Gender(Cool) theory: The GenderCool Gala—featuring the theme “Together We Thrive”—will take place Sept. 24, 5-8 p.m., in Chicago.
Organizers promise a magical evening supporting 1) families raising transgender kids and 2) LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Early-bird tickets, a VIP reception, and corporate and personal sponsorship opportunities are available here.
—”Pleasure” principle: Honey Pot Performance (HPP) invites Chicagoans to the Pleasure Power Portal—a multi-part performance experience bringing movement, storytelling, sensory play and collective gathering to Chicago’s West Side.
Presented during HPP’s 25th anniversary year, Pleasure Power Portal explores pleasure as a force for meaning-making, embodied liberation and human connection. The experience begins Sept. 26 with The Prelude/Pleasure Parade, a public Second Line procession and community declaration of pleasure; continues Oct. 3-4 with the Aperitif—an intimate, participatory experience held at a secret location; and culminates Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 with the Pre-Fixe Performance, an immersive dance-theater production at First Church of the Brethren.
And now, on to culinary items…
—Helping hands: Illinois state Sen. Mattie Hunter announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs.
The funding represents a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state. The new Grocery Rescue Program will support efforts to reopen stores that have closed within the preceding 12 months. This program is designed to prevent long-term food access loss in low-access tracts, preventing the formation of new food deserts. Funding can be used for store acquisition, repair, refurbishing property and equipment and some first-year operating costs.
—By hook or by cook: Mariano’s and Metro Market, in partnership withChicago Chefs Cook, announced the launch of Who’s Coming to Dinner?—a new community-focused cookbook featuring more than 50 recipes from renowned chefs across Illinois and Wisconsin.
More than a collection of recipes, Who’s Coming to Dinner? is a celebration of the culinary talent, generosity and community spirit that define the Midwest food scene. The cookbook features recipes contributed by acclaimed chefs including Rick Bayless, Sarah Stegner, Tony Priolo, Belinda Chang, Lamar Moore, Ken Polk, Tigist Reda and dozens of other culinary leaders committed to using food as a force for good.
To receive a complimentary cookbook, you can make a $6.99 donation at participating Mariano’s and Metro Market stores. Proceeds will benefit regional food bank organizations. The first Mariano’s event will be on Saturday, Oct. 3, noon-3 p.m. at Mariano’s in Bucktown.
—For Negroni Week, LAUREL is putting its own spin on the iconic cocktail with a limited-time menu of six original Negroni variations, available Sept. 21–27.
The menu explores the versatility of the classic through unexpected combinations and unique ingredients. Just a couple variations include Pineapple After Dark ($20; gunpowder pineapple gin, chinola pineapple liqueur, pineapple-infused Campari and brut cava) and the Reserved ($70; Nolet’s Reserve gin, the sweet vermouth Carpano Antica Formula, Campari and saffron rock candy swizzle).
Beyond the drinks, LAUREL is using Negroni Week as an opportunity to give back. Twenty percent of proceeds from the Negroni Week menu will be donated to Slow Food, supporting the organization’s work toward a more sustainable and equitable food and beverage culture.
—Rick or treat: European-inspired sandwich restaurant Hannah’s Bretzel has partnered with MICHELIN-starred chef and restaurateur, Rick Bayless to launch the latest iteration of Hannah’s “Chef Series” sandwiches: The Puebla. The Puebla will launch in-person and for online ordering on Monday, Sept. 21.
Named after Mexico’s historic state, the sandwich consists of hormone-free, range-raised roasted chicken topped with a light and bright Baja Crema, Bayless’ signature chipotle salsa, Chihuahua cheese, avocado and cilantro—all sandwiched between Hannah’s house-made organic bretzel bread. As part of the Chef Series, Hannah’s Bretzel donates a portion of proceeds from the limited-time sandwich to a charitable partner; this time, it’s Bayless’ non-profit culinary school, IMPACT Culinary Training.
—Class acts: Labriola Italian Specialties (852 W. Fulton Market) will host gnocchi-making events on Sept. 23, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.
Guests will learn the art of making fresh gnocchi before sitting down for a four-course Italian dinner. Throughout the evening, they will enjoy three gnocchi preparations—tomato cream, short rib and pesto—along with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.
Tickets are $75/person and include a welcome cocktail, the hands-on gnocchi-making experience, four-course dinner, wine pairings and a signature house-made dessert. Space is limited to 20 guests per event. Tickets for the remaining dates are available here.
—Good golly, Miss Dolly: In honor of 9/25 and a certain iconic “9 to 5” working woman, The Goddess and Grocerwill celebrate the late icon Dolly Parton with a special weekend on Sept. 25–27.
The Chicago café is celebrating Dolly Parton with a playful lineup of Southern-inspired specials, with $1 from every featured item sold benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Items will include the 9 to 5 Special ($9.25; choice of a loaded English muffin sandwich or Gooey Ham and Cheese); Southern Charm Latte (espresso with whole milk, butter pecan, vanilla and whipped cream); the Butterfly Cupcake (vanilla or chocolate cupcake topped with blonde frosting and sugary butterflies); and the Dolly Cookie (buttery shortbread cookies decorated with iconic Dolly photos and quotes).
—The wing’s the thing: WingOut Chicago returns to Wrigleyville’s Gallagher Way on Sept. 26-27 for its fourth year, bringing together Chicago’s top wing masters.
The festival features more than 20 vendors, including Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, Hattie B’s, Smoke Daddy, Rizzo’s, Metro Wings, Hangry’s, Chkn Box, Prime Tacos and more. General admission offers access to dozens of wing vendors, competitions and live entertainment, while VIP tickets include all-you-can-eat wings and a sponsored drink package, with a VIP + Balcony option offering exclusive lounge access, additional snacks and seating. WingOut will run 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available in advance, and day-of walk-up entry is not guaranteed.
—Greek condition: Ela Modern Greek Taverna will open Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1551 N. Wells St. in Chicago’s Old Town, as it aims to bring a fresh approach to Greek Mediterranean dining built around real ingredients.
The restaurant was founded by Shaina Hurley—the entrepreneur and TV personality who rose to national prominence on Netflix’s Love Is Blind—and her husband, Greek-American restaurateur/developer Chris Lardakis; Anthony Papagikos is also a co-owner.
Until next time, don’t forget that much more dining news is at SAVOR with Andrew.
—GIVEAWAY!: Congrats go to Collette D. for winning the pair of H2O Audio TRI 2 Multi-Sport Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones (retail value: $149) in the latest SAVOR with Andrew giveaway!
All you have to do to qualify for a future giveaway 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)—so what are you waiting for?
—The write stuff: And speaking of Pop-Eds: My thoughts on pop culture, my latest column is out! This one discusses self-marriage, horror films based on children’s characters, the GOP midterm convention and Ed Sheeran, among many other topics.