—Vital “Idol”: Chicago-based singer Jim Verraros—who was a finalist on the very first season of American Idol in 2002, competing against Kelly Clarkson, among others—has released the six-track EP Explicit.
The EP includes previously released tracks such as “Move/On,” “Good Boy, “Blow” and “Scandal” alongside hit dance-floor songs “Take My Bow” and “Pyramid.” After making history as the first Idol contestant to come out as LGBTQ+, Verraros struggled to show what he was capable of in an industry that didn’t know what to do with an out queer musician. However, artists such as Chappell Roan, Lil Nas X, Kim Petras and Troye Sivan “have proven that there has always been space for radically queer expression,” Verraros has said.
And now on to culinary items…
— The Western Bar & Kitchen is now open at 4301 N. Western Ave. in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, introducing Chicago to the flavors of the Southwest.
The menu features Sonoran-inspired dishes that aim to put Southwestern twists on familiar favorites. Offerings include BBQ prawns glazed in mojo de ajo with burrata and chorizo vinaigrette; The Western’s signature oyster chili relleno featuring grilled oysters, Anaheim chili crema and Oaxaca cheese; and even indulgent beef-fat fries dusted with cotija and fresh herbs. Also, the burger features a dry-aged beef patty topped with Gruyère, bacon jam and peppery watercress.
Not surprisingly, the beverage program showcases classic American cocktails, with an emphasis on tequila and agave-based drinks.
—Saying goodbye: On Saturday, Aug. 30—its final day of service—at noon-8 p.m., Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar will host its fifth annual boil, partnering with Chicago restaurant Lowcountry.
Items will include snow crab, peel-and-eat shrimp and crayfish in Lowcountry’s Everything Spice Boil; housemade dry-aged kimchi Polish sausage; and fresh sweet corn, new potatoes, roasted onions and garlic-butter Parker House rolls. Tickets are $55 each for this special event; RSVP here.
Also, through Aug. 30, Heritage is holding an eight for $88 anniversary tasting, with dishes reflecting years one through eight; some include Chicago Italian beef soup dumpling with giardiniera, grilled bulgogi hanger steak, and Ruffles sour cream and cheddar potato chip ice cream. RSVP here.
—Money talks: Sifr is currently offering a tasting menu for $60.
Designed for full table participation, the menu invites guests to share a delicious journey beginning with expertly charred green chickpea hummus, house pickles and warm sesame nigella pita. For the next courses, diners choose from options like lamb kebabs, roasted maitake Mushrooms, or chicken Fasenjan stew. The evening concludes with a choice of date pudding or mango sorbet.
Reservations can be made on OpenTable and Resy.
—Summer grubbin’: The South Loop spot necessary & sufficient coffee has unveiled its lines of new bites and mocktails. The former includes items such as marinated beets, summer watermelon salad, lox eggs Benedict, breakfast burrito, BiBimBap Bowl and the Seoul dog, among others. Those enticing mocktails include Dragonfruit Paloma, Saffron Sunrise, Passionfruit Spritz, Cucumber Mint Matcha, Ginger Blueberry Dream and Cotton Candy Refresher.
—Screen time: Bar La Rue, 820 W. Fulton St., will host a Love Island Reunion Watch Party on Monday, Aug. 25, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m., inviting fans to enjoy the reunion special live on the big screens. Guests can reserve a table, grab a bar seat, or simply order a drink and stand to watch. RSVP here.
—Fit players: Also on Monday, Aug. 25 (and to mark National Wellness Month), Kindling Chicago (202 S. Franklin St), led by Chef/partner Jonathon Sawyer, is teaming with Equinox- The Loop to host a complimentary post-work Pilates class on the Terrace at 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Participants will experience a Pilates session led by Equinox instructors on Kindling’s outdoor terrace. Following the class, guests are encouraged to stay and continue the celebration of wellness by dining or enjoying a drink at Kindling. RSVP here.
—Chop, chop!: Also on Aug. 27, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille invites guests to celebrate an exclusive one-day dining event on National Pork Chop Day.
The special four-course Pork Chop Day menu ($44) will be available to dine-in only customers upon request from 4 p.m. to close at all three Perry’s Chicago-area locations—Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills. Some of the items will include Perry’s Famous pork chop “bites” (on two skewers) or smoked salmon crostini; white-bean pork chili or Caesar salad; the 18-ounce Perry’s Famous Pork Chop or vegan skillet chopped steak; and orange vanilla cheesecake or flourless fudge chocolate cake. Pairings are also featured, including Perry’s Hog-Hattan cocktail $19 (regularly $24) and Perry’s Reserve Pinot Noir.
—I’ll drink to that: On Aug. 30, Three Dots and a Dash will offer guests the chance to purchase their fan-favorite Mai Tai glasses in the bar for one-day-only in celebration of National Mai Tai Day.
For a package deal, with the purchase of a 1944 Mai Tai cocktail at the bar, guests can receive the drink and a take-home glassware for $28.95. If interested in just purchasing the glass, it will be available for purchase in the bar (on Aug. 30 only) for $15. Three Dot’s 1944 Mai Tai pays homage to a historic recipe, using aged Barbados rum, aged Fijian rum, Overproof Jamaican rum, curaçao, almond orgeat and lime.
—Sunda school: Sunda New Asian’s sushi-rolling classes are back at the River North location—and the first one will be Saturday, Sept. 6, 4-5 p.m.
In this hands-on, interactive session, attendees will dive into the art of sushi making with personalized guidance. People will perfect techniques for temaki (hand-rolled), futomaki (fat-rolled) and uramaki (inside-out rolled). Tickets are $65/person via OpenTable; RSVP here.
—Cost-effective: Italian restaurant Nonnina is offering a $25 prix fixe lunch menu that is now available every weekday and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Highlights are caprese or Caesar salad; spaghetti and meatball, or linguine Genovese; and panna cotta, or gelato or sorbet.
Until next time… And remember: There’s much more culinary news (for this week and others) at SAVOR with Andrew.