooftop deck is the real draw. The view isn’t as spectacular as the loftier spaces (unless, of course, you’re looking at the mural of Chicago celebrities on one wall), but it’ll get the job done. Tip: On an extra-hot day, make sure to grab a spot near the edge of the rooftop; every once in a while, the bar will turn on the misters and give you a nice, refreshing shot of cool moisture.

Citizen Bar
Don’t bother bringing your passport; everyone can claim citizenship at this River North bar, though the outdoor patios will make you want to take up residency. Enjoy the company of the city and take your glass of wine and Cowboy burger out onto the 2,000 square-foot patio or rooftop deck. Weekday specials, like half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays, sweeten the sight. .

NoMI
Less intense than the main space, an upscale French restaurant at the Park Hyatt Chicago hotel, NoMI’s rooftop lounge serves lighter, seasonal fare and a variety of NoMI’s signature cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. The 2,000-square-foot garden, with lush landscaping and sweeping city views, sits on the hotel’s seventh floor.

Rock Bottom Brewery
Sure it’s a chain, but this River North microbrewery’s in-the-thick-of-it view of the Chicago skyline solidifies its status as a killer rooftop hangout. The vista’s no well-kept secret, though; show up early as it gets crowded quickly. The rooftop has its own bar, making it easy to grab a cold Chicago Gold (pale ale) to cool down on hot days. As expected, the atmosphere and decor feel corporate, but to score refreshing brews and reasonably priced pub grub, you could do worse than hitting Rock Bottom.

Sidetrack
As Chicago’s biggest and most popular gay bar, Sidetrack has become a mainstay of the Halsted scene. Indulge in some fun, frozen drinks like the highly popular Ketel One Crush, a grape-flavored tart concoction, on its sleek rooftop deck, which has its own bar and seats 350. If you’re looking for a place to meet that special someone or just hang out with friends, add this one to your summer roster.

Pegasus
Get the best view in Greektown on the rooftop patio (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), which accommodates 160 people and boasts a full bar, live music and a spectacular view of the skyline. The al-fresco menu features an extensive selection of tapas-style appetizers and desserts.

SushiSamba Rio
A haven for chic Chicagoans, this clubby sushi bar offers a rooftop lounge perfect for people watching. Enjoy a mojito or one of SushiSamba’s many signature drinks like the Lemon Samurai (Svedka Citron vodka, apple liqueur, peach, guava), but make sure your ‘do can stand the elements ? you’re sure to be the recipient of gratuitous ogling.

Twisted Spoke
It may not feel quite like cruising on a Harley, but visitors to the Twisted Spoke’s rooftop patio can catch some rays while their hair blows in the breeze. With picnic tables and umbrellas to accommodate about 60, the casual second-floor patio at this biker-themed hangout is the perfect spot to waste away a beautiful day. The Fat Boy, a big honkin’ half-pound burger topped with your choice of cheddar, swiss, grilled onions, bacon and barbecue sauce, holds court as the restaurant’s most popular menu item. Bonus: It serves Jim Beam on-tap.

Vines on Clark
Round up the troops post-Cubs game and head on over to this outdoor anomaly: Vines rules as Wrigleyville’s only rooftop-dining venue (if you don’t count the lucky fans grilling out on their squint-and-you-can-see-the-field roof decks). The patio can also be rented for private parties on non-game days, when Lakeview locals capitalize on the quiet time to enjoy a Honey Weiss or specialty martini.

Zed 451
With a sweeping 2,300-square-foot rooftop, this carnivore’s paradise has already become a popular hang. With non-stop visits from chefs wielding large skewers of steaks, chicken and fish (for a fixed price), patrons are sure to get their fill while they bask in the sun and sip a seasonal cocktail. A large fireplace, grass, foliage and a copper-roofed clerestory add to roof deck’s ambiance.

Bottom Lounge
You’re probably here for the music, but don’t forget to scope out the rooftop deck before you leave. Located on the second-level, the outdoor locale is an extension of Bottom Lounge’s tiki-themed bar, the Volcano Room. Sip a freshly muddled mojito while taking in the cityscape view.

Terrace at Conrad
Perched five stories above Rush Street on the top floor of the Conrad Chicago hotel, this seasonal spot provides a retreat reminiscent of 1950s South Beach. A stunning bar sits out of the way from plush over-sized lounge chairs, sofas and daybeds, while umbrellas offer a little cover from the sun during afternoon outings. Tack on something from the restaurant’s globally inspired tapas menu and a pitcher of vodka lemonade or mojitos, and you’ll feel far from the street below.

NV Penthouse Lounge
Some will be impressed with the escort to the elevator and the attendant who takes you up to the 8th floor of this River North building, but the real selling point of NV is its outdoor terrace, which offers amazing views of the city. Of course, such serenity comes at a price ? on prime nights, you’ll have a tough time accessing the space without renting a cabana or being part of a private party.

Avenue Ale House
This Oak Park pub is known for heaping portions and hearty food, so make sure your stomach is empty when you cross its threshold. After all, you’ll want to enjoy every second of your time on the cool rooftop patio, a definite hot spot during the summer months. You’ll find everyone from families dining with small children to groups of friends sharing beer buckets and enjoying the occasional acoustic performance.

Shanghai Terrace
Located within the celebrity-frequented confines of the Peninsula Hotel, this fourth-floor restaurant offers upscale Chinese fare in a sleek environment filled with artwork and hand-carved wood. When the weather permits, you can head outside to the terrace for cocktails and Asian-inspired iced teas alongside a top-shelf view of the city skyline.

Like to drink outside, but afraid of heights? Check out our roundup of Chicago beer gardens and sidewalk patios.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Review – Gaumarjos!: Gotanda
The Georgian chef at this tiny bar-restaurant turns out a good range of tasty dishes from his native land, with flavors that are quite exotic for Tokyo. The menu favors the meaty, well-spiced dishes of the Eastern half of Georgia, incorporating plenty of cilantro and other herbs, nuts and garlic. Georgia is also famous for its wines, and several varieties are available by the glass.

Design that all adds up
There’s a reason why there’s a plus sign at the end of Ideaco’s Bookend+: They have a little something extra added. Aimed at households or offices with cramped desk spaces, the Bookend+ doubles as a tape dispenser or a letter holder. Kept stable by a sturdy steel base plate that you insert into either side of the Bookend+ so that you can choose which way round to use it, they make useful additions to any workspace. Sold individually and available in white, yellow, gray and brown, the letter-holder version costs ¥2,625, while the tape dispenser version goes for ¥3,675.
www.ideaco-web.com

Question is geared for everyone
A useful addition to the drinking options available in Forest Hill, Question is firmly in the bar camp.

Flo Motion presents Paris Fusion 2010 @ The Big Chill House (30th Sep 10)
On stage live this month is Anne Pigalle with DJ support from Pierre LX and Enola. …

Rogue Wednesdays @ Monroes (29th Sep 10)
Wednesday is officially the new Saturday as London?s biggest promoters join forces to put on a spectacular party every week with the biggest celebrities, biggest champagne bottles and biggest Dj?s all…

Electric Feel
Two floors of indie and dance, some live?some spun.

Do This: Soccer by the Seaport
Even if you?re not a World Cup nut, you can still enjoy the festivities at Puma City, the brand?s pop-up soccer theme park at the South Street Seaport.

Brewer’s Choice at City Winery
Fifteen respected brewmasters will appear under one roof to pour alongside pairings from select chefs.

For Those About to Cumbia (or Dubstep, or Disco)
Clubs and parties for every booty-shaking persuasion.

High Tide Bar

Awsomeness

Atlas Cafe

Excellent soy lattes and vegan food

Sails on Lavender Bay – ?Sail in for lunch? promotion (valid Autumn): 1 course $30 * 2 courses $50 …
?Sail in for lunch? promotion (valid Autumn): 1 course $30 * 2 courses $50 * 3 courses $60.

The Lincoln – After Work Drinks at the Lincoln. The Lincoln has launched a delicious tapa…
After Work Drinks at the Lincoln. The Lincoln has launched a delicious tapas menu which is ideal for ?after work? drinks. Try a stunning cocktail or wine, and unwind with friends.

Tank Girl
I’ve been wanting to re-create one of my favorite bad movies, Tank Girl, in a series of photos. Here’s one of them. Sexy Lia Lanett was the perfect subject. Post apocalyptic badass!

Model: Lia Lanett

I’ve been wanting to re-create one of my favorite bad movies, Tank Girl, in a series of photos. Here’s one of them. Sexy Lia Lanett was the perfect subject. Post apocalyptic badass!

This image was taken out in the Florida Everglades, using just a speedlight on a stand with an umbrella.

Independance Pool Party @ The Surfcomber
he 5th Annual Independance 4th of July Pool Party in Miami Beach was a fantastic event just like last year. Bikini clad vixens prancing around to the music of Danny Tenaglia at the Surfcomber’s beachside pool will always be a good party!

Miami 4th of July Pool Party

The 5th Annual Independance 4th of July Pool Party in Miami Beach was a fantastic event just like last year. Bikini clad vixens prancing around to the music of Danny Tenaglia at the Surfcomber’s beachside pool will always be a good party!

Models & Playboy Playmates along with muscle-bound supermen make for some great people watching entertainment. Check out the photos and pretend like you were there.

Pamela & Muñeca
Wasabi Fashion Kult leader, Pamela Wasabi with her attack dog Muñeca (Babydoll). Pamela’s unique sense of style & fun have made her parties and fashion shows a popular attraction in Miami Beach. Her online fashion magazine is a big hit as well.

Model: Pamela Wasabi

Wasabi Fashion Kult leader, Pamela Wasabi with her attack dog Muñeca (Babydoll). Pamela’s unique sense of style & fun have made her parties and fashion shows a popular attraction in Miami Beach. Her online fashion magazine is a big hit as well.

The shoot was for a two page spread in Argentina’s popular fashion magazine, D-Mode Mag. It’s on page 92 & 93 of the “Fantastica” issue #152.

Doggy Happy Hour
Have drinks with your pooch on the patio while watching dog-themed movies such as “Lady and the Tramp” and “101 Dalmatians” on a 20-foot screen.

Bonnie Prince Billy and The Cairo Gang
Josh Abrams (early show), Scott Tuma (late show).

UniverSoul Circus
Clowns, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, contortionists, animals and more perform under the big top during a traditional circus with an urban edge. The 17th annual show features performers from Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Russia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Jamaica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and the…

Chicago Kentucky Derby Events

The “Run for the Roses” is considered horse racing’s most prestigious event. But just because it’s in Louisville doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate here in Chicago. A number of local restaurants, bars and race tracks will be offering Kentucky Derby specials throughout the weekend (events are on Saturday, May 1, unless otherwise noted).

Division Ale House
The Ale House will screen the Run for the Roses on eight 50-inch flat-screen TVs and offer $5 Mint Juleps and a $10.50 whiskey-glazed corned beef dinner.

Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen
5-7 p.m.
Watch the race at this Crystal Lake bar and enjoy 35-cent wings and $7 Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps. And be sure to wear your festive hat, as the best one will score a $25 gift card.

Dunlays on Clark
The Lincoln Park neighborhood spot peps up race day with $5 Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps, $4 shots of Jack Daniels and a Kentucky-inspired menu including Burgood stew and a hot brown (choose any three items for $25).

Durty Nellie’s
5-7 p.m.
There’ll be tons of big-screen, hi-def TVs showing the race at this Palatine bar, which offers $5 Mint Juleps and an $8.95 Kentucky Fried Chicken dinner.

Faith & Whiskey
Noon
The Lincoln Park bar will open early for its “Talk Derby To Me” party and will show all of the day’s races on its four flatscreens with sound. Drink specials include $5 Woodford Reserve shots, $6 Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps, $7 “Derby Downer” specialty cocktails (Woodford Reserve, sparkling wine, vanilla syrup, vanilla bean garnish). F&W will also give away free 15-person private parties to both the best female derby hat and the best male derby suit after the races.

Fizz Bar & Grill
3 p.m.
Saturday, May 1 The sixth annual Kentucky Derby party at this Lakeview bar will include a complimentary buffet featuring dishes like Burgoo stew, Benedictine sandwiches and bourbon brownies, mint juleps (served in commemorative Churchill Downs glasses for $10 each; refills $5) and more. There will be prizes for the best women’s hat and best men’s seersucker suit.

John Barleycorn
Enjoy $5 mint juleps featured all day. For the ladies: Barleycorn hosts a fancy hat contest post-race (at approximately 5:30 p.m.) with a $200 grand prize and gift certificates for other finalists.

Lincoln Station
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Whether you like to drink, eat or gamble, this Lincoln Park bar has you covered. All-day drink deals including $4 22-ounce drafts of Bud Light, $4 Mint Juleps, a $3 mimosa bar and a $4 bloody mary bar – or you can spring for the $35 food and drink package from 1 p.m. to the end of the race, which includes Bud Light, Mint Juleps, wine, mimosa and bloody mary bars plus passed hors d’oeuvres. There will also be 50/50 horse bets, with half of the pot going to the Jennifer S. Fallick cancer support center.

Lobby Lounge (ShowPlace Icon Theatre)
Woodford Reserve sponsors a Derby watch party with raffles, giveaways and drink specials like $12 Mint Juleps.

Luxbar
Enjoy $5 Maker’s Mint Juleps as you cheer on the horses at this Gold Coast bar. Each guest will get a race card, and those with the winning horse will receive a $25 gift certificate to Luxbar (and even the losers will get $5 certificates). The prize for best Derby hat: a $250 cocktail card.

Mac’s American Pub
All-day Derby specials include $5 Maker’s Mark mint juleps, Jack Daniel?s BBQ-glazed chicken wings ($5) and the Derby burger: A half-pound stock yards angus burger topped with grilled onions, cheddar cheese and Jim Beam BBQ sauce, served with hand-cut fries ($5). The Pony
1 p.m.
Celebrate Derby Day for a good cause at The Pony’s fundraiser event, benefiting Equestrian Connection. Guests can enter to win a free trip to the stables, while enjoying $5 Mint Juleps and Jim Beam cocktails and a $10 Southern-style buffet featuring fried chicken, biscuits and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in classic Southern attire.

The Southern
3 p.m.
Here’s another appropriate spot to do your celebrating – and it’ll be easy with $7 bourbon cocktails like classic Mint Juleps, the Lily (lemonade with bourbon and cranberry juice), the Lazy Boy (bourbon, bitters and soda) and Peach Tea (peach schnapps, iced tea and bourbon). Chef Cary Taylor will also offer the traditional Hot Brown, an open-faced sandwich with turkey, bacon and avocado covered in Mornay sauce for $12. Stretch Run
Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; $5 admission on Saturday
Guests can place their wagers starting on Friday and join Stretch Run for a pre-Derby Day celebration. Guests can indulge in $6 mint juleps and $5 20-ounce drafts of Miller Lite and Coors Light.

Timothy O’Toole’s
O’Toole’s will serve up Sweet Tea Vodka cocktails for $5.50 and Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps for $6. The pub invites patrons to don a Derby hat in honor of the occasion and take part in a Derby pool for a chance to win prizes. Stick around for the Shane Mosley vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing match afterward ($20 cover) and enjoy $15 Corona buckets. The pub’s will also offer $3 pints of Miller Lite, Miller High Life and Coors Light all day.

Tin Lizzie
You can really party hard at the Dirty Derby party, which includes giveaways (like sex toys), drink specials ($15 shot-skis) and a dirty joke contest.

Zella
2-6 p.m.; $80 in advance, $100 at the door
Party with a live band, open bar and a lunch buffet on the outdoor patio at this Lincoln Park bar, and feel good while doing it: all proceeds from this party go to Chicago Children’s Charities.