Good ‘Ole #44

Regardless of your political affiliation, there’s no doubt that our country has been invigorated with youth, life and hope. In the good ole’ days, politics equaled parties (hello, Charlie Wilson?!) and for the first time in a while, our country and city has something to celebrate: Inauguration Day.

Cheeky girls aren’t naïve. We know Chicago has had its political battles, but on Tuesday night, let’s put that aside and toast to a truly historic moment. The weather may be cold - okay, I’ll be honest – it will be minus 10, but that’s no reason to be a dud on your couch.

Hightail it over to one of the places below to celebrate in style, or have some friends over, order in and sip on some limited edition beverages…

Hyde Park is Bringin’ Sexy Back:

A private party sponsored by Hennessy is in order on Tuesday night at Jerry Kleiner’s Park 52 restaurant in Hyde Park. To celebrate such a historic moment in history, Hennessy will unveil their new Hennessy V.S. Limited Edition Inauguration Bottle of V.S. Cognac in honor of the 44^th President. Bionce Foxx, WGCI radio personality, will emcee the celebration (which is expected to draw a crowd of 300 or more) in the southside Chicago area where the President-elect first launched his political career. Live jazz entertainment will be provided by Julia Huff and the Company and party-goers will be encouraged to dance all night long.

Hennessy V.S. Limited Edition Inauguration Bottle will feature a black capsule, redesigned front label, special 44 seal with the inauguration date and numbered back label. Hennessy will be making a donation to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund for every limited edition bottle purchased (15,000 cases produced), which retails for $29.99.

Don’t get too excited, this swanky soirée is invitation only, but you can have your own party at home when you pick up one of the limited-edition Hennessy bottles.

The Presidential Pairing:

Eno at the InterContinental Chicago (505 N. Michigan Ave.) is celebrating President-elect Barack Obama’s trip to DC with his favorite bubbly and sweet treat. Making it a three-day celebration, Eno is serving up an inauguration deal, January 20-23. In his honor, the Presidential Pairing ($15) includes a glass of Graham Beck Brut (a reported Obama-favorite sparkling wine) and a piece of Gail Ambrosius’ dark chocolate covered caramel topped with Fleur de Sel (the New York Times reports that Obama has taken a liking to them).

Pssst…give the wine manager the secret code and it will be yours for $10. The code = Barack’s Secret Service code name…do you know it?

We’re not telling. Oh, we’re so Cheeky.

Celebrate Change Cocktail Party:

For those who can’t make it to the glitzy D.C. balls, head to The James Hotel (55 E. Ontario St.) to sip on some oh-so fabulous cocktails while you enjoy complimentary nibbles from Executive Chef Rick Gresh’s all new “Small Bites, Big Flavor” menu.

Think: Firecracker Duck Rolls, Mini Burkers (get it?) and Dry-Aged Sirloin Tacos. Five bucks will get you a cocktail, including the Razzamatazz (Bacardi Razz, dijon mustard and raspberry – yes, you read that right, the drink has mustard in it); the Sake Fizz (sake, sparkling wine) and the Flapjack (Dewar’s, bacon and maple syrup).