This is it! Friday and Saturday are the last nights that Le Passage will be open–as you’ve come to know it. After the weekend, the subterranean night spot will close in order to undergo an extensive remodel. Look for the revamped version to open in late October/early November. Click here for more deets…

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At about 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, I spotted Casey, Joey, Sara N., Lia, Sandee and another woman (a producer, maybe?) milling about in front of the Starbucks on upper Michigan Avenue (at Grand Avenue), discussing where they should go for a bite and drinks. “Reagle Beagle?” Casey said into her phone. So I stepped up, introduced myself as the Nightlife Producer of metromix.com, and suggested that while they might enjoy the retro-sitcom vibe and cozy decor at the Beagle, the food might not be quite what this group of seasoned chefs was looking for. I suggested that instead, they head around the corner to Quartino for pizzas, Italian small plates and wine. Then I found out Casey was on the phone with fellow finalist, Chicago’s own Dale Levitski. She told him she’d run into me; I said hi. And then Casey handed me her phone so he could talk to me! (Yeah, I was kinda geeking out at this point.) We chatted briefly, and he told me he was on his way to meet up with the fellow contestants. The group was incredibly friendly and very smiley–you could tell they’d really bonded during filming. In fact, they were so likeable that I felt like I asking if I could tag along. But instead, I wished Casey well and said I couldn’t wait to watch tomorrow’s finale.

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After seven years, Cherry Red closed this past weekend. (We have to admit, it seemed like the place was struggling the last year or two. But boy, was it the hot spot for young Lakeview and Lincoln Park kids back in the day.) Take one last bite when Cherry Red celebrates the closing with two goodbye parties: On Sept. 28 (9 p.m.) get $1 domestic beers and well cocktails, and $2 everything else. Former resident DJs will spin, old staff will be back serving, and it’s only a $7 cover charge (for being open seven years). Not a bad deal! And attention all industry vets: You can celebrate with your fellow bar buddies on Sept. 30 with a $20 super premium package from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. What’s next for the space? Look for Bottle Bar to open soon; check New on the Scene for updates

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Jodie Foster’s vigilante flick “The Brave One” took charge of the box office this weekend, earning $14 million to snag the top spot. That’s a pretty lame opening, but it was a very hit-and-miss movie. Thankfully, it was more than…

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Is it just us, or is everyone meaner when Anthony Bourdain is around? It’s like all of the other judges feel the need to one-up his searing criticisms and outrageous metaphors. Don’t get us wrong—we love his colorful comments. We’ve…

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The spot: The service couldn’t be friendlier Los Nopales, a quaint Lincoln Square Mexican spot; the accommodating staff brightens an already welcoming yellow-walled dining room. The restaurant’s namesake, los nopales, or cacti, appears in a few dishes, including a tasty…

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If ticketholders weren’t already upset by the cancellation of Amy Winehouse’s upcoming show in Chicago, they will be now: both of the White Stripes’ dates at the Aragon (Oct. 6-7) have been cancelled as well. A press release explained that…

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