Openings around town

Twin Cities restaurant giant Parasole unveiled Figlio's successor this week. Il Gatto (Italian for "The Cat") replaces the Uptown icon, which closed in September. The restaurant/bar serves "Uptown Italian" and is sure to be a nightlife hot spot. The kitchen will stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends. (3000 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-822-1688. www.ilgattominneapolis.com.)

Also this week: Chambers brought back its courtyard ice bar (dubbed the Ice Chamber). Its icy decor is cool, but nowhere as elaborate as the fully enclosed and refrigerated ice bar that opened at Stillwater's Freight House this past summer (it's gone now). But if you're looking to freeze your butt off while enjoying a drink, it's the place to be. (901 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-767-6900. www.chambersminneapolis.com.)

The owners of Ginger Hop (in the former Times Bar & Cafe) opened Honey two weeks ago. The downstairs lounge occupies the former Jitters space. It serves classic cocktails and small plates, and features live music and DJs. (5:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 205 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. 612-746-0306.)

Dark and heavy at the Muddy Pig

One of the best beer bars in the Twin Cities continues its string of style-specific mini-beer festivals. On Tuesday, the Muddy Pig kicks off its "B-Side Beer Festival," focusing on porters and stouts. Owner Mark van Wie said he'll have 19 tap lines pouring 31 varieties of these dark brews, plus two cask-conditioned beers and a half-dozen by the bottle. He'll feature regional brands, as well as beers by Avery, Flying Dog and Tyranena. As usual, $8 gets you three 5-ounce tasting glasses.

Tue.-Dec. 6. 162 Dale St., St. Paul. Free. 651-254-1030. www.muddypig.com.

Drums, drums and more drums

If you want to see a show that will get your heart racing, might I suggest Mu Daiko. The Twin Cities group specializes in taiko -- the big, bold style of Japanese drumming. Mu Daiko's "Taiko Caravan" show opened Thursday at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. One of the country's oldest taiko groups, San Jose Taiko, will join the show next weekend.

8 p.m. today-Sat. and Dec. 3-5; 2 p.m. Sun. and Dec. 6. 1420 Washington Av. S., Mpls. $22-$27. 612-340-1725. www.southerntheater.org