—Pool runnings: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago invites locals and hotel guests to soak up summer in the city with the launch of Summer Sundays—a new poolside series taking place select Sundays from June through September.
Set on the hotel’s sprawling outdoor recreation terrace—which has one of Chicago’s few outdoor hotel pools—the series (set against the backdrop of the iconic Aqua building) will feature DJ sets, seasonal sips, al fresco bites and exclusive offerings from brand partners Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Surfside.
Summer Sundays will take place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 28, July 12, July 26 and Sept. 13, with August dates to be announced soon. Tickets are $40 per person and are available online.
—History lesson: In honor of Pride Month, Chicago City ClerkAnna Valencia (along withDario Durham, of 77 Flavors of Chicago) will moderate a discussion titled “From the Seats of Power: Exploring LGBTQ+ history through Chicago’s City Council.” The event will take place Tuesday, June 23, 3:30-5 p.m. at Sidetrack; RSVP here.
Panelists are slated to include former Ald.Tom Tunney, Windy City Times co-founder Tracy Baimand E3 Radio CEOAnna DeShawn. The program will also include opening remarks from longtime Chicago LGBTQ+-rights advocate and Sidetrack co-owner Art Johnston.
And now, on to culinary items:
—SAVOR-ite things: There is an article about the cool initiative Placemats with Purpose (which helps school-age children) and a roundup of the National Restaurant Association show—certainly a different type of NRA. Also, I visited Gordon Ramsay Burger and weighed in on that spot’s $24 burger (sans fries). Read about everything at SAVOR with Andrew.
—It’s been an honor: This year’s James Beard Award winners were announced June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
One Chicagoan came away a winner: Feld’s Jacob Potashnick was named the best chef in the Great Lakes area, which consists of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. (Feld is a “relationship-to-table” restaurant located at 2018 W. Chicago Ave.) The overall outstanding chef was Michael Tuck of the San Francisco spot Quince; Philadelphia’s Kalaya was named outstanding restaurant. The rest of the night’s winners are here.
—No longer Prime time: The Lincoln Park Southern comfort-food restaurant Soul Prime has permanently shut down.
Menu items included dishes such as signature collard-green dip, smothered pork chops and The 290 (golden fried catfish fillet, golden fried chicken wings, signature tartar sauce and hot sauce). A post on the restaurant’s Instagram page from Chef Royce (aka Shonya Williams) and the Soul Pride team read, “Our doors at 1969 N. Halsted have closed. Thank you for an unforgettable three years. This is not goodbye.”
—Somewhere over the Rainbow: A century after first opening on Chicago’s South Side, The Original Rainbow Cone is celebrating 100 years as one of Chicago’s most beloved culinary institutions. The family-owned brand is best known for its world-famous five-flavor Rainbow Cone—chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio and orange sherbet, sliced and stacked in its iconic style.
As part of National Ice Cream Month, Rainbow Cone will take center stage in a multi-week collaboration with Museum of Ice Cream Chicago, debuting a two-room exhibition. Also, throughout the 2026 season, the first 15,000 fans who enter Rate Field to attend a White Sox home game receive a special Five-Flavor Game Card; if the White Sox score in the fourth inning, that card can be redeemed for a free small Rainbow Cone at participating Chicagoland locations.
In addition, leading to its official 100th birthday on Aug. 9, Rainbow Cone will treat Rewards members to a special buy-one-get-one Rainbow Cone offer on Aug. 3-9. On the big day (Aug. 9), guests ordering the iconic five-flavor cone will have the chance to spin a celebratory prize wheel. Every spin wins, with prizes ranging from free treats and branded merchandise to a private Rainbow Cone Truck party valued at $1,000.
—Kitty life: Sanrio® is set to unveil the world’s largest Hello Kitty® Cafe in Chicago at 360 N. Michigan Ave. Opening Friday, June 26, the first location in the Midwest will debut an 8,000-square-foot, two-level space with both indoor and patio seating that offers sweeping views of the river and city skyline.
A grand opening celebration will kick off on June 26-28 that will be filled with special opening promotions. For updates on the special opening promotions, follow @hellokitty, @hellokittycafe and @hellokittycafechicago on Instagram.
—Kid America: More than 50 of Chicago’s prominent culinary talents, including Top Chef winners and Michelin-star talent, will unite for Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry on Friday, June 26, 6-9 p.m., at Rockwell on the River. (VIP access starts at 5:15 p.m.)
Co-chaired by Joe Flamm (culinary director/chef-partner, Day Off Group) and Diana Davila (executive chef/owner, Mi Tocaya Antojeria), guests will sample bite-sized fare, craft cocktails and desserts.
—Four on the floor: On Saturday, June 27, join West Town’s Dell’ Rooster to celebrate the restaurant’s fourth anniversary.
Enjoy drink specials like $8 cocktails, $7 well drinks, $10 martinis, $4 beers and $5 shots, along with food specials that include $4 empanadas, $4 ropa vieja and more.
—Out and about: Looking to travel? Gay Wine Weekend returns to Sonoma Valley—where it all began—for its 15th Anniversary Celebration that will take place July 17-19.
The weekend will feature a full lineup of signature events; exclusive wine experiences including Winemaker Dinners and Wine Tours; and a Drag Queen Brunch & Wine Auction benefiting Face-to-Face, a local Sonoma HIV/AIDS non-profit. The signature event of the weekend will be the Twilight T-Dance, taking place this year at the Cornerstone Sonoma.
Until next time…