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SAVOR 'Hot Ones,' 101 complex opening, Casati's closing, Crumbl
—Feeling hot, hot, hot: The addictive show Hot Ones is coming to Chicago, Time Out Chicago noted. First We Feast is teaming with Stella Artois to bring the show/YouTube sensation—which has featured guests such as Tyra ...
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SAVOR Arshiya Farheen talks about her welcoming bakery, Verzenay
Just walking into the Lincoln Park bakery Verzanay, 2507 N. Lincoln Ave., is an experience. Somehow, the patisserie (named after a commune/town in France) simultaneously seems upscale and cozy. Friendly ...
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SAVOR Vivent Health/TPAN leader talks about Dining Out for Life
On Thursday, April 25, people can join the city's restaurant community for Dining Out For Life Chicago, an event ensuring people affected by HIV/AIDS can access essential services. We want to show up in the communities ...
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SAVOR Prairie Grass' honor, Aviary reservations, 4/20 events
Congrats!: Northbrook restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe was honored for its Sensory Friendly Hour program at the 18th Annual Disability Matters North America Awards held in Milwaukee on April 4. Victoria's Secret & Co., Walt Disney Imagineering, ...
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Big Gay Sal's, pizzeria named after owner's larger-than-life presence, opens in Northalsted
Salvador Mora has always been known for his cheerful smile, warm hugs and big heart, but now it's his pizza that has people talking. Mora co-owns Big Gay Sal's, a late-night pizzeria that opened in March ...
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Andersonville Chamber announces Andersonville Midsommarfest entertainment lineup
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 8, 2024) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the full entertainment line-up for Andersonville Midsommarfest, one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved summer ...
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SAVOR James Beard nominees, Krispy Kreme, controversies
SAVOR James Beard nominees, Krispy Kreme, controversies BY ANDREW DAVIS —Congrats!: In D.C., The James Beard Foundation announced the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees as well as the honorees of the Leadership Awards, Humanitarian of ...
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SAVOR The casual Italian spot Archive Lounge
Last year, a friend and I visited Chef Steve Chiappetti's Streeterville restaurant The Albert, in Hotel EMC2 (228 E. Ontario St.)and having dinner at the Italian spot was one of my top culinary experiences of 2023. ...
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SAVOR The Inspired Home Show, Uncle Julio's closes, Malort cocktails
Getting inspired: On March 17-19, The Inspired Home Showa massive display of current and upcoming products focused on cooking, cleaning, containing and much moreoccurred at McCormick Place. Battery-run lawn mowers ...
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SAVOR Easter roundup for 2024
Easter is a time to celebrate rebirth, spring, life—and brunches. Chicagoland restaurants will be out in full force on Sunday, March 31, offering Easter meals—some with their own twists (including ...
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SAVOR WhiskyX, an Easter soiree, a pizza-making class and more
I'll drink to that: On March 21, I was invited to check out dozens of whiskeys, rums, tequilas and other spirits at WhiskyX, which took place at the Chicago venue Morgan MFG and which hundreds of ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Sushi By Bou
Going into a sushi restaurant, I didn't expect to hear a 1920s version of the Carly Rae Jepsen hit "Call Me Maybe" emanating from the speakers. However, that and other Great Gatsby-like flourishes can be found ...
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SAVOR Gemini Grill opens, 'Rick Bayless Day' and more
—And I quote: I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."—Groucho Marx —Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so ...
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SAVOR REVIEW La Grande Boucherie
Just a few months ago, The Group NYCa hospitality consortium based in you-know-whereopened the Italian restaurant Olio e Piu in Chicago's River North neighborhood. You can read my review of ...
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SAVOR Eldridge Williams talks new concepts, Beyonce, making history
One restaurant would be enough for most people to handle. However, this year Eldridge Williams is opening two new conceptsincluding one that will be the first Black-owned country-and-western bar in the Midwest. Williams, an ally of ...
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SAVOR Let's Talk Womxn's 'More Than March'; Adobo Grill's tequila dinner
I was fortunate enough to be invited to a culinary event that celebrates the achievement of womenand, fittingly, it happened during Women's History Month. On March 1, Let's Talk Womxn Chicago held its annual "More Than ...
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SAVOR James Beard contest, a new Publican opens and a PAWS event
Contest: You have a chance to be in on all the action during the chef-studded James Beard Award weekend of June 8 in Chicago. Among other things, the grand prize winner will get a three-stay in ...
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SAVOR Green City Market; Sofitel's 'Un-Tea' time
For those who wonder about the lack of a farmers' market in Chicago during the winter months, I point you toward Green City Market (GCM) Avondale, taking place on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through March ...
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SAVOR A new Sushi By Bou, a seafood boil class and James Beard scholarships
Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so much to the people who've already subscribed. The latest entry (Feb. 17) features Beyonce, Zendaya and my Oscar predictions. Subscribe ...
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SAVOR At Willies 'n Waffles, sexuality is on the menu
Having written about Chicago's culinary scene for at least 15 years, this writer has covered all sorts of spots—from Michelin-starred upscale establishments to those so-called "holes in the wall" that can serve some of the best ...
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SAVOR 'The Bear,' new pizza lounge, Chicago Black Restaurant Week
"Bear" necessities: The third season of the Chicago-set series The Bear will debut in June, per Variety. FX chairman John Landgraf made the announcement during the network's presentation at the Television Critics Association's winter 2024 press ...
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SAVOR Taylor's Tacos' Chef Taylor Mason on being part of the Vegas event 'Pepsi Dig In'
On Feb. 8-10 (Super Bowl weekend), Taylor's Tacos Chef Taylor Mason and wife/co-owner Maya Mason will be showcasing two exclusive dishes at the Pepsi Dig In: Brunch with the Best takeover at Delano Las Vegas, giving ...
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SAVOR Jean Banchet Awards, new Black-owned spots and free pizza
Congrats!: The winners of the Jean Banchet Awardswhich honor Chicago cuisinewere recently announced at Venue Six10. Longtime Chicago Tribune critic Phil Vettel was (justifiably) honored with the Culinary Excellence of ...
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SAVOR Chocolatier Uzma Sharif on being part of World of Chocolate
AIDS Foundation Chicago will hold its annual World of Chocolate event on Friday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd. Attendees will embark on a global tour of chocolatebut there will ...
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SAVOR Valentine's/Galentine's Day offerings for 2024
Love is in the airuntil it isn't. While some couples will be getting ready to celebrate their closeness (and all that other mushy stuff) on Valentine's Day, others will get together to celebrate Galentine's Day (celebrating ...
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SAVOR Going 'Underground,' change at Skylark and Mango Pickle closing
Pop(-up) life: Chef Mariya Moore-Russellwho guided the local spot Kikko to a Michelin star, becoming the first Black woman to helm a kitchen with one of the food world's highest honorsis returning to Chicago to lead ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Prosecco; LGBTQ+-owned Marina's Bistro
The last time I visited the Italian restaurant Prosecco (710 N. Wells St.; https://proseccochicago.com/), it looked quite different. Way back in 2017, the restaurant definitely had more of an old-school Italian feel (a la Gene & ...
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SAVOR TriBecca's hiccup, CRW deals, Beam Suntory dinner and more
The Avondale spot TriBecca's Sandwich Shop had to temporarily close because of flooding caused by a burst water pipe. However, it ...
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SAVOR Italian restaurant recommendation and a 'Barbie/Maestro' giveaway
Restaurant recommendation: My recommendation is a spot that is the epitome of old-school Italian cuisine: Tuscany on Taylor, 1500 W. Taylor St. Antipasti include spicy grilled octopus (polpi), calamari fritti and even wagyu meatballs. There are ...
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SAVOR REVIEW The Hyde Park spot Mesler Kitchen
When it comes to Chicago's North Side restaurants, there are many restaurants that deserve to be revisited. However, other areas of the city also have spots that warrant repeated visits. For example, in Hyde Park alone ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Jook Sing provides Asian street food with a twist
The term "jook sing" refers to individuals of Asian descent who were born in Western countriesand it's a term that connotes a sense of fusion. Jook Sing restaurant (1329 W. Chicago Ave.) brings that fusion to ...
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SAVOR World of Chocolate, Jaleo and 'Superhot'
World of wonder: I am excited to announce that I will be a judge at AIDS Foundation Chicago's World of Chocolate fundraiser! Join me in sampling delicious chocolate from local chefs and help support a great ...
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SAVOR New Year's Eve/Day offerings
Can that really be 2024 peeking around the corner? (Hint: If you celebrate Christmas, the shredded paper under the tree means "yes.") Well, before it gets here, there are so many options in Chicago for people ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Italian restaurant Olio e Piu
I want to start by admitting something: I was not impressed with the new River North restaurant Olio e Piuinitially. Located at 445 N. Dearborn St. (the site of several eateries over the years, including the ...
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SAVOR Review of Marisol; talk with Chef James Martin
Believe it or not, there is more to Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) than eye-catching displays (with this writer remembering the David Bowie and Virgil Abloh exhibits from years ...
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SAVOR these holiday options
Fine and Dandy: The second annual "A Very Dandy Holiday" will pop up at The Dandy Crown, 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., throughout December, starting at 3 p.m. daily. The Dandy Crown's outgoing beverage director and award-winning ...
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SAVOR REVIEW The Florentine
The contemporary Italian restaurant The Florentine has been around for a decadeand like many restaurants, it's gone through some changes. Yes, the warm woods and the library-study atmosphere are still there, as well as the friendly, ...
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SAVOR Cody's dog drive, 'Dandy Holiday' and Santa
New addition: Firewood BBQ, 1856 W. North Ave., has launched its newest weekend brunch item—the brisket pierogi Benedict. For a limited time only, Chef Art Wnorowski and wife/business partner Gosia Pieniazek are presenting this Benedict that ...
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SAVOR Fairmont Lodge, the MCA's newest sandwich and Krispy Kreme
Owning it: As I have mentioned, The Ramova Theatre will officially reopen this fall in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood, at 3520 S. Halsted St., as a live music venue, craft brewery, beer garden and grill. However, news ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Brunch at Costera Cocina Tulum
The source of the newest Chicago restaurant trend just might be Tulum, Mexico. Fifteen or so years ago, few people had heard of this town. However, tourism and the spot's population have skyrocketednot to mention the ...
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SAVOR Thanksgiving restaurant options, including ethnic and vegan choices
In case you didn't realize it, Thanksgiving is right around the corner—Nov. 23, if you're not aware. (Normally, we'd then be deluged with Christmas commercials and specials but they now start in October, if not earlier.) ...
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SAVOR TriBecca's Sandwich Shop co-owner talks 'Golden Girls,' Cubanos and central Illinois
"I found this place by typing in 'sandwich' on Google." This was the rather astonishing statement a patron gave TriBecca's Sandwich Shop co-owners/married couple Becca Grothe and Cam Waron during a recent visit to the Avondale ...
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SAVOR A second bite (or sip) of JoJo's Shake Bar
There's a spot in Phoenix called McAlpine's Diner and Soda Fountain where people engage in eating contests involving 10-pound sundaes. (Well, they used to; the spot—open since 1929—is temporarily closed while trying to raise money vi ...
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SAVOR Closer looks at JoJo's 'Pumpkin Patch Experience,' JARS by Fabio Viviani
As anyone can tell you, desserts can be so, so satisfying. So it made sense that I checked out two spots that specialize in sweets: JoJo's Shake Bar, which is offering an enjoyable "Pumpkin Patch Experience"; ...
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SAVOR Bakery recommendation, venue slated to reopen, upcoming dinners
Recommendation: Provo's Bakery is offering some really cool options for the latter part of the year. (Think holiday dinners and business catering events.) The Thanksgiving menu includes items such as pumpkin bread, various pies (pumpkin, a ...
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SAVOR 'Spook-tacular' culinary events
Yes, Halloween is right around the cornerand spots all over Chicago are getting into the spirit (pun intended). At Good Ambler, 216 N. Peoria St., Pastry Chef Meg Galus is crafting treats like pumpkin spice macarons, ...
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SAVOR Talking with Billy Dec about Sunda, Filipino heritage and 'Food Roots' film
It's safe to say that Billy Dec has accomplished a lot. Dec, a local celebrity, has been a restaurant (Sunda New Asian), actor, philanthropist, podcaster ...
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SAVOR A recommendation, a few Halloween events and stein-hoisting
Restaurant recommendation: I've eaten at the Uptown mainstay Pho 888 several times—and I've never been disappointed. And apparently I'm not the only one who likes this "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant, as it's received several "best of ...
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SAVOR Espresso Martini Fest, winery's tour, drink recipe
Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur's second annual Espresso Martini Fest is back on Oct. 9-15. Coffee and cocktail lovers can indulge in some of the most innovative espresso martini creations at their local bars. Participating ...
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SAVOR Breast-cancer awareness fundraisers, 'Hell's Kitchen' viewing party
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many Chicagoland restaurants and bars plan to hold fundraisers to help raise awareness. For example, throughout the month, Estelle's, 2013 W. North Ave., will sell F?!k Cancer Cosmos (with ...
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SAVOR Jam-packed Chicago Gourmet; Easy Bar's 'Drag Me to Bingo'
Hundreds of people recently took part in one of the city's annual culinary highlights: Chicago Gourmet. Spanning Sept. 21-24 mostly at the Harris Theater rooftop at Millennium Park, Chicago Gourmet featured, as usual, several events, including ...
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SAVOR Proxi chef Jennifer Kim on newest endeavor, gender-identity journey
Chef Jennifer Kim (they/them) has already accomplished much in their life. A second-generation Korean American, Kim was born and raised in Chicago. After leaving the University of Illinois at Chicago, Kim enrolled in culinary school at ...
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SAVOR Nobody's Darling, pastry chef, The Albert and more
Congrats go to Daisies and Thattu. These two spots—in Logan Square and Avondale, respectively—were among the restaurants on a New York Times list of the publication's "50 places in the country [it's] most excited about right ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Wake 'n Bacon brings its enticing global style to dinnertime
When a spot is named Wake 'n Bacon (420 W. Belmont Ave.; https://eatwakenbacon.com/), you can pretty much expect that brunch is quite the specialty. (I haven't had the pleasure of trying that meal there, but I ...
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SAVOR Negroni Week, Equality Illinois brunch, new bakery and more
Negroni Week (Sept. 18-24) is returning. Restaurants and bars around the world are joining forces to celebrate Negroni Week—a global charity initiative in support of Slow Food, with Campari at its heart, that has raised more ...
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Lesbian chef Susan Feniger coming to Chicago for Reeling
Susan Feniger. FORKED—a verite-style documentary by award-winning filmmaker Liz Lachman that captures moments and the impactful career of her life partner: culinarian, author, entrepreneur and James Beard Award winner Susan ...
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BOOKS/SAVOR 'Made in Chicago' authors dish on stories behind local treats
When it comes to culinary scenes, Chicago is second to none, but do people really know the origins of local dishes—or even which ones have origins in this city? Revered food journalists Monica Eng and David ...
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SAVOR Upcoming events, including a wine dinner and a paella fest
The upscale Mexican restaurant Tzuco, 720 N. State St., will mark its fourth anniversary and celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Friday, Sept. 15. The event, "4 Anos, 4 Manos," will spotlight dishes by Tzuco Chef Carlos ...
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SAVOR Crumbl franchise co-owner talks about the sweet business of cookies
When it comes to success stories in the world of sweets, few companies and brands can compare to Crumbl and its signature pink box. Started by Jason McGowan (CEO) & Sawyer Hemsley (COO) in 2017 in ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Hoyt's: Very satisfying fare from a Loop fixture
You might have walked by Hoyt's American Tavern (71 E. Wacker Dr.; https://www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/il/chicago/royal-sonesta-chicago-downtown#) a thousand times, and not have been aware of it. But the dependable spot (situated on the ...
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SAVOR Japanese-inspired brunch, Jose Andres, cake decorating and more
Itoko, a Japanese restaurant courtesy of Chef Gene Kato and BOKA Restaurant Group that's at 3325 N. Southport Ave., is debuting its weekend brunch at 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch is centered around Japanese-inspired dishes such as ...
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SAVOR Hawaii fundraiser, National Dog Day events, Chicago Gourmet and more
Remember when I said last week that August is National Sandwich Month? Well, here are a couple other items to keep in mind. Sunda New Asian, 110 W. Illinois St., is offering steamed bun sliders (scallion ...
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SAVOR LGBTQ+-owned Sfera co-owner talks menu, activism and more
Sfera Sicilian Street Food (5759 N. Broadway; https://www.sferachicago.com/) is the type of place where you can't help but get good vibes. This cozy Edgewater restaurantowned by Chef Steven Jarczyk and Daniela Vitale, who are both member ...
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SAVOR Fulton Market taqueria Tacombi; upcoming events
The Fulton Market district of Chicago (just west of the Loop) has changed significantly over the past several years—and is altering more every day, with sleek and new office towers, condos and businesses populating the area. ...
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SAVOR Epic Burger CEO talks nutrition, money, upcoming specials
Epic Burger's David Grossman is probably one of the most affable and down-to-earth CEOs you're likely to meet. Grossman will talk about a variety of subjects (including some tumultuous days at his alma mater, the University ...
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SAVOR The Lunchroom, Signature Room, Martha Stewart and more
This week's SAVOR spotlight shines on The Lunchroom at SPACE 519. The Lunchroom is a bustling 40-seat restaurant/cafe within SPACE 519, a concept store in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood at 200 E. Chestnut St., adjacent to Water ...
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Sami White rules as king on Worst Cooks
Sami White is taking a whisk by competing on season 26 of Food Network's Worst Cooks in America and hopefully, it all pays off. She goes out of the frying pan and into the fire while navigating the new theme of ...
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SAVOR Provo's Bakery, exclusive dinners and more
This week's SAVOR with Andrew spotlight shines on Provo's Bakery. I discovered this bakery at the Division Street farmer's market (on Division Street between State and Clark streets every Saturday at 7 a.m.-noon). Master baker/founder ...
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Center on Halsted's Jenny Urban trains a new generation of chefs
Recently, Windy City Times chatted with Chicago chef Jenny Urban, the Director of Culinary Arts at Center on Halsted. Urban has been in the Chicago restaurant scene for more than a decade, and they've recently brought ...
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SAVOR Lunch at Lure Fishbar; restaurant fire and other news
The last time I dined at Lure Fishbar (www.lurefishbar.com/location/chicago/) was shortly after the River North spot opened. The dinner dishes were mostly good (with one being great), but it was apparent back in 2021 (when restaurants ...
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SAVOR Lakeshore spot, BBQ event, car-club gathering
On Monday, July 17, Korean-American spot Perilla, 401 N. Milwaukee Ave., will host a BBQ Night. The four-course meal will highlight Texas BBQ from Evan LeRoy, Chinese/Vietnamese offerings from Charles Wong and Korean-American dishes from Andrew ...
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SAVOR Owners of LGBTQ+-owned Wunderkeks talk activism, company and sweets
Anyone who considers himself/herself/themself a connoisseur of sweets has probably heard of Wunderkeks, the Austin-based company that has only been in the United States for three years. However, what some may not know is that Wunderkeks ...
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SAVOR Movie cookbook, 'A Night of Hope,' restaurant closings and more
This week, SAVOR with Andrew's spotlight is actually on a book—Scrounging: A Cookbook. This unique cookbook contains late-night, last-ditch recipes and ingenious back-of-the-pantry meals straight from movies. Scrounging includes an ...
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SAVOR Mango Pickle, Pride special, Laotian pop-up and more
Edgewater Indian restaurant Mango Pickle, 5842 N. Broadway, has some pretty unforgettable items—and, during June 23-July 2, people can take a five-course "trip" from Chicago to Pondicherry, India, with stops in Paris and Bombay. Dishes will ...
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SAVOR The James Beard Awards; Father's Day suggestions
The James Beard Awards took place June 5 at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago—and the city celebrated a couple winners. Chicago's Damarr Brown, who is chef de cuisine at Hyde Park's Virtue restaurant, was named ...
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