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SAVOR Lure Fishbar
Recently, I had a biscuit sandwich in the Gold Coast. The item was very good—but I'm not sure it was worth the $11 price tag. This was the same feeling my dining companion and I had after dining at Lure Fishbar, ...
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SAVOR Brunch at Cobblestone
Recently, there have been a few restaurants I've visited multiple times—if for no other reason than to see if there is consistency in the quality (especially, if good) or some sort of improvement (if the food ...
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Kit Kat Lounge hosting Kamayan feast Oct. 24
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., in honor of Filipino American History Month, will host a special "diva-infused" Kamayan feast featuring Chef Jordan Andino on Sunday, Oct. 24. Andino is the creative ...
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SAVOR Adorn Bar & Restaurant, take two
The last time I stopped by Adorn Bar & Restaurant—in the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware St. (which was also the first time I went there)—I encountered one of the most innovative brunch menus ever, ...
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Latin Restaurant Weeks taking place in Chicago Oct. 4-18
National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Sept. 15-Oct. 15, recognizing the many contributions of Hispanic Americans. As an effort to acknowledge the successful influences and cultures of Hispanic Americans, Latin Restaurant Weeks, LLC, will host its ...
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SAVOR Brunch at Wood
"Morning Wood" has returned. This provocative name was given to the brunch service at Boystown/Northalsted restaurant Wood, 3335 N. Halsted St., and it drew lots of people before the COVID pandemic changed the world. However, like ...
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SAVOR Funkenhausen
When it comes to fusion, West Town spot Funkenhausen, 1709 W. Chicago Ave., might be one of the more unusual restaurants. The cuisine here is a mixture of German ...
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NGLCC, Grubhub team to help LGBTQA-owned restaurants
The country's vulnerable LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars serving food will find help this fall, courtesy of a partnership formed by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and Grubhub. These small business owners have been among ...
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SAVOR Logan Square restaurant Lardon
As you might guess from its name, Lardon (2200 N. California Ave..; https://www.lardonchicago.com/) takes meat very seriously. Named after a small piece of pork fat or fatty bacon, the Logan Square spot is a carnivore's paradise, ...
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SAVOR Sunny Bowls
Looking for a comforting, healthful option for lunch? Then look no further than Sunny Bowls: Souper Food (theMart, #201.; https://sunnybowls.com/), which specializes in various soups? Part of the food court at theMART (which some also call ...
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SAVOR The Press Room
At The Press Room (1134 W. Washington Blvd..; https://www.pressroomchicago.com/), a lot of patrons may encounter the unexpected. The West Loop restaurant—which is only open Wednesday through Sunday evenings—has undergone quite ...
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SAVOR South Branch Tavern & Grille
Before taking a bite of anything at South Branch Tavern & Grille (100 S. Wacker Dr.; https://www.southbranchchicago.com/), patrons are likely to be impressed. The reason lies in the picturesque views surrounding the spot. Ensconced near some ...
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SAVOR Britches and brunch at The Dearborn
I've had the pleasure of dining at The Dearborn (145 N. Dearborn St.; https://www.thedearborntavern.com/) several times—but it's always been a weekday outing. Recently, I met a friend for Sunday brunch. The results were both expected ...
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SAVOR Smashburger
With hundreds of fast-food restaurants throughout Chicago, it might seem like the last thing the city needs is another burger spot However, the Denver-based chain Smashburger is in the Windy City—at a pretty busy location, near ...
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SAVOR Cobblestone Restaurant
It's a case of "better late than never" for Cobblestone (4337 N. Lincoln St.; https://cobblestone-chicago.com/). After selling his Bohemian House restaurant in River North, Cobblestone Restaurant owner Dr. Markus Chwajol—who ...
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Taste of River North cancelled
On July 29, the River North Residents Association, along with theMART and Duff Entertainment, announced the cancellation of the 2021 edition of Taste of River North. The event was slated to take place Aug. 20-21 at ...
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Taste of Andersonville returns Wed., Aug. 11
--From a press release
CHICAGO (July 28, 2021) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is excited to welcome back one of its most popular summer events: the annual Taste of Andersonville on Wed., Aug. 11, 5-8 p.m. This year's ...
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SAVOR The Smith
Not too long ago, I sang the praises of "Red Sauce Sundays" at The Smith Restaurant + Bar (400 N. Clark St.; https://thesmithrestaurant.com/location/chicago/). Starting at 5 p.m. each Sunday, this ultimate comfort meal features a chicken ...
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Black Restaurant Week-Midwest in Chicago July 23-Aug. 1
Black Restaurant Week, LLC, joins the No Crumb Left Behind campaign by hosting its second campaign in Chicago on July 23-Aug. 1. ...
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Taste of Chicago To-Go" starts Wednesday
--From a press release
Taste of Chicago To-Go" starts Wednesday with food vendors and food trucks; Chicago City Market vendors; Chicago SummerDance instructors; House City DJs; author Marisel Vera; Taste of Chicago favorites Eli's Cheesecake, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs and ...
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SBA: Illinois restaurants received $1.4 billion in pandemic funds
The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced funds for its $29-billion restaurant pandemic relief program were exhausted—leaving nearly two-thirds of applicants out of the money, The Chicago Tribune reported. In Illinois ...
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SAVOR Dinner at the Loop restaurant/cafe Venteux
Let's just get this out of the way now: Dining at the Pendry establishment Venteux (224 N. Michigan Ave.; https://venteuxchicago.com/)—a brasserie, cafe and oyster bar—is a singular experience. Partner/Executive Chef ...
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SAVOR Ballyhoo restaurants Gemini and Old Pueblo Cantina
Ballyhoo Hospitality may not have quite the stable of eateries that, say, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants has. However, judging by two of the restaurants I recently visited, Ballyhoo is definitely making its mark in Chicagoland. Gemini ...
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SAVOR Lincoln Park spot Mesa Urbana
More than four years ago, I traveled to a small Glenview strip mall to visit the Mexican fusion spot Mesa Urbana—and was bowled over by dishes such as shrimp farfalle, pechuga de pollo (chicken with onions ...
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Schakowsky participates in reopening of Chicago restaurant
On June 21, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky—a senior chief deputy whip and founding member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus—attended the ribbon-cutting for the reopening of Vincent, an Andersonville restaurant in her ...
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SAVOR Rewired Pizza Bar & Cafe
Rewired Pizza Bar & Cafe (1100 W. Thorndale Ave.; https://rewiredcafe.com/) may come across as a largely unassuming cafe—but this spot hides several pleasant surprises that separate it from similar spots and make it a place worth ...
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SAVOR Gordon Ramsay Burger to open spot in River North
Expanding the chef namesake's empire, Gordon Ramsay North America announced that Gordon Ramsay Burger is coming to Chicago's River North neighborhood. Gordon Ramsay Burger will be located at the corner of State and Ontario, just west ...
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Chicago Gourmet returning in September
The organizers of Chicago Gourmet announced details surrounding the September 2021 celebration. With a focus on reuniting gourmet enthusiasts with Chicago's culinary community, founding sponsors at the Illinois Restaurant Association ...
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Mayor Lightfoot and DCASE announce more summer cultural events across Chicago
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced even more returning, new and reimagined summer cultural events across Chicago — plus artist lineups and other details ...
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'Let's Talk Womxn Supper Club & Conversation' on June 25
The group of 40 Chicago independent, women-led restaurants—better known as Let's Talk Womxn Chicago—has launched the monthly "Let's Talk Womxn Supper Club & Conversation." The next event will take place Friday, June 25, 6:30-9 p.m., with ...
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SAVOR Talking with new Travelle Chef de Cuisine Qi Ai; Profile of Travelle's breakfast
Travelle Chef de Cuisine Qi Ai Travelle at the Langham (330 N Wabash Ave.; https://www.travellechicago.com/) has undergone a major change during the COVID pandemic: New Chef de Cuisine Qi (pronounced "tee") Ai was promoted from sous ...
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Chipotle partners with Chicago's Kim Chi and other queens for Pride Month
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it will celebrate drag culture and support affiliated LGBTQIA+ organizations throughout June's Pride Month. The brand will offer two events: Chipotle Queen of Pride and a special Chipotle Drag Lunch. The celebration ...
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SAVOR Brunch at Adorn Bar & Restaurant
I first became acquainted with Chef Jonathon Sawyer's cuisine at Cleveland's famed Greenhouse Tavern in 2013—and I still occasionally dream about the corn-and-creste pasta dish I had there. Therefore, I had high hopes about Sawyer's move ...
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SAVOR Punch Bowl Social
Summer is approaching and COVID restrictions are being relaxed—and restaurants are among the many types of businesses benefiting from these changes. A recent visit to Chicago's Punch Bowl Social (310 ...
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SAVOR Takito Street
Takito Street (2423 N. Lincoln Ave.; http://takitostreet.com/) is the third in the Takito line of restaurants (along with Takito Kitchen and Bar Takito)—a string of restaurants offering playful vibes, fresh ...
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Dining Out for Life taking place May 16-22
The annual event Dining Out for Life will take place May 16-22 throughout Chicago and Evanston. Participants dine in, order takeout/delivery or purchase gift cards from their favorite restaurants and donate directly to TPAN to support ...
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Windy City Smokeout to return July 8-11
The outdoor country-music/BBQ festival Windy City Smokeout will return to Chicago on July 8-11 outside the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Hosted by BBQ joint Bub City and the venue Joe's Bar, the event will ...
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Chicago restaurants receive Michelin stars
Local restaurants, old and new, received Michelin stars April 29, according to a Chicago Tribune article. The Michelin Guide's annual ratings play a significant role in anointing restaurant industry royalty ...
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SAVOR Cluck It/Cowch Burger/Oona
A sign that things are slowly returning to some semblance of normal activity is when businesses expand. Such is the case with Cluck It/Cowch Burger (https://www.cluckitchicago.com/), which co-owners/spouses Cainan Edwards ...
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SAVOR Tree House
Illinois Restaurant Association Board Chair Sam Sanchez, along with daughters Samantha and Korina, aim to bring the party atmosphere to Chicago's River North area with Tree House (149 W. Kinzie St.; TreeHouseChicago.com), which occupies the sp ...
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SAVOR Sam's Crispy Chicken and Umami Burger
Sam's Crispy Chicken (SamsCrispyChicken.com) and Umami Burger (UmamiBurger.com), both from C3 (Creating Culinary Communities) and both at 945 W. Randolph St., have launched new food and beverage menus—although indulgence i ...
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Webinar to spotlight secret gay life of culinary giant James Beard May 5
--From a press release
James Beard, who changed how Americans eat, is spotlighted on May 5 with an entertaining live webinar by Food Network star Ted Allen, and author John Birdsall. In the Kitchen Closet takes place May 5 at ...
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SAVOR Wood: Boystown/Northalsted spot returns
SAVOR
Some people may snicker when they hear that there's a restaurant named Wood (3335 N. Halsted St.; WoodChicago.com) in the city's Boystown/Northalsted neighborhood—and there is even a currently discontinued Sunday ...
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SAVOR Nonnina: New team maintains high standards
I'm not gonna lie: I was a little concerned about Nonnina (340 N. Clark St.; NonninaChicago.com). News trickled down that the highly esteemed team of Executive Chef Tony Priolo and business partner Ciro Longobardo (who are ...
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National Restaurant Association Show cancelled
Event organizers of the National Restaurant Association Show announced the cancellation of the 2021 National Restaurant Association Show, which was scheduled to take place May 22-25 at Chicago's McCormick Place. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois ...
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Spots revealed for Chicago Restaurant Week 2021
The venues participating in Chicago Restaurant Week (March 19-April 4) have been revealed. This year's participants include a range of restaurants throughout Chicagoland offering specially priced, prix fixe menus for ...
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Chicago Southland Restaurant Week on Feb. 21-27
The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the launch of the inaugural Chicago Southland Restaurant Week. Designed to promote Chicago Southland restaurants while encouraging residents and visitors to support ...
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SAVOR Cafe Press--steeped in history
Like most neighborhoods in Chicago, Printers Row has its own illustrious history. In the 1880s, the neighborhood was the center of the Midwest when it came to printing—hence the area's name. And Cafe Press (800 S. ...
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Chicago Restaurant Week returning in 2021
Choose Chicago has announced the return of Chicago Restaurant Week on March 19-April 4, 2021. Chicago Restaurant Week offers local food enthusiasts an opportunity to experience some of the city's most highly sought restaurants. Participating dining ...
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COVID-19 Chicago, suburban restaurants slated to reopen Jan. 23
Customers will be allowed back inside restaurants and many bars in Chicago and suburban Cook County beginning Saturday, Jan. 23, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. The city and Cook County will move from Tier 2 to Tier ...
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Five Worth Finding: Restaurants, OUT100, children's book, face mask
—Perry's Steakhouse & Grille (PerrysSteakhouse.com): This suburban spot (with two restaurants in Oak Brook and Schaumburg) is well-known for its delicious cuts of meat, sumptuous sides and hand-crafted cocktails. It's ...
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SAVOR Untitled Supper Club, dinner and a show
DISH Dining Guide
The night before COVID-19 restrictions recently tightened on restaurants and bars (again), a friend and I checked out Untitled Supper Club (111 W. Kinzie St.; UntitledSupperClub.com)—which offered not just a ...
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SAVOR Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
With so many coffeehouses in Chicago, some of them have come up with compelling and/or unique ways to keep or lure patrons. Count Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea (multiple locations; Fairgrounds.cafe) as one of those coffeehouses. Sure, ...
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Andersonville Farmers Market extended through November
The Andersonville Farmers Market (AFM) will remain open four additional weeks—at a new day and time. The extension will take place Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the shared street space on Catalpa ...
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SAVOR Fulton Market Kitchen
Over the years, Fulton Market Kitchen (311 N. Sangamon St.; FultonMarketKitchen.com)—which is, naturally, in the Fulton Market District—has intrigued and even dazzled patrons, thanks to the combination of inviting food ...
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SAVOR The Outpost Mexican Eatery; Mercadito
DISH Dining Guide
For the last print issue of Windy City Times, there are two restaurants in the spotlight—and they both happen to be Mexican eateries. The Outpost Mexican Eatery The Outpost Mexican Eatery (520 W. Harrison St.; TheOutpostMexicanEatery.com) ...
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Artist-led "Retreat" to provide platform for creatives in food, music, art
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Rebuild Foundation, the arts, education and cultural development organization founded by artist Theaster Gates, and Dorchester Industries today announced the opening of "RETREAT," an artist-led activation aimed at ...
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Chicago releases outdoor dining guidelines for fall, winter
Keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, the City of Chicago released guidelines for safe outdoor dining this fall and winter. All outdoor spaces must have a sidewalk cafe permit, outdoor patio license or an expanded outdoor ...
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SAVOR Froth: A coffee lover's delight
DISH Dining Guide
It might take something special to lure people to Froth (1515 W. Monroe St.; Froth.cafe). Fortunately, Froth has more than one attraction—especially for those who indulge in coffee (which seems ...
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SAVOR: PB&J
DISH Dining Guide
Who didn't love a good peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich while growing up (unless you had a peanut allergy)? Well, the folks at PB&J (205 N. Peoria St.; PBJWestLoop.com) offer this popular item although, of course ...
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FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar
When a concept is reinvented at the same spot, it can be a risky undertaking. The Midwest-focused FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (221 N. Columbus Dr.; FireLakeChicago.com) is housed in the same spot, in the ...
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SAVOR Travelle To Go
These days, when convenience seems paramount, Travelle at The Langham (330 N. Wabash Ave.; TravelleChicago.com) offers something that it hopes will draw lots of people: Travelle To Go. And this concept should. Located around the corner ...
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SAVOR Pizza Friendly Pizza
DISH Dining Guide
Appetizing, spontaneous and hopeful: Pizza Friendly Pizza (1039 N. Western Ave.; PizzaFriendlyPizza.com) is serving up one-of-a-kind slices from the former home of Bite Cafe. Pizza Friendly Pizza opened five weeks ago, and ...
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Chicago Gourmet announces 2020 lineup
Chicago Gourmet has revealed its 2020 lineup. Organizers at the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), the event's founding sponsor—along with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits—have curated a full schedule ...
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SAVOR: RAISED An Urban Rooftop Bar
DISH Dining Guide
RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar (1 W. Wacker Dr.; RaisedBarChicago.com) flaunts breathtaking views of the city with a spectacular food and drink menu. The venue's traditional American cuisine offers ...
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Navy Pier to reclose temporarily
The Chicago landmark Navy Pier will close again after having relatively few visitors because of the coronavirus pandemic, The Chicago Tribune noted. The attraction will shut down again Tuesday, Sept. 8, and stay shut until spring ...
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Restaurant association announces employee relief fund
Executives at the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) announced the establishment of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. A statewide emergency assistance ...
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SAVOR The Lunchbox; Woodwind brunch
DISH Dining Guide
With social distancing and masks being part of the "new normal," some people are opting to places with more casual items that have grab-and-go choices. Enter The Lunchbox (200 E. ...
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SAVOR Chef James Sanders gets 'Dirty' with Southern cuisine
DISH Dining Guide
Chef James Sanders—after navigating everything from working for the Chicago Bears to living the quintessential corporate life—is reopening Dirty Birds Southern Kitchen on Friday, Aug. 4, at 8052 S. Racine ...
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SAVOR Surf's Up expands to Old Town
DISH Dining Guide
A new restaurant has opened in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood—and it's being welcomed with open arms. Having opened on Juneteenth (June 19), the casual spot Surf's Up Old Town, 1143 N. Wells Street ...
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SAVOR Paulina Meat Market
DISH Dining Guide
There's no mistaking when you're in the vicinity of Paulina Meat Market (3501 N. Lincoln Ave.; PaulinaMarket.com). The scent of various smoked meats is enough to make most people's mouths water, including this writer's ...
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SAVOR Tzuco
DISH Dining Guide
Beginning July 1, the French-Mexican spot Tzuco (720 N. State St.; tzuco.com) offered indoor seating at 25-percent capacity, per Phase 4 guidelines regarding the coronavirus pandemic. I stopped by to check out things, and this restaurant ...
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Food Center sign registers BLM support
Longtime activist Lori Cannon stands in front of a sign in support of Black Lives Matter that hung at North Side Food Center (Groceryland), 5543 N. Broadway. The sign was painted by local artist David Lee ...
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SAVOR The Clubhouse Oak Brook; Bub City Rosemont
DISH Dining Guide
When the incomparable Nina Simone sang "It's a new dawn/it's a new day" in her immortal song "Feeling Good," it's a safe bet she wasn't referring to a coronavirus pandemic. However, that current development has made ...
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Food truck parodies Nini's; proceeds going to Black/Brown, LGBTQ groups
A food truck parodying the disgraced Nini's Deli is selling empanadas June 19-20, splitting proceeds between a Black/Brown group and an LGBTQ fixture, Block Club Chicago noted. The food truck, called "Nono's Deli," will park at ...
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