Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A Mano's Last Day is Saturday

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I really hate reporting stories like these, but I just found out Saturday is the last day of business for A Mano, owned by the guys behind BIN 36 and BIN Wine Cafe.

The lower-priced, Italian- and wine-focused spot is directly beneath BIN 36, and we're told that there are no plans for a new concept once it closes.

On an unrelated note, BIN 36 tweeted that its Wicker Park location's windows were busted overnight.

And the Award for Best Party Theme Goes To . . .

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. . . Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club for its "Avatar"-themed event!

But what else would you expect from Lakeview's quirkiest eatery that's known to throw birthday bashes for Cher, Madonna and Tina Turner?!

To celebrate the Oscars, which go down March 7, they're transforming the main dining room into the mysteriously beautiful planet of Pandora, adding a "blue" carpet for you to strut on in your finest cocktail wear, shaking up The Avatar Princess Martini (Effen vodka, Hpnotiq liqueur, a splash of pineapple juice and adorned with rock candy and a blue glow stick for $5), and featuring fabulous Kit Kat Diva Aurora Sexton as the exotic warrior princess Neytiri.

The party's free and doors open at 5:30pm.

Also happening that night is the annual benefit for the Gene Siskel Film Center. Oscar Night America is a glamorous affair, so dress up! Red Carpet Hostess Amanda Puck greets each guest with a glass of bubbly, and once inside they'll be treated to an open bar, massive spread of delicious appetizers and the awards show featured on multiple large monitors. 6-11pm. Get the $100 tix here.

Over at 33 Club you'll have the chance to win an overnight stay at the Elysian Hotel if you correctly pick the Oscar winners. They're also doing a $50 prix-fixe menu that will include classic dishes like steamed mussels, grilled skirt steak and grilled King Salmon with Ratatouille. Doors open at 6pm.

All of the flatscreens will be tuned into the Oscars at Cuna, which will also be doing a number of signature, movie star-themed cocktails (Humprey Bogart, Halle Berry, Marilyn Monroe), plus a costume contest for best dressed male/female, best dressed couple, best Jack Nicholson impression and best "Zoolander" walkoff. OK. Doors open at 5:30pm. No cover.

Halsted's Bar & Grill is also going all out with Oscars coverage as they're showing it on all 12 screens. They're also giving away gift certificates, plus drink specials! Indulge in $3 glasses of Champagne, $15 bottles of Champagne, $4 22 oz. Miller Lite drafts and $10 pitchers of Miller Lite.

Luxbar teams up with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for an Oscar-themed benefit. Seventeen flatscreens will be tuned in as guests nosh on mini burgers, fried chicken sliders, tuna tartare, mini crab cakes and chicken empanadas. The open bar includes a mojito station. 6-10:30pm. $65.

And Seasons Bar toasts the Oscars with a Moet Chandon cocktail and champagnes by the glass paired with chocolates by Francois Payard.