Splashy opening...
Although the restaurant Dine opened on Dec. 1, the opening night party for VIPs and other special guests was held on Monday, Dec. 11, at 733 W. Madison St., not tucked away but quite visible. It's part of the Crown Plaza Hotel but has a separate entrance on Halsted St. just south of Madison St.
They call themselves a "1940s retro American-style eatery and Martini Bar." I could tell you what is on the menu, but not how it tastes! That's because unfortunately I only got to taste a delicious cube of meat loaf (served on a skewer), salmon tartare and other hors d'oeuvres from the kitchen's pickup window that offered goodies not featured on the menu I received!
There was also a room with a buffet of aged cheeses, delectable breads and dried fruit. A dessert buffet was in another room and featured Dine's signature dessert, "Gracie's Red Velvet Cake." This was a bright red, moist cake, topped with a white frosting that was cream cheese-based and nicely sweetened.
Drinks included martinis, wines, a variety of beers and other alcoholic dreams and delights. The space was quite large and very cozy.
VIPs and other guests enjoyed the celebrity line-up that included the blonde bomb shell Marilyn Monroe (proclaiming to be only 79 years old). She was wearing her famous white dress that was slightly too big around the top (because she had nothing to fill it with). Marilyn was a bit shy, but not so the fire engine red-haired Lucy Ricardo (without husband Ricky or son Ricky Jr.). She asked me about my "librarian hair-do." My hair was up, and I thought it looked great. She kept asking me why I was wearing library hair. I told her "just a bad hair day, honey." It was true, I was having a bad hair day. Well, Lucy consoled me and then we talked about men who cheat (her Ricky and other friends of Lucy).
Sammy, Dino and of course Frank were there to schmooze, booze, and croon. Everyone was delighted to hear and see the Rat Pack who performed a medley of their shtick and hits.
But for the real experience, I will have to return another time and order from the regular menu. However, everything I ate was superb.
Dine's executive chef is Trever Hoyte, general manager is Scott Harney, pastry chef is Kate Milashus, and head of operations is John DiMartini.
The place is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The average breakfast tab would probably be $7.95 to $15.95. Lunch or dinner (served all day) might be $9 to $ 29.
Valet parking is always available. To make a reservation, phone (312) 602-2100.
Unusual holiday sale...
With 25 to 75 percent off, Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., is in the midst of its 18th Annual Holiday Sale which continues through Friday, Dec. 23.
What's so great about this sale? The special attractions include 300 antique and vintage paintings, with each priced under $300. The selection includes still lifes, portraits, abstracts and landscapes; vintage easels are also for sale.
Architectural Artifacts was founded in 1987 by Stuart Grannen who searches out "uniquely beautiful, esthetically exciting items of curiosity" on his twice yearly jaunts around the world. Recently he returned from a buying trip to Argentina and Uruguay. He says there are containers coming in now that are funky and fun like the Argentine rolling pins, industrial strength cast iron Christmas trees, 1940s and '50s vintage foosball tables, and marionettes created in the early 20th century by master puppeteers in Palermo, Italy.
Architectural Artifacts is located in an 80,000 sq. ft. showroom that has recently been expanded. The showroom has an open air courtyard and a four-story atrium complete with graceful foot bridges.
Take a looky-see. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day through Friday, Dec. 23. For additional information, please phone (773) 348-0622.
Romance + comedy = Shakespeare?
Not a typical Shakespearean cut-throat play, but William Shakespeare's romantic comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" opened on Saturday, Dec. 10, in previews at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier.
Considered to be one of Shakespeare's most witty tales about would-be lovers, the story is about a pair of lovers who fight continually.
When the war ends, the confirmed bachelor (Benedick) returns to civilian life. He and a woman (Beatrice) declare war on each other and with an artillery of words and wit. The rapid fire war of wits continues until friends decide Cupid must intercede.
The show continues through Sunday, Feb. 26. For additional information or to purchase a ticket, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's box office at (312) 595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com. Ticket prices vary. An individual preview ticket is $42 through Friday, Dec. 16, a Tuesday through Thursday weekday ticket is $48, and a weekend ticket for shows on Friday through Sunday is $65.
Please send information about local benefits to Paulette Wittenberg at PauletteWitt@aol.com.
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