—RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: If you're looking to treat yourself, you could do a whole lot worse than The Drawing Room at Le Passage, 937 N. Rush ( above ) . The lounge, which opened last November under Three Headed Productions, features contemporary American small-plate fare ( courtesy of famed chef Shawn McClain ) such as sumptuous sparerib 'burgers', delicious winter pasta and sinful lump-crab pancakes. However, it's the libations that really make this place soar, from the complimentary ruby red grapefruit cocktails to the cheerful tableside drink experts ( including Lynn House and award-winning chief mixologist Charles Joly ) who explain the histories of your drinks. Then, you can go to the adjoining Le Passage nightclub and dance off those calories. Call 312-255-0022 or 312-266-2694, or visit www.lepassage.com .
News:
—Southern coastal cooking and classic cocktails will be in the spotlight in Andersonville when Big Jones, 5347 N. Clark, opens in April. Paul Fehribach ( who began his career in Bloomington, Ind. ) is the chef and co-owner, and Mark Armantrout is the other co-owner.
—Gaylord India restaurant will open at 100 E. Walton in April. It was at 678 N. Clark until February.
—People will certainly be getting their drink on this coming St. Patrick's Day weekend, so why not try something off the beaten track while still being traditional? Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark and 1401 W. Devon will offer items such as The Lilly of the West, made with Jameson Irish whiskey, violet liquor, homemade beer liquor and a white floating flower petal; and Waiting for Godot, which contains Jameson Irish whiskey, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, homemade black cherry simple syrup, homemade fennel tincture and Left Hand Milk Stout Foam.
Send items about restaurant happenings ( including openings and closings ) to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com .