—Next, please: The pop-up Next at Charlie Trotter’s (at the original Charlie Trotter’s in Lincoln Park) is ending Feb. 9—but there are now additional seats.
Guests can relive the iconic dishes that defined this Chicago legend in the space where it all began. The price is $315-$335 per person; RSVP at this link.
—Saucy: Soul & Smoke—Chicago’s award-winning BBQ/soul-food restaurant by Chef D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick—is expanding its signature sauce line.
Known for its original Saucy and Soulful BBQ Sauce, Soul & Smoke is now introducing three new flavors: Cajun Fire, Hot Tomato and Sweet Potato Habanero (Sneaky Heat).
—Matcha game: Pret A Manger has launched a selection of matcha drinks for the first time in its U.S. shops.
The matcha menu will include an Oat Matcha Latte (available hot or iced), Matcha Lemonade and a Pink Guava Iced Matcha Latte. These latte recipes are made with oat milk by default; however, customers can choose any milk they prefer at no extra charge. Customers can also customize their drinks with real-fruit compotes including blueberry and dragon fruit mango.
—Cane do: A new Raising Cane’s (which specializes in chicken fingers) has opened in Lincoln Park, per Axios. The new restaurant, at 2376 N. Lincoln, is just the beginning of the chain’s plans for 2025, as another restaurant is slated to open in the South Loop later this year. The chain already operates 31 locations in the Chicago area.
Interestingly, Fry the Coop owner Joe Fontana protested plans for the new Lincoln Park Raising Cane’s last year; Fry the Coop is around the corner from the new restaurant.
—North Side noshing: On Friday, Feb. 7, Taste of Ravenswood is back—for the first time since 2019—with an evening of culinary delights from local restaurants and businesses around the neighborhood.
Participating businesses include Amy’s Candy Bar, Bayan Jo Diner, Dear Flo’s, Farm Bar, Rojo Gusano, Farm Bar, Spacca Napoli, Spoken Cafe, The Chopping Block, XOChimilco, businesses from Malt Row and more.
Tickets start at $100 each for general admission and are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
—Hitting the right notes: The singers of Chicago a cappella invite you to Half Acre Beer Co., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., for Drink ‘N’ Sing.
The event will feature an informal performance of songs from Chicago a cappella’s performance repertoire, plus drinking songs, a guided sing-along and—of course—beer! This special event is open to everyone! (Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.) Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can pricing structure. Attendees can choose a price that fits their budget, making the event accessible to all. A $35 or above ticket purchase will include one complimentary drink ticket, while a $50 ticket purchase will include two complimentary drink tickets.
—On Monday, Feb. 17, 6-9 p.m., there will be a collaborative dinner involving chefs Diana Dávila and Sebastian White at Mi Tocaya Antojeria.
Guests will indulge in a five-course tasting menu with optional drink pairings, all in support of The Evolved Network’s free programming at William Ray Elementary and Carter G. Woodson Elementary. Woodson Elementary serves 302 students, with 82% from low-income households; Ray Elementary serves 607 students, with 57% from low-income households.
RSVP here.
That’s the news for this week. Be sure to come back next week for more tasty treats!
—Pop life: Please don’t forget that I have another column called Pop-Eds. My latest article, “What were they thinking?,” covers Dr. Phil, a Little House on the Prairie reboot and much more. Check it all out at Andrew449.substack.com.