MOTEL HOSTS “EFFEN FUNKY” THURSDAY NIGHT FETES

Chicago, IL (May 2005)- Hubie Greenwald and Chef John Manion invite Chicagoans to enjoy "Effen Funky" Thursday Night Fetes at Motel, 600 W. Chicago. Every Thursday, Motel offers $5 Effen-inspired Cocktails and Martinis all night long, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; plus tunes spun by DJ Steve Bravo, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Creating ‘buzz’ in Chicago since the moment ground was broken, Motel offers the class of a hotel lobby bar…without the hotel. "It’s a more casual interpretation of the hotel lobby bar," says Greenwald. Motel is a throwback to more sophisticated times, when people went to bars for cocktails and conversation, not televisions and loud music. According to Greenwald, "there are only three styles of bars in Chicago – old man taverns, loungy, clubby, high-end bars, and stereotypical Irish bars. We’re filling the gap." A perfect destination for classic cocktails in a cozy atmosphere, Motel isn’t your typical bar.

As you enter, step into L.A…the early 1960’s…sans the kitschy, "vintage" vibes. An antique pool table and shuffleboard set the stage, where guests can mix and mingle with friends both old and new. "This is more Peter Lawford than Frank Sinatra," explains Greenwald. "The impetus is a bar John and I want to spend time in – people in their 30s are not often represented. The music will be a combination of Thelonious Monk, The Clash, and The Replacements, and weekend DJs spinning old-school funk, rock, and jazz."

In the kitchen, Executive Chef John Manion offers dishes such as Petit Grilled Artesianal American Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup ($7); Buffalo Chicken Wings with celery and bleu cheese dressing ($8); Wedge of Iceberg Lettuce, served with Bermuda onion and bacon-bleu cheese dressing ($7); and the Cuban Sandwich, roasted pork loin with dill pickles and Swiss cheese ($7). Guests can also choose from a variety of "Small Plates" such as Buttermilk Fried Chicken served with waffle and Vermont Maple syrup ($9); Beer-Battered Cod served with tartar sauce and French fried potatoes ($9); and Tempura-Fried Shrimp with cocktail sauce ($9).

Motel is open Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Food served until 1 a.m. Available for private events and public parking is available. Reservations are not available. For more information, call 312 822.2900.