—Shaw’s and effect: Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants’ Shaw’s Crab House is celebrating its 40th anniversary on April 7-11.
Among the highlights, there will be throwback menu items, live music and other special events at the Chicago restaurant. Over the past four decades, Shaw’s has served more than 10 million oysters and welcomed 8 million guests.
Regarding that retro menu, there will be items such as clams casino, sautéed frog legs, blue crab stuffed shrimp, jambalaya, 12 varieties of oysters on the half shell and more. There will also be a Champagne and oyster event (April 8), a performance by Chicago blues legend Big Dog Mercer (April 10) and the Day of Celebration (April 11).
—A woman’s worth: In celebration of Hard Rock International’s annual “International Women’s Month” in March and International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Hard Rock and global superstar Shakira announced a year-long partnership that aims to empower women around the world to tell their stories, be their authentic selves and unite through the power of music.
The company, including Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, will raise funds through its charitable arm, Hard Rock Heals Foundation®, throughout International Women’s Month. A portion of proceeds from all efforts will benefit Hard Rock Heals Foundation® in support of Pies Descalzos Foundation—Shakira’s non-profit organization enhancing the education and social development of girls in Colombia’s most vulnerable communities.
Hard Rock and Shakira collaborated on menu items including food (like the Hamburguesa Colombiana and Dulce De Leche Hot Fudge Brownie), a “Hips Don’t Lie” cocktail and clothing designed to celebrate women. Be sure to take part before the cafe closes for good on March 29.
—What’s at steak: Ballyhoo Hospitality has opened Sophia Steak in Chicago’s Gold Coast at 748 N. State St., just downstairs from Petit Pomeroy.
Sophia, Ballyhoo’s 12th restaurant and the only city steakhouse named after a woman (making it special that it opens during International Women’s Month), “offers a polished yet approachable experience that features premium steaks, seafood, and shareable plates with warmth and comfort,” according to a press release.
The menu features signature dishes like the New York Strip, crispy lobster and shishitos, meatballs pomodoro, and the grilled Forza burger. Lighter, vegetable-forward options such as the super green vegetable salad—with kale, avocado, broccoli, asparagus, pepperoncini, olives, pistachios, lemon vinaigrette and parmesan—add variety. Rotating nightly specials showcase highlights such as angry lobster spaghetti on Tuesdays, 16-ounce prime rib on Saturdays, and fried chicken on Sundays.
—Chef Carlos Gaytán is bringing Tzuco’s monthly “Back to My Roots” menu back for a second edition beginning this month.
The menu features specially curated dishes—each a story of tradition and passion—celebrating the ingredients and gastronomy of each region in Mexico. To kick off the 2025 edition, Gaytán celebrates his birthplace of Guerrero, with specials such as pozole verde ($16) and chorizo-stuffed quail, aka chileajo ($30). Of the latter dish, Gaytán said, “Chileajo is a deeply personal dish that brings back memories of my childhood. The sauce, made with guajillo chile, roasted garlic and tomatillo, is slow-cooked to develop a smoky, rich flavor. My mother prepared it after hunting trips with my father—a beautiful balance of warmth, spice, and tradition.”
—Hot and chili: The LGBTQ+ group Asians & Friends Chicago will host its annual chili cookoff on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at The North End, 3733 N. Halsted St.
Attendees (who pay $10 each) will vote for their favorite dish, with top-ranking chefs receiving the glow of victory and a little something from the host venue. There will also be a small raffle to help raise funds for the group’s 2025 Pride Parade float entry.
—Do the do: Not to be outdone on March 12, Do312 is commemorating 312 Day with various deals and events including one at The Wieners Circle.
This FREE event will feature the Chicago Bulls DJ, local legend DJ Ca$h Era and DJ Prosperity Room. Also, The Wieners Circle will be offering $3.12 hot dogs, $3.12 Goose Island Beers, specials from WYNK and samples from Keeper’s Heart Whiskey. And Chicago drag icon Lucy Stoole will be judging a Chicago-themed costume contest. RSVP here.
Some other 312 Day deals include $3.12 popcorn and soda at Music Box Theatre; $3.12 glasses of house cava at Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar during happy hour (5-6 p.m.); a complimentary bellini at Olio e Pìu; I/O’s refreshing Frosé for just $3.12 during happy hour (2–5 p.m.); and 7 p.m. food specials at The Violet Hour, among other items.
—Motor City menu item: Palatine’s Tievoli Pizza Bar has added Detroit-style pizza to its menu—and the item is described as “a thick, chewy, rectangular pan pizza with caramelized cheese edges and crispy corners.”
The 72-hour fermented dough rises for 8 hours at room temperature to achieve its signature texture. Guests can now request any Tievoli pizza in this style for $20-$30 each.
—Rome stead: Chef Cliff Rome of Peach’s Restaurant will partner with Bon Appétit Management Co. to oversee a restaurant, cafe and catering services at the Obama Presidential Center (which is slated to open next year), according to WBEZ, citing the Chicago Sun-Times.
Rome said he expects the partnership with Bon Appétit, called BAMJoy, to yield quality food as well as employment opportunities for local individuals.
—The name game: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was to rename the classic New York Strip Steak—to, unsurprisingly, a Texas Strip Steak, Restaurant Business noted.
In a post on X, the Republican claims “liberal New York shouldn’t get the credit for our hard-working ranchers.”
Remember that 2000s movement to change the name of French fries to “freedom fries?” It didn’t go over so well.
That’s the news for this week. Be sure to come back next week for more tasty treats!
To get all the dish on what’s happening in Chicagoland, please check out SAVOR with Andrew.