SONOTHEQUE Still going strong

1444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL 60622 - (312) 226-7600

http://www.sonotheque.net

If you haven't been to Sonotheque yet, then your in for an aural and visual treat, along with a fine menu from the restaurant.

Although its name makes it sound like a throwback to the 70s. That said, it looks very 21st Century. Designed by the Londoner Suhail who made his mark at Sugar in Chicago, the space is all about sound, with curved walls, acoustic tiles and a state-of-the art speaker system. The grey-toned interior adds to the feeling of crisp coolness - you could run this club with a remote control console. Film clips playing on overhead projections and swanky couches on a raised platform area perfect for sipping martinis and checking out the crowd all add to the chic feel. DJs spin mid tempo hip-hop, jazz and lounge sounds that go with the low-fidelity feel.

FEATURE Cachaça

Pronounced "KA SHA SA", Cachaça is made from sugar cane plant like rum. It is made from fresh sugarcane juice that's fermented and distilled. Cachaça is the national spirit of Brazil. It is also the key ingredient in Brazilian traditional cocktail, caipirinha.

Caipirinha
Pronounced 'KIE-PUR-REEN-YAH', this fresh, exotic cocktail is becoming as hot among international crowds as it is on Copacabana Beach. The traditional caipirinha blends Cachaça, sugar cane, lime juice and ice. Traditional Caipirinha is made with Cachaça, sugar, and crushed limes, served over ice. It is always muddled (crushed with a masher or the blunt end of a wooden spoon). Make sure to muddle in a shaker or a sturdy, non-breakable glass. You can also try replacing lime with about 1/2 cup of fresh tangerine, star fruit, passion fruit, peach, pear, pineapple, plum, orange, mango, grape, guava, figs, etc.