—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! Among other things and people, my latest column discusses, among other things, Mayor Brandon Johnson. Will he be a one-term mayor? Subscribe to Andrew449.Substack.com to get all my thoughts.
—Well, that was quick: Just a year after opening, the Gold Coast site of the Italian bakery Dolci Amori (1150 N. State St.)—a project from Piccolo Sogno co-owner Ciro Longobardo—suddenly closed on May 14.
As a friend of mine said, “This place Foxtrotted us!”
Dolci Amori originally opened in April 2023 at the corner of Elm and State streets—a bustling section of the neighborhood. As of May 19, the location was still listed on the bakery’s website—but the spot’s empty interior lets people know that the business has definitely closed. Interestingly, there are only two sites listed there (at 1150 N. State St. and 494 N. Milwaukee Ave.). There had been other bakeries in Wicker Park and Lake View, but they’ve also closed.
—Opening: And speaking of Chef Rick Bayless, his newest concept, the fast-casual Mexican spot Tortazo, will open within the Macy’s at Westfield Old Orchard shopping center in Skokie on May 25.
To celebrate the new space, Tortazo will be hosting a grand opening party on May 25 starting at 11 a.m. Bayless will take part in a “torta-cutting” (in place of a ribbon-cutting) and the first 100 guests will each receive a free torta. In addition, Tortazo is hosting a raffle for a free catering package; people can enter here.
Tortazo is working with Aria Group to establish its distinctive design, along with a signature mural hand-painted by Chicago artist Fabiola Rivera. For more about Tortazo, visit www.Tortazo.com.
—Perks: necessary & sufficient coffee—at 728 S. Dearborn St. and 3624 W. Wrightwood Ave.—is offering new gluten-free sweet and savory items.
The Logan Square location now has an artichoke-and-cheese biscuit as well as a gluten-free coffee cake. And the Printer’s Row shop has pink ‘n green toast (on a thick-cut brioche, with local chevre, avocado, beets, pickled onions and greens, with a side of fresh fruit; and ube and butterscotch lattes.
See https://www.necessary-coffee.com/.
—Spring has sprung: James Beard-nominated Chef Sujan Sarkar and Sahil Sethi (who’s behind Indienne) announced their new spring menu at the River North hotspot Sifr.
To start, Sifr offers a take on the classic mezze plate, with varieties like the smoked labneh, muhammara, hummus, lavash crackers, dukkah-crusted halloumi, lamb kebab and beetroot harissa chicken—all paired with warm pita made fresh in-house daily. Among the small plates offered are reimaginings of street food staples like the medjool date and tamarind pani puri; and the minced lamb is served with green peas, potato mousse, crispy kataifi and fried pita. In addition, the custom-built wood-fire grill provides the essence of dishes like the chicken shawarma kebabs.
In the dining room, Chef Sujan and Sahil also offer a four-course tasting menu allowing guests to enjoy all menu staples under one guided experience for only $68 per person. Visit https://www.sifrchicago.com/.
—Sweet!: Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way in Rosemont, has opened a newly renovated Lindt Chocolate store that also has expanded premium offerings.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s Lindt Chocolate Store is the first in the Midwest to offer Lindt Crema Gelata, hand-crafted chocolate bark and a variety of chocolate coffee drinks featuring Lindt Lindor chocolate truffles. Guests can also enjoy more than 20 Lindor truffle recipes in addition to the new offerings.
For more info, visit www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com.
—Simply the fest: Join Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery as they host Mayfestiversary—their eighth annual spring celebration, heralding the return of Chicago’s finest season and commemorating the ninth anniversary of Dovetail Brewery.
Taking place on Memorial Day Weekend—Saturday, May 25 (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday, May 26 (11 a.m.-9 p.m.)—at 1800 W. Cutler Ave., the event invites the community to indulge in beer, food, music and camaraderie. Food will include Belgian waffles, Mexican fare, lobster rolls, wood-fired pizza and much more.
The festival is free to attend with a $5 suggested donation that benefits The Friendship Center—a local food pantry that’s been providing groceries and more for its North Side neighbors facing hunger for more than 50 years. Visit https://www.mayfestiversary.com/.
—The name game: Calling all Jakes, Jacobs, Jackies, Jaclyns and anyone else whose name is a variation of “Jake.”
On National Burger Day (May 28), Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, 41 E. Superior St., will offer a FREE single patty Smash Burger to anyone with those names (and who brings ID to prove it). The burger’s available for dining in only; it’s not available for carryout or delivery. No purchase is necessary. See https://www.jakemelnicks.com/.
—Pride: The LGBTQ+ group Equality Illinois will hold its annual Pride Brunch Kick-Off on Sunday, June 2, at Venue West, 221 N. Paulina St., at 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
With legislative attacks and dehumanizing rhetoric seemingly everywhere, the LGBTQ+ community is reaching out for support.
Tickets are $80/each; RSVP at https://www.equalityillinois.us/2024-pride-kick-off-brunch/.
Drop me a line (hot news, tips, etc.) at future3733@yahoo.com.
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