Fans of Yak-zies tasty wings rejoice: The Lakeview location on Diversey Parkway is planning to reopen! We just talked to Joe Spagnoli who said he's in the process of getting a new license so he can spruce up the spot and reopen this summer. The original liquor license was in his father's name only, so it died when his father passed away and the bar then closed on Aug. 1, 2007. "My goal is to keep family tradition alive," Spagnoli said. Cheers to that!
 

Remember when upscale movie theater Muvico moved into town with its larger-than-life location in Rosemont, boasting its wider seats, 21-and-up sections and an on-site restaurant? 

Well, an Australian company is upping the upscale ante with its first of 50 or so U.S. locations in…(drum roll, please) northwest suburban Barrington! The name -- Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas – doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as easily as say, AMC, the major theater serving this area. But it is affiliated with Village Roadshow Pictures, the company that played a role in producing a couple little flicks you may have heard of—maybe Matrix, Ocean’s 11 or I am Legend might ring a bell? (The company's Jam Factory theater in Melbourne, Aus. is pictured above.)

With Barrington’s spendy demo, there’s no question that there are locals looking for the most luxe treatment they can buy. But with tickets to the tune of $25-$30, we wanted to know what kind of royal treatment to expect. Here’s how it works: You reserve your seat ahead of time online, then show up early for a cocktail in the lounge, or skip the previews and show up 10 minutes late if that’s your style. The on-site valet will park your Range Rover/BMW/Lexus while the concierge escort you into one of eight theaters, inspired by private screening rooms and bearing only 40 seats—make that cushy leather recliners—per theater. Ring the service bell on your chair to order chi-chi snacks like ceviche or crostini, cheese and wine or chocolate and a cappuccino, or even full entrees running $10-$25. Then, soak in the digital projection and Dolby digital sound. And hope your neighbor keeps it down with the crostini.

The theater aims to open in October in The Arboretum of South Barrington complex at Route 59 and Higgins Road.

In the meanwhile, we wanna know: Would you shell out $30 for a movie on a Saturday night?

 

While we've been in love with Ronnie Kroell from the time he was just the charming cocktail server at Minibar, it now seems the entire country is smitten by him! The Chicago native has repeatedly survived the elimination round to become a finalist on Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel."

So while Ronnie is still sequestered away in some secure Manhattan location, we were able to communicate with him over the transom (well, via email) before tonight's reunion special airs at 9 p.m.

We talk to him about his life at Minibar and the future of the diversity-education production company he started last year, 4+1 productions, and his favorite places to hangout when he's in town.

When you were at Minibar, you worked with a lot of part-time models/bartenders. Did you get any advice from them before going on the show?

Not really. We didn’t talk that much about modeling, but we certainly did commiserate about how difficult the life of a model/artist can be. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck in jobs that allow us flexible schedules to go on “look-sees.” It seems as if the age of the Supermodel has come and gone, but hopefully it will emerge again. Personally, I think it’s time to put the spotlight and focus on male models and men’s fashion. Is that bias?

Do you think after your experience on the show that you could go back to serving drinks?

Honestly, I do not feel that anything is beneath me. Some of my most enjoyable memories and best friends were made while serving drinks at Minibar! I would happily serve drinks at Minibar in the future, but after Make Me a Supermodel, have to focus on getting modeling work and building my resume.

Have you heard from any of your former Minibar co-workers? Did you know that bar’s holding viewing parties for "Make Me A Supermodel"?

We have been out of contact from anyone from the “real world” for three months, so I had no clue that Minibar was hosting viewing parties! [Owners] John [Dalton], Stu [Zirin], and the entire staff have supported me in all that I do and I love them all very much. I’m honored that they have been watching the show.

What’s the current status of 4+1 Productions? Will you have time to devote to that organization if you get a modeling contract?

It was hard to leave 4+1 Productions for three months. Next to modeling, diversity education has been my main focus for the past three years. I work with an incredible team of individuals that share in the passion [for] “Bridging Diversity through the Arts”, and the organization has been in great hands while I have been away. I will always make time for 4+1 Productions, even after receiving a modeling contract. In fact, I hope that working in the modeling industry will give me the flexibility and financial means to help fund the continued growth and development of 4+1’s vision and the work we hope to do in the community.

What are some of your favorite bars and clubs in Chicago?

Minibar
Hamburger Mary’s
Circuit
Roscoe’s
Sidetrack
Simon’s Tavern
Signature Room
House of Blues
Elbow Room
Excalibur
Moody’s Pub

Want more? RedEye's Show Patrol blog has the scoop in on Ronnie's bro-mance (or is it bro-momance?) with Ben.