—Love is love:
If you’re looking to book a spot for Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day (which is next weekend), look no further than SAVOR with Andrew’s restaurant roundup.
—With “Friends” like these: Congrats go to Cindy K. for winning our Friends box set giveaway! Don’t forget that in order to qualify for future prizes, you have to be a paying subscriber to SAVOR with Andrew, which has much more news and features (and it’s less than $5/month).
SPOTLIGHT: Here are more Fast Foodie Facts, courtesy of Terri Schlichenmeyer and yours truly:
- Carrots do, indeed, help your eyesight with an abundance of Vitamin A. But beware: A diet that’s super-heavy in carrots can turn your skin orange.
- Wood contains a slight amount of sugar and carbohydrates but both amounts are so small that you can safely say wood has no calories.
- Chances are that the highest calorie food in your refrigerator on a regular basis is butter. Mayonnaise and whole cheeses are both close seconds.
- Crawdads (also called crayfish or crawfish) are a staple of southern and Cajun cuisines—but what would cooks make of the Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish? This creature can weigh up to 6 kg (13.2 pounds) and be more than 80 cm (2.6 feet) in length; unfortunately, it’s also very rare. It’s also, technically, a lobster.
- In general, running is the exercise that burns the most calories. Note: That’s running, not jogging.
—SHŌ business: Just months after opening, SHŌ returns with its next act, Menu Vol. 2.
The menu is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Mari Katsumura and fourth-generation restaurateur Adam Sindler—recently named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards (Best Chef: Great Lakes). Just some of the highlights include a crisp okonomiyaki croquette, milk bread grilled cheese, an egg-salad nori cone, hamachi crudo, oshizushi-style hand rolls, tonkotsu-style ramen and housemade matcha-red bean soft serve.—Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW) will take place Feb. 8-22.
Since being founded in 2015, CBRW has honored the contributions of Black-owned food and beverage businesses across the city, marrying culinary creativity and economic empowerment with high visibility and cultural resonance. The initiative takes place during the second week of February as a tribute to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, whose establishment of “Negro History Week” in 1926 laid the groundwork for what would become Black History Month.
Just a few of the participating Chicagoland restaurants include CheSa’s Bistro & Bar ( (which is marking the occasion Feb. 9-23), Chemistry, Gaijin, Your Organic Inner G, The Rhythm & Blues Cafe and Soul Prime.—Facts and fiction: On Wed., Feb. 11, at 6 p.m., the webinar “Chocolate, Wine, and Heart Health: What’s Fact and What’s Wishful Thinking?” will take place.
During the free webinar, cardiologist Dr. Jack Chamberlin will cover key topics to help you better understand and manage your heart health, including recognizing common and subtle signs of heart issues; the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options; and proactive steps you can take to maintain a healthy heart. Register here.
—Wine and dandy: The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Roscoe Village Wine Walk on Friday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Taking place on Roscoe Street from Western to Paulina Avenue, the walk features samples of more than 20 wines curated by Lush Wine & Spirits while attendees explore participating local shops and businesses. Each ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass, wine samples at participating businesses, and an event guide listing business locations and special offers. Tickets are on sale at www.LakeviewRoscoeVillage.org.Until next time…