—Carey-ed away: Don’t forget the Mariah Carey Black Irish Holiday Bar at Virgin Hotels. It’ll be ending soon (Dec. 29)!
—Tea for two: The acclaimed Indian restaurant Mango Pickle is back—for at least two events.
On Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the Edgewater spot will host a solstice high tea with a three-tiered assortment of various savories and sweets served with a bottomless cuppa. Some of the food offerings include sesame-rice flour spirals, chocolate-filled profiteroles, and curried mushrooms on toast. Teas include scratch-made masala chai; kashmiri-spiced fragrant tisane with cashews, rose petals, honey (caffeine-free); and cardamom-spiced malabar au lait.
And Mango Pickle will be part of Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan. 24-Feb. 9). The $60 dinner (starting at 5 p.m. on weekends and 6 p.m. on weekdays) will consist of items such as the potato bomb (crispy beignet, sour cream and pickled onions); house paneer kofta and fried mushrooms, smoked pork belly or ghee-seared fresh scallops; and kaapi semifreddo (South Indian-style coffee ice cream, meringue and cardamom crumble), among other things.
The owners told me that this “more limited kitchen-centered operation” is BYOB and that, unfortunately, it’s taking longer than expected to locate a more suitable permanent location.
RSVP at the link above.
—New kid on the block: James Beard Foundation Award nominee Junior Borges and his longtime friend, Excelsior Hospitality owner Nicholas Yanes, plan to launch Nic & Junior’s in Chicago’s River North neighborhood this March at 405 N. Wabash Ave.
Hailing from Dallas, Borges is the former executive chef of Meridian, which some consider to be the country’s first modern Brazilian fine dining restaurant and which earned him a prestigious James Beard Foundation Award nomination in 2023 as a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef. He now serves as chef/partner for Austin-based Excelsior Hospitality, overseeing the kitchens at the group’s critically acclaimed Northern Italian restaurant Juniper and the locally beloved casual Italian concept Uncle Nicky’s.
At the front, Nic & Junior’s will feature a casual bar area where guests can enjoy an a la carte menu with a selection of dishes including fun snacks, simple house-made pastas and a raw bar. The intimate 30-seat dining room at the back of the restaurant will serve as Borges’ culinary playground, where he’ll present an imaginative six-course prix fixe menu nightly, complemented by a curated cocktail and wine-pairing experience.
—Closing House: After 13 years, the Wells Street location of Old Town Pour House is closing.
A statement from the establishment read, “As we reflect on this incredible journey, we have made the bittersweet decision to close our Wells Street location with the last day of service being on January 5th, 2025. However, we’re not saying goodbye without a proper send-off. Join us for our legendary New Year’s Eve celebration as we toast to our past successes and embrace the possibilities of the future.”
The suburban (Oak Brook and Naperville) locations will continue to operate.
—Hello, Molly’s: My latest personal recommendation involves the Molly’s Cupcakes stand at Time Out Market Chicago that opened Nov. 20.
As you might surmise, there are plenty of delectable sweets to sample, such as peach cobbler cupcakes; cheesecakes; chocolate-chip brownies; and chocolate croissants with a delicious, almost liquid center (especially if you microwave it for a few seconds). But there are also savory confections (like the bacon-cheddar scone); bagels with Molly’s signature orange color interwoven throughout; and even Dark Matter Coffee to help wake up.
—A little bit country: Through Jan. 2, Big Star Wrigleyville is hosting its first-ever Holiday Honky Tonk pop-up.
Inspired by Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” there are glittery hanging ornaments, a Christmas tree dressed up in pink cowboy hats, and a new lineup of food and drink specials. Look for limited-time menu items including the Smokey Brisket Nachos ($18) with beef brisket, cheesy nacho sauce, salsa seca, pico de gallo, black beans and guacamole; and Cowboy Coffee ($12)), which comes with La Colombe Cold Brew, cinnamon honey, Buffalo Trace Cream and bourbon, garnished with whipped vanilla cream, a candy cane and sprinkles.
—Legal maneuvers: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced a $25 million settlement agreement with Grubhub Inc. over alleged deceptive business practices that harmed customers, delivery drivers and restaurants.
Raoul’s office initiated an investigation into Grubhub’s practices after receiving dozens of consumer complaints about the company. In addition to restitution for customers, Raoul’s office and the FTC ensured the settlement prevents such deceptive practices going forward. Among other things, Grubhub will have to make clear and upfront disclosures of all fees associated with delivery and the total cost to the consumer, and will be barred from adding restaurants without permission going forward.
Until next time—happy holidays!
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NOTE: SAVORY news will return Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. But stay tuned for New Year’s Eve ideas!
—Pop life: Please don’t forget that I have another column called Pop-Eds. My latest article covers my thoughts on Caitlin Clark, a cool YouTuber, a whistleblower’s death and much more. Check it all out at Andrew449.substack.com.
Drop me a line (hot news, tips, etc.) at future3733@yahoo.com.
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