—Of note: Chicago a cappella enters its 2025-26 season with three original concert programs. Season highlights include Cantaré, a fall program spotlighting living Mexican composers, and the return of WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer as narrator for Building American Pop.
Also, Chicago a cappella is piloting a brand-new reciprocal entry perk for its ensemble-level members. Through partnerships with Ballet 5:8, The Orion Ensemble and Saint Sebastian Players, members can attend select performances by these three Chicago-area organizations at no extra cost. Memberships can be purchased starting Aug. 1.
And now on to culinary items…
—Plate show: One of the nation’s top food festivals, Chicago Gourmet powered by Invesco QQQ, has announced its festival lineup.
During Sept. 25-28, and with preview festivities throughout the summer, Chicago Gourmet returns with the sports/food theme “Step Up To The Plate.”
As for a few of the main events, Tacos & Tequila will take place Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m., with participating chefs such as John Manson, Carlos Gaytán, Diana Dávila and Dan Harris. Hamburger Hop will again return to the Harris Theater rooftop of Sept. 26, 6-9 p.m. with competitors such as Martial Noguier (Bistronomic), Marco Colin (Moe’s Cantina), Djibril Webb (Mordecai), and former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and Stephen Gillanders (The Staley).
In addition, there will again be two sessions of Grand Cru on Sept. 27 (2-5 and 7-10 p.m.) featuring Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Donald Young (Duck Sel), Carrie Nahabedian (Brindille) and Paul Virant (Petite Vie/Vistro Prime/Gaijin/Jar Sessions), among many others, taking part.
Leading up to the main event are happenings such as “A One Night Only Collaboration: eden x Soul & Smoke” at eden on Aug. 24 at 5 p.m.; and “State of the Game: Illinois Icons” on Sept. 9, 6-9 p.m., at The Dawson. Be sure to find out about ALL the events at this link.
—An affair to remember: On July 28, 6-8:30 p.m., Bronzeville Winery will host “A French Wine Affair: An Elevated Tasting Experience.”
For centuries, French winemakers have mastered the art of turning grapes into masterpieces in a glass. From the rolling hills of Burgundy to the vineyards of Provence, the winery will be pouring rare and diverse varietals. Admission is $44.52 per person.
—Tribute: This July and August, Dearly Beloved is honoring the recently shuttered Violet Hour’s legacy by reviving three of its most iconic cocktails—each originally crafted by Aneka Saxon, the former Violet Hour mixologist who now leads the bar program at Dearly Beloved.
The drinks include Keeping up with the Karthusians (Local Vodka, aromatic greek sage, yellow chartreuse and fresh lemon); Merit Badge (Fernet Branca, Humano reposado tequila, Cocchi di Torino, cacao, vanilla and mint); and Singer’s Flip (Monkey Shoulder blended scotch, orgeat, cinnamon, whole egg, cinnamon and Maldon salt).
—Living for the weekend: Urbanbelly has launched its weekend brunch menu, now available at the Wicker Park location, starting at 11 a.m.
Crafted by Chef Bill Kim, the menu features globally inspired dishes like chilaquiles with furious fried chicken and queso fresco ($18); brioche French Toast with maple syrup and chocolate curls ($16); a bulgogi quesadilla with kimchi and chihuahua cheese ($19); and a hangover posole ramen with pork, chicken wonton, hominy, and spicy gochujang broth ($20). Also, Urbanbelly continues its Discourse Coffee residency, spotlighting the Discourse’s innovative “Core 4” drinks—each known for tasty, unexpected flavor combos. Guests can also try two Urbanbelly-exclusive drinks: the ramen latte and coconut curry matcha latte, inspired by Kim’s signature flavors.
—Good lux: Marriott’s boutique luxury hotel in Chicago’s Loop, The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection, is concluding its July programming, which features a series of immersive experiences.
At the heart of this month’s offerings is Grill on 21, the hotel’s signature restaurant that invites guests to indulge in a rotating series of amuse- bouche tastings, seasonal tequila flights and wine features. Enhancing the dining experience is a curated lineup of live music performances involving performers such as Sam Fazio, Amanda Wolf and Jazmin Sky. In addition, guests can enjoy the Timeless Pour wine and champagne feature, available daily at 4-6 p.m.; this curated selection is offered at $25 per glass.
—Battle call: The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce will host the 2nd Annual Culinary Battle Royale on Tuesday, July 29, 6-9 p.m.
All proceeds will support Care for Friends’ mission to tackle Chicago’s food, housing and healthcare crises. Tickets ($108.55 per person) are available here.
Local chefs Jacquelyn Lord of The Dinner Belle and David Welch of Kitchnstudio.com will once again face off at Aura on the Lake, 5701 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Guests will taste, vote and crown the winning chef—who will return to cook the winning meal for Care for Friends’ clients. The event includes a pre-dinner mixer at Uvae Wine Bar & Kitchen (5553 N. Clark St.) with sips and snacks, a complimentary cocktail upon arrival at Aura, a multi-course tasting from Chefs Jacquelyn and David and dinner karaoke.
—Top choice: West Loop restaurant TenGoku Aburiya—the izakaya gastropub and sister restaurant to Michelin-recognized Omakase Yume—is bringing back its kappo-style omakase dinner on Wed., July 30. Seatings are at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
According to the restaurant, kappo cuisine “merges at the crossroads of Kaiseki, formal and elaborate dishes that resemble works of art, and Izakaya, a casual approach in a convivial setting with plenty of imbibing.” This Kappo Ten will feature a special unagi course by HIS Hospitality’s Chef/Owner Sangtae Park in honor of Doyo no Ushi no Hi—Japan’s midsummer tradition of eating eel to boost stamina and fight heat fatigue. Sommelier and wine director Tenzing Palden will lead a sake experience for the evening, drawing on his deep expertise in Japanese beverage traditions and amplifying Chef Danny Rodriguez’s 14-course menu.
The experience will be $210 per person, plus tax and fees; RSVP here.
—Northern exposure: Taste of Andersonville will take place Aug. 6, at 5-8 p.m.
This year’s Taste will feature three culinary journeys: the Nibble, the Nosh and the Nom Nom Nom routes (which includes both the Nibble and Nosh Routes), allowing hungry foodies to travel up and down the Clark Street business corridor sampling small plates of more than 20 dinner, dessert and beverage options from Andersonville’s restaurant district. Participating spots will include Replay Andersonville, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Big Jones, Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar, Bar Roma and Forever Yogurt, among others.
Tickets are currently available online through the Taste of Andersonville page through check-in or until each route is sold out.
—Prime time: Adalina Prime—the next chapter from Gold Coast’s Adalina opening in Fulton Market later this summer—has revealed its chef team and menu offerings.
The new spot will be under the leadership of newly named Chef/Partner Soo Ahn. Ahead of its late summer debut, the team is unveiling a lineup of culinary talent, including Executive Chef Nemanja Milunović (formerly of Prime & Provisions, Aba + more), Chef de Cuisine Andy Lownes and Pastry Chef Amy Arnold.
Adalina Prime promises to offer staple prime cuts, fresh seafood and other steakhouse classics—along with some surprises. Look for dishes like Korean cheesy corn with lobster, cacio e pepe spinach, and seafood towers topped with tteokbokki, rice cakes with a spicy diavolo sauce inspired by one of Ahn’s favorite street foods. There will also be vegetarian and vegan dishes like charred lion’s mane mushroom steak and an avocado ceviche. Also, chef-driven fun will run throughout, seen in nods to chain favorites like cheddar bay biscuits and small bites like the Wagyu, truffle and foie gras (“WTF”) and olive oil caviar, mushroom mousse and garlic “(OMG”).
That’s the news for this week (although there’s much more available at SAVOR with Andrew). Be sure to come back next week for more tasty treats!