—The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is hosting its 6th annual Andersonville Vintage Market, featuring antiques, home décor, jewelry, clothing, accessories, vinyl and other bric-a-brac from local retailers.
Come treasure hunt for vintage finds from more than 40 vendors on six Sunday dates throughout the summer months—July 12 and 26, Aug. 9 and 23, and Sept. 13 and 27—at 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at its new location at 1600 W. Catalpa and the St. Gregory parking lot. Shoppers will also enjoy a variety of musical entertainment, and pets are welcome. There is a $5 suggested donation.
And now, on to culinary items…
—RESTAURANT PICKS: With Pride Month ending, Dr. Monique Carroll—a member of the queer community who heads Chicago State University’s (CSU’s) athletic department—provided her restaurant choices.
“My wife would probably be so embarrassed at this answer because she’s the foodie, but I like the Hyde Park spot Virtue and Daisy’s,” Carroll stated. “I take people to Virtue so they can get the soul food with an elevated vibe; the short rib is the best. I get the same thing every single time. With Daisy’s, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp or the catfish po’boy.”
By the way, CSU is fielding its first football team ever this fall, starting with a home game against Roosevelt University on Aug. 29.
—Lou and view: Yes, it’s true: After 15 years, the flagship location of the revered pizza spot Lou Malnati’s is closing. The final day of operations for the Gold Coast site is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30.
However, according to Time Out Chicago, company officials have stressed that this is merely a temporary pause, not the actual end. The closure stems from a real-estate decision, not a decline in the restaurant’s popularity. In September 2025, Convexity Properties acquired the high-profile buildings at 1120 and 1130 N. State St. for $39 million as part of an ongoing district revitalization project. Because the property owner plans to redevelop the site—with a 304-unit, 345-foot residential tower that the Chicago City Council approved in 2021—Lou Malnati’s existing lease was not renewed. (The latter address belongs to the former Barnes & Noble space.)
In related news, the Lou Malnati’s location at 805 S. State St. has expanded by approximately 2,400 square feet, bringing the location to nearly 8,400+ square feet overall.
—Summer daze: Through Sept. 4, Toro is introducing “Summer Fridays.”
The restaurant is extending its popular $20 margarita trio flights every single Friday afternoon from noon to 5 p.m. There are also $5 gourmet tacos as well as chips and guacamole ($12). The menu is here.
—Law and order: Among the 14 new laws that will go into effect in Illinois on July 1 is Senate Bill 618, which makes getting cocktails to go a permanent thing, per Capitol News Illinois.
During the COVID pandemic, Illinois legislators passed a bill that allowed restaurants and bars to sell cocktails and mixed drinks for pickup or delivery as businesses were closed to in-person customers. That will be allowed to continue permanently under the new law.
—Class action: West Town Italian-centric cooking school Tutore officially unveiled its July class schedule.
Highlights include Knife Skills 101 (Wed., July 8), Pasta and Mushrooms (Saturday, July 11), Gluten-Free Pasta Masterclass (Friday, July 17), Couples Venetian Dinner Party (Saturday, July 18) and Happy Hour Pizza Making Class (July 30).
—Pickle your fancy: July is National Pickle Month, and several restaurants are marking the occasion in various ways:
- At Chicago’s Michelin-starred Cariño, Beverage Director Ray Medina is offering a mezcal “pickleback” that swaps traditional pickle juice for a house-made chayote brine crafted from kitchen scraps including chayote, cilantro stems, serrano, vinegar, salt and MSG.
- At Middle Eastern/Mediterranean/Asian steakhouse SuSu, mouneh—the pickled vegetables often served alongside dishes such as hummus and grilled meats throughout the Middle East—plays a starring role. The restaurant’s selection includes Persian dill cucumbers and beet-pickled turnips. Seasonal varieties currently on offer include olive and shrimp kimchi, sumac onions and turmeric fennel.
- Bar Bambi pairs Patrón with house pickle brine from Persian cucumbers—brined for days before becoming spicy fried pickles topped with mimolette cheese and a currywurst-inspired dip. Also, beef tartare comes with thinly shaved fingerling potatoes, lightly pickled before frying for extra tang.
- At Schneider’s Deli, the house-made dill pickles are served with every sandwich; also, pickles are only 50 cents a spear.
- Dove’s Luncheonette is getting savory with a relish tray featuring deviled eggs, crudites, bread-and-butter pickles and herb dip for $10. Guests looking for a lighter bite can opt for house pickles and cheese for $5.
—Date expectations: In honor of the country’s 250th birthday, The Alston is celebrating Fourth of July weekend with a $250 All-American date night for two alongside a $17.76 cocktail and elevated bar bites.
The pre-set dinner includes two eight-ounce filets with sauce and mashed potatoes, a Caesar salad to share, a four-piece shrimp cocktail and two glasses of red wine. In addition, a watermelon margarita called The Red, White and Booze will be $17.76 while The Alston Hot Dog ($22) and Prime Rib Beef Dip ($18) will be available exclusively at the bar.
—Nut gains: Levain Bakery is selling its raspberry pistachio cookie for a limited time.
The seasonal cookie combines Valrhona raspberry chips, pistachios and creamy white chocolate chips in Levain’s signature six-ounce format, resulting in fruity, nutty and indulgent flavors with a crisp exterior and thick, gooey center. Founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald first fell in love with this flavor combination years ago.
—Go, Fourth: Celebrate the Fourth of July with The Goddess and Grocer’s American Beauty Cake—a light vanilla sponge layered with vanilla bean buttercream and decorated in red, white and blue. The patriotic cake is perfect for backyard barbecues, lakefront picnics and holiday celebrations, and can even be shipped nationwide through Goldbelly. Guests can also enjoy the holiday weekend on the patios at the Gold Coast, Fulton Market and Bucktown locations or pick up grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, sweets and catering options.Until next time, go to SAVOR with Andrew to get more news, interviews and reviews.