Here are more Foodie Fast Facts, courtesy of Terri Schlichenmeyer:
• Estimates are that there are roughly 600 different kinds of pasta. Can you name more than 10 of them?
• It’s highly likely that the first eating utensil was the knife. Spoons probably came next, then forks.
• The older you get, the more likely that you’ll have a sweet tooth. This is because your taste buds’ abilities diminish with age, and you need more, sweeter food to satisfy your cravings.
• Oops: That housefly you accidentally swallowed contained less than a tenth of a calorie.
• The flaming saganaki is based on a cheesy Greek dish, but it was created in Chicago fewer than 60 years ago. For what it’s worth, traditional saganaki dishes aren’t lit on fire.
—GIVEAWAY!: It’s about time for another giveaway, don’t you think? This time, it’s for a pretty cool Keith Haring canvas reusable grocery tote!
All you have to do to qualify is to be a paying subscriber (for less than $5/month) to either SAVOR for Andrew (future3733.substack.com) or Pop-Eds (Andrew 449.substack.com). The deadline is Friday, Nov. 14. Good luck!
—SNAP sheet: On Oct. 31, Judge Jack McConnell—a federal judge in Rhode Island—blocked the Trump administration from ceasing to pay SNAP benefits, which help feed 42 million Americans, during the U.S. government shutdown, CNBC noted. McConnell’s ruling came minutes after another federal judge in Boston, Indira Talwani, said that the states that are plaintiffs in a similar case were likely to prove that the suspension of SNAP benefits was “unlawful.”
Per Axios, a suit that 25 Democratic-led states leveled against the Trump administration said that the USDA’s move of ending SNAP violates the Food and Nutrition Act, which requires “assistance under [SNAP] must be furnished to all eligible households” who apply.
To find out the latest on SNAP and how Illinois residents are affected, visit this link.
—Helping out: With all the uncertainty happening around SNAP, some restaurants are helping with food giveaways, NBC 5 Chicago noted.
Manny’s Deli is one such spot, offering free family meals to individuals who show their SNAP cards beginning Monday, Nov. 3. Some other spots include Tazza Italian Ristorante, in Homer Glen; suburban spot Wooden Paddle; and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, which is partnering with Lawndale Community Church to offer $10 coupons through the church through Nov. 16.
Also, a list of free-food and Thanksgiving meal events is at this Facebook link.
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SPOTLIGHT: Many people, including myself, were unhappy when it was reported earlier this year that Luella’s Southern Kitchen was closing.To find out more about what I thought of my visit to Luella’s, visit SAVOR for Andrew (future3733.substack.com)
—Now opening: The next chapter of Atelier, the neighborhood fine-dining concept in Lincoln Square at 4544 N. Western Ave., will officially begin on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The team behind the Michelin-starred James Beard semifinalist concept will unveil a new tasting menu by Executive Chef Bradyn Kawcak, along with wine selections and cocktails curated by Beverage Director Ali Martin and an assortment of spirit-free options from owner Tim Lacey. Reservations are now open on Resy from Nov. 4 through the end of the year.
—Seeing the Light: The Pilot Light Gala 2025: Feed Your Mind will take place Friday, Nov. 7, 6-10 p.m., at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St.
Just a few of the participating chefs will include Joe Flamm (Rose Mary), Dylan Patel (avec), Carrie Nahabedian (Brindille), Sarah Stegner (Prairie Grass Cafe) and Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill; Xoco), who will be honored as the Inaugural Chef honoree. Tickets are available at this link.
—Also on Nov. 7, starting at 9 a.m. until they sell out, Tallboy Taco at 676 N. St. Clair St. will welcome the pop-up of Decker’s Sourdough Bagels, Chicago’s newest hand-rolled artisan sourdough bagels and house-made whipped cream cheese spreads available for carryout only by the single, half-dozen and dozen.
Bagels are available for pre-ordering starting Monday, Nov. 3 via deckerssourdoughbagels.com and walk-in ordering only.
—A-Maiz-ing: necessary & sufficient coffee®—a zero-waste, woman-owned specialty café—is teaming with the plant-based corn milk brand Maizly to host a Maizly Happy Hour featuring free drinks made with Maizly corn milk at both café locations on Sunday, Nov. 9, 8-10 a.m.
During this event, any beverage crafted with Maizly—from cappuccinos and cortados to chai and cold brews—will be free of charge. The Maizly team will also be onsite to chat with customers about the product’s origins, sustainability story, and its growing momentum among baristas and café lovers.