—Abracadabra: On April 18, The Hand & The Eye—the new world-class destination built by and for curious minds who love magic—will open. The building housed Lawry’s Steakhouse for more than four decades until it closed in 2020.
With a $50 million investment, the 36,000-square-foot mansion invites guests to become part of the magic, where no two visits are ever the same. The three-hour experience features magicians from around the world performing intimate shows and elevated dining. The experience is open to the public and offers memberships upon application.
Note: The Hand & the Eye has an extensive FAQ section that addresses everything from pets (yes to service animals but no to emotional support ones) to the dress code. (Hint: Aim for elegance.)
—Primary care: Chicagoland is joining a national movement. Seven Days in June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY is a nonpartisan, grassroots campaign running June 1-7 to make health a core governing priority in 2026.
Complete this form to register for the next meeting on Wed., April 15, at 5:30 p.m. CT (via Zoom) and continue building our city’s presence in this national effort.
Weekly planning meetings will follow through the end of May (no meeting on April 22).
And now on to culinary items…
—Having their Philz: On April 9, Philz Coffee CEO Mahesh Sadarangani ordered that Pride flags be removed from all store locations nationwide as part of an effort to create a “more streamlined aesthetic” and maintain a “welcoming environment” for all customers.
Philz employees have already spoken out. Over two thousand have signed a petition expressing how this decision has left them feeling “confounded and unsupported.” Now the Human Rights Campaign is encouraging its members, allies and the broader public to speak out, too, by signing a petition. Philz has several locations in Chicago.
—What can brown do for you?: Through May 26, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is offering a brown butter beverage line-up.
Brown butter is slowly cooked to create a nutty, caramelized flavor that adds warmth and depth to such drinks as Brown Butter Cold Brew, Caramel Brown Butter Latte, Iced Caramel Brown Butter Latte with Sea Salt Cold Foam, Strawberry Chai (hot and iced) and Yuzu Pear Refresher.
In addition, Stan’s is teaming with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to debut a Samoa-inspired Coconut Caramel Crunch Donut (April 15-May 12), with 25 cents from each donut purchase going to support the Girl Scouts. Also, Mini Carrot Cake Donuts are back during April 15-May 12.
—All that jazz: The Gage is hosting Rhythms in Cocktails: Jazz at The Gage—a live music series running every Thursday throughout April at the bar.
The series is designed as a continuation of the Art Institute of Chicago’s current exhibition, Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color, which is on view through June 1. Remaining acts at The Gage include the Greg Dudzienski Trio (April 16), the Keri Johnsrud Trio (April 23) and the Luciano Antonio Trio (April 30, International Jazz Day). Performances are 8-10:30 p.m.
—Two to Mango: Mango Pickle is making EcoMeals—comforting, home-cooked vegetarian meals for two—to enjoy at home each Sunday.
These meals are made fresh and packed for easy pick up in stainless steel tiffins. Meals available April 12-June 21 at the Eco Flamingo, 4750 N. Rockwell St. EcoMeal sign-up forms are here.
—Fab collab: On Wed., April 15, at Atsumeru, Devin Denzer (Atsumeru/Loon) and Donald Young (Duck Sel) will lead a 10-to-12-course collaborative journey at Atsumeru, 933 N. Ashland Ave.
Guests can expect a fusion of Duck Sel’s playful storytelling with Atsumeru’s focus on fermentation and pristine seafood. Tickets are $195 each; visit the link to purchase them.
—Fab collab, part two: Northbrook restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe, founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sarah Stegner, will host a one-night collaborative dinner at 5 p.m. on Wed., April 15. The evening will pair Stegner’s signature seasonal Midwestern cooking with the traditional Cantonese artistry of Chef Carol Cheung.
The menu will be fixed, designed for shared enjoyment and will not be available with substitutions. The cost is $95, plus tax and tip; guests may add a curated alcohol flight, paired to the dinner, for an additional $30. Reservations are required; call 847-205-4433. Credit card payment is collected at the time of reservation and reservations are non-refundable.
—Nice to meat you: Soul & Smoke is hosting a BBQ & Wine Dinner Party with sommelier/co-founder Heather Bublick and Brooks Winery on Wed., April 15.
Guests will enjoy a pairing of Executive Chef D’Andre Carter’s award-winning BBQ and soul food with wines from woman-owned and -led Brooks Winery. The event will take place at 6-9 p.m. at the Evanston location (1607 Payne St.). Tickets are $180/person with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Soul & Smoke Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting food insecurity in their community.
The dinner will feature four courses and five wines. Dishes include house-made pastrami, blackened local “superior” salmon, snap pea chopped salad, plantain tostone and more. For the full menu and tickets, visit https://www.exploretock.com/soulandsmoke/event/602839/bbq-wine-dinner-party.
—Gator aid: University of Florida fans, look away: Frontier is hosting a smoked gator dinner on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m., for $68/person.
The scheduled courses will include fried gator bites; family-style whole smoked gator (with Caesar salad, jambalaya, mac ‘n cheese and skillet veggies); and individual peach-pie jars. Each guest can also choose three cocktails/mocktails.
—Between the lines: And read a very intriguing interview with James Beard Award-winning journalist Michael Gebert about his new book, The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining, at SAVOR with Andrew. We cover everything from the ritziest restaurants to a tale involving raccoon meat.
Until next time…