Scenester have begun docking at Fla...

Scenester have begun docking at Flatwater, 321 N Clark. exhibit for business since July, the hip of the present day restaurant on the Chicago River held its grand opening party last Thursday.

"This is thus elegant," said Ben Rodgers, single of about 450 guests who attended the party. "I'm hoping the public will set up more places like this along the river. It's of the like kind a waste of real estate if they don't."

Flatwater's outdoor dining sweep offers a striking nighttime view. After 8 pm bright sad Clark Street bridge lights and the surrounding buildings cast a glittering reflection onward the river.

"This is remarkably Miami," said Roxanne Brazin. "It's in such a manner pretty out here and we're right in the middle of it all."

Flatwater previously housed Sorriso's, a casual restaurant that had been there since the 1980 Gone are the plastic tables and chairs and checkered tablecloths. Instead, giant bay windows and fabric-covered cabanas line a patio bar. Inside, a flagstone fireplace, social banquettes and Brazilian hardwood are meant to mimic an intimate clubhouse.

Thursday nights attract a late-night bar common people for tropical umbrella drinks until 2 a.m., and in succession Sunday nights DJ Shaka 23 spins. Boaters are buzzing about the restaurant's 400 feet of docking space, which allows them to struggle up and dine in or order carryout; in the way that far, the service attracts about 20 boats a day.

Contact Susanna Homan at susannasnightout@yahoo.com.

PARTY WATCHING

Enclave nightclub entertainers a one-year anniversary party tonight featuring MTV's DJ Skribble. 213 W Institute, 9 pm (312) 654- 0234 RSVP to matt@enclave chicago.com. forward Friday night the celebration continues as the cudgel hosts a Studio 54 party starting at 8 pm

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided through ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved