To market we go: The 17th annual Andersonville Farmers Market (AFM) will return on Wednesdays at 3-7 p.m. on May 13-Oct. 21 on the 1500 block of West Winona (from Clark Street to Ashland Avenue) and the adjacent AT&T parking lot. The market continues its Link matching program, featuring a one-to-one match for card holders with vouchers good for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Featuring more than 50 vendors, everything sold at themuch Andersonville Farmers Market is grown or produced within a 200-mile radius. Seasonal and pop-up vendor applications are being accepted through March 10.
SPOTLIGHT: Schneider Deli has opened a new location, and it’s in Lincoln Park.
Located at 1733 N. Halsted St., the new 1,750-square-foot deli seats 41 and welcomes more corned beef and matzo ball soup lovers than ever before, doubling the capacity of the original location in River North (on LaSalle Street in the Ohio Street Motel).
In all honesty, after my visit to the original location, I was hesitant about stopping by the new one. Thankfully, this latest stop was much more pleasant—and the corned-beef hash (which chef/owner Jake Schneider recommended) is second to none. Also, this location has a full coffee program—something the original location lacks.
—Pride restored: After dealing with backlash, Philz Coffee reversed a controversial plan to remove Pride flags from its cafés, which included locations in Chicago, The Advocate noted.
“Every Pride flag that is up stays up, and any Pride flag that was previously removed can be put back up,” the company stated. Also, CEO Mahesh Sadarangani publicly apologized. The national LGBTQ+ organization Human Rights Campaign celebrated the reversal, with President Kelley Robinson saying, “Philz Coffee tried to take down our flags and tamp down our pride—but we served a hot cup of reality.”
—Wood finish: The Northalsted spot Wood has undergone a big change. You can read more about it at SAVOR with Andrew.
—Going Dutch: Drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros.—known for drinks like its Iced Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Latte—is gearing up to launch its first Chicagoland sites, per NBC 5 Chicago.
One new Dutch Bros location is coming to 1931 N. Mannheim Rd. in Melrose Park, and a spokesperson for the Village of Oak Park said that the chain “is also in the process of opening a location in Oak Park,” at 316 Madison St. The development comes in the middle of a period of fast growth for the company, which recently opened locations in downstate Urbana and Crown Point, Indiana. There are also other Illinois sites in Edwardsville, Fairview Heights and Mt. Vernon.
—Munch a bunch: The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is celebrating spring and warmer weather on Wed., April 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m., with the fifth anniversary of the Munch March Dessert & Appetizer Crawl.
Located along Montrose Avenue between Hamilton and Ashland avenues, the event features a selection of appetizers, desserts, beverages and candies while guests munch their way in and out of small businesses. Some of the participating businesses are slated to include Ravenswood Tavern, BienMeSabe Venezuelan Restaurant, Green Machine Cycles, Ponnopozz and Chicago’s Pizza.
Tickets are $32 in advance or $120 for a group of four. Admission includes 14+ tasting-sized portions of desserts, appetizers, and beverages, a Nature’s Grace and Wellness tote bag, and goodies from partners. Find out more here.
—Then came rum: The Chicago Rum Festival will take place April 25 at the Logan Square Auditorium. This event is ideal for rum connoisseurs, casual consumers and industry professionals eager to explore and learn about rum, with more than 40+ award-winning premium rum brands represented.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample approximately 200 distinct rum expressions, enjoyed neat or crafted into signature Twisted Daiquiris. Tickets (starting at $55.85 each) are here.
—GIVEAWAY!: I’m having another giveaway—this time, for a Bedsure GentleSoft White Throw Blanket!
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 (Andrew449.substack.com). The deadline is Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. Good luck!
—Reunited: Please read my FREE reviews of Taureaux Tavern and Tortoise Supper Club (both of which I revisited) at SAVOR with Andrew. You won’t regret it!
Until next time…