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—No Bull: Cookie chain Crumbl has announced a second-year partnership with the Chicago Bulls—and the subsequent launch of an exclusive dessert.
The exclusive new CrumBULLS cookie features a dark chocolate base rolled in cookies and cream crumbs, topped with red-and-white swirled cream cheese frosting, and sprinkled with dark chocolate cookie crumbs. In addition, the cookie has a signature Chicago Bulls topper. The CrumBULLS cookie will be available at most Chicagoland locations during six different weeks throughout the 2024-25 season, and dedicated fans can check the Crumbl App for availability.
Also, for each home game that the Bulls win, each fan at the arena wins a free mini-chocolate chip cookie. Fans will be required to scan a QR code, and will receive a Free Cookie Code via email after a Bulls win. The codes are valid after the game, and expire the following day at 11:59 p.m.
—Hall in: Virtue Cider founder Gregory Hall—considered a pioneer in the farmhouse cider industry and a major player in southwest Michigan’s craft beverage landscape—has repurchased the proper farmhouse cider brand from beer giant Anheuser-Busch.
Nestled in coastal southwest Michigan, which Hall deems the “Napa Valley of cidermaking,” Virtue Cider is taking its sustainable old-world production methods back to its independent roots, bringing the brand’s deep commitment to clean, high-quality ciders to new heights. Developments include a full distribution overhaul, a farmhouse tasting room renovation coupled with a new menu direction, guest chef dinners, local artist collaborations and a reinvigorated direct-to-drinker subscription service delivering sustainable sips nationwide.
—I’ll drink to that: Award-winning Chef Erick Williams (Virtue; Daisy’s Po-Boy & Tavern) has opened his latest bar concept, Cantina Rosa, located in Hyde Park.
The new lounge, created by Chef Williams in collaboration with longtime colleague Jesus Garcia, features a vibrant atmosphere honoring the matriarchs of their families: Williams’ late grandmother Rosetta and Garcia’s mother, Rosa.
Cantina Rosa spotlights a menu of cocktails and spirits inspired by Mexico’s tropical environment. Just a few of the concoctions include the Royal Hawaiian Cocktail (Mexican gin, pineapple, almond and lemon), Mystery Gardenia (rum, lime, gardenia mix and allspice) and Daydreamer (Mexican whiskey, tamarind, corn and lemon). However, there will also be bites such as grilled prawns as well as chicken with tomatillo salsa, and tostada de pescado.
—The Bite stuff: Choose Chicago announced that tickets are now on sale for First Bites Bash, the celebratory kick-off event for the 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, taking place Jan. 24-Feb. 9.
In keeping with annual tradition, the event will be held Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at Chicago’s Field Museum, 6-9 p.m. Award-winning chef Soo Ahn of Adalina will be the host chef for the star-studded party. Guests will have the opportunity to experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 60 restaurants spanning two floors showcasing their respective Chicago Restaurant Week menus, as well as wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more.
A limited number of Flash Sale tickets are now available for $115 per person until tickets in that category run out. Limited Early Bird tickets will then go on sale for $130 per person, and then General Admission tickets will become available for $150 per person until event capacity is reached or until 120 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. New this year, a limited number of VIP tickets will also be available for $200.
—Table at Crate—located inside the Crate & Barrel in Oakbrook Center—is inviting guests to share a meal that makes a difference.
Through Dec. 24, for every bowl of ramen sold, Table at Crate will donate $1 to Feeding America—providing 10 meals to families in need in addition to matching every donation. So far, Table at Crate has sold hundreds of bowls of ramen, successfully donating thousands of meals to families in need.
—Holiday dining: On Dec. 11 at 6 p.m., Sofitel Chicago will hold its annual festive holiday dinner.
With a focus on champagne pairings, the multi-course dinner will aim to provide a luxurious and delicious experience all in a sophisticated setting. The menu will include pumpkin creme brûlée with parsnip, sunchokes and persimmon; vanilla-poached lobster; duck magret with foie gras bread pudding and cranberry-orange jus; and buche de noel with Garrett popcorn, white chocolate, cassis and macarons. Tickets are $99 per person; RSVP here.
—Not garden-variety: Pendry Chicago’s Château Carbide Winter Garden, 230 N. Michigan Ave., is running Thursdays-Sundays through February 2025.
Enjoy a rooftop winter haven where Chicago’s seasonal style is on display. Dine on winter-inspired small bites and sip seasonal cocktails, or indulge in a luxurious private lodge with fireplaces, plush blankets and seating for up to six guests. RSVP here.
Drop me a line (hot news, tips, etc.) at future3733@yahoo.com.
Note: No reproduction of this column is permitted under any circumstances without the express prior written permission from this columnist.
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—Pop life: Please don’t forget that I have another column called Pop-Eds. My latest article covers my thoughts on Hunter Biden’s pardon, the connection between Carol Burnett and drag, the mayor’s troubles and more. Check it out at Andrew449.substack.com.