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The write stuff: Be sure to read and subscribe to my other Substack—Pop-Eds: My thoughts on pop culture. This time, I tackle controversial art, the new pope and the possible start of a blue political wave.
And now on to culinary items…
—On the mend: SAVOR with Andrew wishes the speediest of recoveries to legendary local culinary figure Ina Pinkney, who suffered a nasty fall recently and talked about it.
—SPOTLIGHT
Through May 18, the next iteration in uptown spot Mango PIckle’s neo-bistro series of supper events features thoughts and feelings best captured by the age-old Italian expression la dolce vita or the Goan-Portuguese lifestyle concept of susegad. The five-course dinner ($65) features options such as mini-naan pizza with cafreal chicken or mini-naan pizza with cacio e pepe, green peas and fresh herbs; hibiscus and kokum lemonade; and feijoada and house paneer gratin with spring greens, Slagel Farm pork in a vindaloo curry (+ $5) or fresh scallops with Goan curry coulis and buttered sweet potatoes (+ $15), among other things.
The dishes are just as delicious and complex as I imagined, and some of them have flavor for days. The lemonade (courtesy of mixologist Swan Bazire) was amazingly refreshing, and I could’ve eaten the lamb-and-pasta fritters and the Goan-style panna cotta all day. As for Bazire’s alcoholic drinks, they include the kaffircello (with house kaffir limecello and soda); High Note (with Wild Turkey bourbon, Madeira, cold-brew coffee, pineapple and soda); and a Chai Old Fashioned with ghee-washed bourbon.
Moreover, on May 22-June 22, there will be Sips & Bites. Bazire said items will be mostly bite-sized (as the name indicates), with the naan pizza returning and other elevated items such as South Indian chicken rice, sandwiches and spiced pickles.
RSVP for the current event here. Seatings will be 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 5-8 p.m. on Sundays; and 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays through Wednesdays.
—Smells like green spirit: Guests are urged to mark AAPI Heritage Month with a unique culinary experience at Urbanbelly.
In addition to the menu (which includes dumplings, coconut curry pho and Korean fried chicken), Urbanbelly is offering a special AAPI Month Charity Cocktail: the Green Dreamsicle. This cocktail features white lotus makgeolli (cream wine), Midori, lime and pandan syrup. Plus, $1 from every Green Dreamsicle sold will be donated to Asian Americans Advancing Justice, supporting important causes within the AAPI community.
—Shellfish behavior: Beginning Wed., May 14, Moody Tongue will debut its new Martini & Oyster Bar—a weekly experience available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Inspired by Moody Tongue’s Hand Roll & Martini Bar in the West Village neighborhood of New York City, this new offering features classic martinis served with a sidecar ($16/each), an evolving selection of specialty seasonal martinis ($16/each) and a rotating oyster selection served with lemon, hot sauce and a mignonette created in-house with the brewery’s Dark Lager ($4/each). The debut menu will feature classic martinis like a Blue Cheese Olive Martini and a Vesper Martini (gin or vodka, dry vermouth and a lemon twist) as well as specialty martinis like a Clementine Martini (vodka, orange liqueur, passionfruit and clementine) and an espresso martini (tequila reposado, cold brew, coffee liqueur and oat milk).
RSVP here.
—By the book: On May 15 (during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month), cookbook author/food creative James Park is flying in from NYC to take over West Loop’s Michelin-recognized TenGoku Aburiya for one night only.
Park will sign copies of his Chili Crisp cookbook—recognized as a Best Cookbook of the Year by Epicurious, The Kitchn and more. The night will showcase bold flavor through a uniquely Korean lens with Japanese influence, featuring dishes like spicy Korean-style mapo tofu, umami-rich chili crisp maze soba, tostada kaisen with three types of diced sashimi marinated in chili crisp, chili crisp Wagyu Fried Rice and more. Books are available for pre-order to be signed by Park, and jars of his signature chili crisp will be ready to take home. RSVP here.
—For the ages: While there are tons of newly opened concepts in Chicago, Lottie’s Pub will mark its 91st year on May 17-18.
Join Lottie’s Pub on Saturday, May 17, for $.91 drafts, $.91 burgers, and $9.91 pizzas, alongside raffles, DJ sets and exclusive anniversary merchandise. The following day, stop by the Bucktown pub at 11 a.m. for Breakfast & Beats. Lottie’s will be playing the top 91 hits from 1991 alongside a $9.91 pancake breakfast that will include two pancakes, two sausages, tater tots and scrambled eggs. The full brunch menu will be available, as well as a Tito’s Bloody Mary bar.
—Celebration: Gaijin’s third annual Matsuri—a celebration of springtime, community, cuisine and culture—will take place Sunday, May 18, in partnership with Suntory Global Spirits, the Japan America Society of Chicago and the Japanese Culture Center.
Guests will enjoy unlimited passed appetizers, okonomiyaki and desserts; Suntory cocktails and -196 seltzer; and traditional Japanese musical performances and omikuji (fortune-telling). Gogochu Matsuri will be 1-3:30 p.m. while yuugata matsuri will be 4:30-7.
—Fest in show: The Chocolate Fest returns to Long Grove on May 16-18, marking 25 years.
This milestone 25th anniversary edition of the family-friendly fest promises to be bigger and better than ever, with even more delicious chocolate treats, exciting experiences and memorable entertainment. To celebrate Chocolate Fest’s 25th anniversary, organizers are currently offering an early-bird special: two-for-one single-day tickets and $5 off three-day passes for a limited time. Otherwise, standard tickets will be $7 per day or $15 for a three-day pass (no charge for children 12 and younger).
That’s the news for this week. Be sure to come back next week for more tasty treats!