If all goes well, on Friday the doors will swing open for Five Star Bar and Grill (1424 W. Chicago Ave.), a neighborhood spot whose decor includes quilted black-leather booths, antique fixtures, vintage and contemporary posters and a semi-private lounge in back that includes a stripper pole “for a tongue-in-cheek effect,” says the press release. Howard Natinsky (ex-Hudson Club, Lucky Strike) is one of the owners. The menu, developed by Jason Paskewitz, includes specialty burgers and something called a “Sid & Nancy Honeymooner” sandwich. 312-850-2555.
The “Da Vinci” Deal: In honor of the movie “The Da Vinci Code,” Vinci (1732 N. Halsted St.) will offer its polenta and mushroom appetizer free to anyone with a ticket stub from the movie or from the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Vinci’s polenta dish, by the way, is its signature appetizer; more than 65,000 have been sold over the years. 312-266-1199.
There’s a new, old face in the kitchen at Le P’tit Bistro (260 E. Chestnut St.). Michael Foley, founder of the late, great (and sorely missed) Printer’s Row, has joined with owner Alain Sitbon as a sort-of chef/consultant and business advisor. “We’re remaking the business slowly and carefully,” says Foley, “from the menu to the wine to the staff.” Among other things, this will entail making the restaurant, which once was Zaven’s, less of a formal, Continental operation and more of a bistro. “It’s exciting,” Foley says. “This is a great location.” 312-787-8260.
Saturday is Armed Forces Day, so Burgundy Bistro (3462 Vollmer Rd., Olympia Fields) is offering free dinner to all World War II veterans who come to the restaurant wearing their service hats or other WWII insignia. All other veterans, and those currently serving, will receive half-price entrees. Please mention your military status when booking reservations. 708-747-5399.
Most people know not to visit car dealers on Sunday; they’re all closed. But at 4:30 p.m. this Sunday, Continental Acura of Naperville (2275 Aurora Ave., Naperville) will host a fundraiser dinner benefiting the Naperville Responds organization, which is building houses for Hurricane Katrina relief. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven); there will be a cash bar. Tickets are $100 and reservations are required. 312-224-8858.
Every Sunday night is a good night to visit Carlucci’s (1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove), when a Family Night menu will offer a three-course family-style meal for $15.95 per person. There will be a magician performing 5-8 p.m., and a $5 “build your own pizza” option for kids. 630-512-0990.
Restaurants & Institutions magazine will present its annual Ivy Awards this Sunday at a gala (no, you’re not invited). Congratulations to Michael Kornick’s restaurant mk (868 N. Franklin St.), one of this year’s five winners. (Others include Commander’s Palace in Las Vegas and The Peabody in Orlando, so mk is in good company.)
Max and Benny’s (461 Waukegan Rd., Northbrook) is donating a percentage of Monday’s dinner proceeds to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stop by any time 5-9 p.m. to participate. 847-272-9490.
Australia’s Angove Vineyards will be featured in a five-course dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Magnum’s Prime Steakhouse, 777 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard. Price is $75 for the five-course, seven-wine dinner. 630-573-1010.
The next Wine University dinner, at 7:30 p.m. May 25 at Mas (1670 W. Division St.), will have a twist. It’s tequila, not wine, that will be the focus of the tasting and discussion, and various tequilas will be matched to a five-course dinner. Cost is $50, tax included. 773-276-8700.
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pvettel@tribune.com
