Rosemont, that steadfast northwest 'burb with little draw other than conventions and concerts, is scoring some major interest with The Rosemont Walk, a $500 million development of shopping and dining, anchored by (yes, even more) hotels and Illinois' first Muvico, a "premium movie theater" and entertainment complex.

Looks to us like conventioneers stuck near the airport won't have to bother making the trip into the city with a mini-Chicago right in town. The dining options slated here, aiming for early 2008 openings, read like a greatest hits of Chicago big names: Osteria di Tramanto (from the folks behind Tru), McCormick & Schmick's, John Barleycorn, and a yet-to-be-named venture from Phil Stefani (Riva, Tuscany, Tavern on Rush).

Muvico sets itself apart from local names like AMC and Loews with upgraded features that are no-brainers as far as audience appeal: Bigger seats, better food and entertainment that moves beyond movies. You can stash the kids in on-site childcare, upgrade your $9.50 general admission ticket to a $15 one and score free valet, free popcorn, reserved VIP seating and access to the 21-and-over Premier Bar & Grill Bogart's, run by Levy Restaurants. (We just received a word of this last-minute name change, which we think is a vast improvement.)

Get to Le Passage as you've come to know it while you can! This Sunday's party (click for info) might just be the last chance to toast the Gold Coast nightclub's past. As soon as permits come through-which should be any day now-Le Passage will close for remodeling, and reopen in the fall.

Three-Headed Productions (Cans, Salud, Junior's and Evil Olive), the nightlife group that took over the property earlier this year, has a lot of plans for the new place-including adding Shawn McClain (Spring, Green Zebra, Custom House) as consulting chef.

In addition to touting their new toque, Le Passage will sport a completely new look and concept-though the name will remain the same. However, the former Yow Bar, located in the back of the club, will soon become The Drawing Room at Le Passage.

What do you think: Was the old Le Passage in need of a new life?