Restaurant veteran Dan Rosenthal has announced the official launch of Cicchetti ( ( chick-KET-tee ) ), called "the first-ever newly constructed Green Seal Certified restaurant in Chicago." The Venetian-inspired concept, at Erie and St. Clair streets, brings together Executive Chef Mike Sheerin, Sous Chef Phil Rubino and Sous/Pastry Chef Sarah Jordan. ( Cicchettialso sometimes spelled "cichetti" or "cicheti"are small snacks or side dishes typically served in traditional "bacari" ( cicchetti bars or osterie ) in Venice, Italy. ) See cicchettirestaurant.com .
Wickets Bar and Grill ( Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale, Schaumburg ) will be the site of a burger battle as Chef George Garcia will offer a healthy "Resolution" creation ( lean turkey with sprouts ) and a caloric "Anti-Resolution" one ( 10-oz. burger with cheddar cheese, bacon and hot chili, served with a mound of cheese fries ). The burgers will be available Jan. 1-15; see www.wicketsbarandgrill.com .
Sugar Factory American Brasserie will open its first Midwest location next summer at MB Financial Park in Rosemont, Ill. The brand already has four sites, including a flagship location at Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The new 8,000-square-foot brasserie and retail store will feature a menu with everything from pancakes to pizzas as well as its well-known desserts. See www.SugarFactory.com .
Delish Diner, 2018 W. Division St., will celebrate the holidays by showing Miracle on 34th Street and When Harry Met Sally on Dec. 19; It's a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on Dec. 21; and A Christmas Carol on Dec. 24. See www.DelishDiner.com .
Clark Street Dog and Bar, 3040 N. Clark St., has announced new winter chili specials. Options include beef brisket chili, made with Northern beans, green peppers, fresh chopped onions and smoked, diced beef brisket; chicken chili with mangoes, Great Northern beans, onions, celery and peppers; and chili dog chili, made with premium beef, red pinto beans, chili peppers, onions and spices. See www.facebook.com/ClarkStreetDog.
Davanti Enoteca ( all three local restaurants ) is celebrating the holiday season with Feast of the Seven Fishes Dec. 24-31. The regular dinner menu will also be available; however, Feast of the Seven Fishes menu requires participation from the entire table. Among the offerings are cod, calamari, rock shrimp, branzino and sardines. See www.davantichicago.com .
The Boundary Tavern and Grille, 1932 W. Division St., and Old Town Pour House, 1419 N. Wells St. ( both under Bottleneck Management ), are holding New Year's Eve parties at 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $85 to Boundary and $40 at Old Town. For more info, see www.bottleneckmgmt.com .
Showplace ICON Theatre, 150 W. Roosevelt Rd., will offer New Year's Eve and holiday cocktail specials for $12 in the Lobby Lounge. Items include Eggnog ( vanilla vodka, amaretto, eggnog and cinnamon dusting ), Goodbye 2013 ( OR~G, Veev, Sprite ) and Hello 2014 ( Patron XO Cafe, RumChata and half & half ). New Year's Eve falls on Lobby Lounge's Treat Tuesdays, when guests can enjoy desserts for half-price and select dessert martinis for $6. See www.ShowplaceIcon.com .
Blackfinn Ameripub, 65 W. Kinzie St., is offering reservations for New Year's Eve. Tickets are $75 online and $85 at the door. VIP table packages will also be available starting at $400, and will include a bottle of Champagne and Blackfinn's signature appetizers. See www.eventbrite.com or email psanchez@BlackfinnRiverNorth.com .
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St., is offering a "Hangover Brunch" on New Year's Eve or Day. Items will inclue Chorizo and Egg Nachos ( $9.95 ), Brisket Hash Skillet ( $10.95 ) and Jake's Crispy French Toast ( $9.95 ), with cornflake crusted brioche. The Hangover Brunch is available 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and RSVPs are recommended for both New Year's Eve and Day. Call 312-266-0400.
The Drawing Room, 937 N. Rush St., has appointed Tommy Sheean as executive chef. ( Sheean used to be sous chef at the venue. ) One of the first big events on Sheean's docket is a five-course New Year's Eve dinner. For $85 per person, with an optional $35 add-on for a cocktail or wine pairing, guests can expect beef tartare, duck confit, beluga lentils and bread pudding, among other choices. Call 312-266-2694.
Bountiful Eatery, 3313 N. Broadway, will have 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. New Year's Eve seatings of its gluten-free menu. The four-course menu ( $30 ) includes several entrees, such as Dijon-marinated salmon, grilled chicken breast, tofu and chicken kabobs, and ground bison plate, among others. Call 773-687-9811.
Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N. Halsted St., will hold three events ( 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. seatings as well as the 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m. party package ) for New Year's Eve. The earlier seatings are $65 ( 7 p.m. ) and $85 ( 9:30 p.m. ) each, and include a four-course prix fixe, a bottle of champagne and party favors. See www.kitkatchicago.com .
At RPM Italian, 52 W. Illinois St., chef/partner Doug Psaltis will prepare a variety of specials such as Maine lobster risotto with Piedmont black truffles for New Year's Eve. Call 312-222-1888 for more info or to make a reservation.
Slurping Turtle, 116 W. Hubbard St., will hold a Godzilla Movie Night extravaganza on New Year's Eve. There will be three tasting menus, action movies and Japanese drums. Tickets are $45-$40 each; see http://slurpingturtle.com/home.php.
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