Harlem night: Marking a rare return to Chicago and The Auditorium, Dance Theatre of Harlem will make its first engagement in the city since November 2016 when it performs Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the venue.
The company’s return to The Auditorium will include the legendary Firebird, a reimagining of the Russian folk tale of love’s triumph over evil set in a lush Caribbean world. Choreographed by John Taras and set to Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score, the production is brought to vivid life through the sets and costumes of Geoffrey Holder.
—In my house: Open House Chicago will return Oct. 17-18—and there will be 20 new sites, per the event’s website.
This free public festival (marking its 16th year) offers behind-the-scenes access to more than 200 sites, including many that are not normally open to the public. Be sure to take photos as you explore for a chance to win the OHC Photo Competition.
Some of the new locations include Bandwith (not Bandwidth) Chicago, the Blackhawks Ice Center, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Muddy Waters Mojo Museum, Timeline Theatre and Windy City Bird Lab. And don’t forget that some sites (old and new) are only open on Saturday or Sunday.
And now, on to culinary items…
—Fast food: It will be interesting to see how Aldi does on Uber Eats now that the grocery chain is on the platform.
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REVIEW: In all of my years of food journalism, I had never stepped inside the iconic Loop restaurant Petterino’s.
And I picked quite a time to visit. Petterino’s—a plush restaurant with old-school vibes that’s situated next to the long-established Goodman Theatre—is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Of course, there’s one thing that hits you as soon as you walk in—or, should I state, a LOT of things.To find out much more about Petterino’s, visit SAVOR with Andrew.
—People, get ready: Starbucks revealed that its holiday menu will be out Nov. 5.
According to a statement, “Starbucks customers can soon enjoy the holiday beverages that make the season so special, featuring the return of Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte and Gingerbread Chai, alongside a festive new Tiramisu Velvet lineup and a bright new Apple Pomegranate Refresher.” Also starting on Nov. 5, the new Bearista Cake Pop—inspired by the Starbucks® Bearista Glass Cold Cup that started a million fights—will join the lineup for a limited time.
The holiday menu will also feature new food, and limited-time merchandise collections—with the latter including the Winter Wonderland collection, which will debut Nov. 17 and feature cool-toned drinkware with whimsical details and wintry textures. In addition, the Holiday Village collection celebrates Starbucks Seattle roots with festive keepsakes inspired by the original Pike Place store.
—Top of the Hop: On Sept. 25, the sizzle was back at Chicago Gourmet’s Hamburger Hop, presented by the Home Grown Program supported by Sysco, DoorDash, and Miller Lite, which returned to the Harris Theater Rooftop.
This year, the fan-favorite event featured a live breakdance performance, music and friendly competition. Chefs Christine Cikowski, Josh Kulp, Cam Waron and Joe Espanol of Honey Butter Fried Chicken claimed the prestigious 2026 Judges’ Award, while Chef Jason Paskewitz of The Dawson garnered the 2026 People’s Choice Award. Some of the other competitors included Dan Grynevich (Kuma’s Corner), Jorge Kauam (Gutenburg) and Lupita Romero (La Malquerida).
—At Schaumburg’s The Secret Kitchen, Chef Aanal Kotak’s modern Indian restaurant is marking the annual Hindu festival of Navratri (Oct. 11–20) with reservations for dine-in celebration and curated takeout for those bringing the festival home.
The dine-in and take-out festival menus are vegetarian. Some of the dine-in offerings include avocado dahi puri; parmesan cheese pav bhaji (spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with a soft, buttered bread roll (pav); Tandoor ke Phool (cauliflower and broccoli florets marinated in spicy garlic, sweet cashew and fresh mint herbs); and gulab jamun flambé.
Takeout dishes differ for the most part, with some of the items including parmesan cheese pav bhaji, TSK dum veg biryani the dessert kesar mango rasmalai, which combines saffron-infused rasmalai (soft cheese/paneer dumplings) with kesar (saffron) and sweet mango.
—Tiles of the trade: Join The Mahjong Society at Summer House-Lincoln Park for a night of Mahjong 102 Open Play, plus cocktails, light bites and time around the table on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m.
Mahjong 102 is for players who know the basics and want a little more guidance, with instructors circulating to answer questions and help build confidence. Open Play is a social, no-instruction event for players who already know how to play American mahjong independently. Admission is $80 per person, plus tax.
—Groovy!: West Loop spot Good Night John Boy—named in homage to the beloved TV series The Waltons—transports guests back to the funky, free-spirited era of the 1970s. The space blends the nostalgic charm of a grandparents’ basement with the high-energy allure of Studio 54, featuring shag carpet, wood paneling, retro wallpaper and glowing neon accents throughout. There are also menu items to purchase, including pizza (like the Meatless in Seattle, which references a ‘90s movie—but never mind), chicken tenders and burgers.
Coming up on Thursday, Oct. 15, 8:30-11 p.m., it will host its first-ever Gong Show Karaoke Night—a throwback to the outrageous variety show of the same name. This one-night event will feature karaoke performances judged live by a panel of special guests—with none other than Austin Powers himself (impersonator, of course) as emcee. The stakes are high, as a $1,000 cash prize will be awarded to the top singer.
—Thirty talk: Lincoln Park bar aliveOne is marking its 30th anniversary with weekly ticket giveaways, a public Anniversary Week, and charitable initiatives benefiting All City Performing Arts and the family of the late Brad Price, a longtime aliveOne bartender.
The festivities will culminate in a private 30th Anniversary Party on Friday, Oct. 16.
Since opening in December 1996, aliveOne has carved out a unique place in Chicago’s nightlife and music scene. The bar takes its name from the 100-CD, all-live-music jukebox in its front room—the city’s only jukebox dedicated exclusively to live recordings.
—Get happy: Jōtō Sushi (564 W. Randolph St.) has a new omakase happy hour, available Tuesday through Sunday at 4-6 p.m.
Exclusively offered at the chef’s counter, the experience includes a 10-piece omakase for $60. Guests can upgrade to the premium omakase for an additional $25, and it features two seasonal fish selections, otoro and a negitoro hand roll. Seating is limited; reservations can be made via OpenTable.
—ROOP, there it is: The Indian restaurant ROOP, located in the trendy West Loop area, has just introduced an all-new Endless Table Experience—an unlimited dining experience for $55 per person that gives guests access to the entire menu.
Unlike a traditional tasting menu, there are no prescribed courses or required ordering sequences. Guests are free to move through dips and breads, street-food-inspired dishes, kulchas, tandoori grills, curries, biryani and more, exploring the menu however they please. Until next time…