While I’m delighted to know that people outside my hometown of Louisville find the Kentucky Derby exciting enough to celebrate, even hundreds of miles away, I’m skeptical as to what outsiders think a Derby party looks like—and today’s Cinco de Mayo bashes haven’t exactly eased my anxiety. Premixed Mint Juleps? No thank you…
In 2008, Greg Mohr and his partner, Scott Weiner, tapped into Ukie Village’s love of burgers and brewskis with The Fifty/50. Now they are into a new kind of za. New to Chicago, that is. “Quad City pizza is thin but not superthin,” says Mohr. “It’s hand-thrown dough, and it’s chewy and malty. House-made sausage … Read more
Da Lease
Facing the expiration of the lease at Deleece, Lynne Wallack decided to explore her options instead of just negotiate a new lease…
When I heard that a new spot called Bar Bar Black Sheep was opening last Saturday in Wicker Park, I knew there had to be some behind-the-scenes drama brewing. I’d been following the progress of another concept from one of our 50 Most Beautiful Chicagoans, Michael Simon, the former sommelier and general manager at Graham Elliot…
“American comfort food with flair—a place where diners can afford to eat more than once a week,” says Mr. Every Restaurateur in Town. It’s also Robert Nava’s take on his newly minted spot attached to a six-year-old martini bar owned by Marty and Regina Mendicino in Berwyn. Sounds so familiar as to be improbable, but … Read more
BUDGET BEAT: Everything is made to order at this laid-back BYO
It seems like only yesterday we were peering past drop cloths and climbing over saw horses to get the very first peek at the space soon to be known as The Bedford. Fast-forward one month to Friday night, and we’re back again, capturing the new bar and kitchen on its first night in business…
Chicago’s most-buzzed-about restaurants this month
A lesson for any would-be bar owner: Never announce an opening date. Once you have every license in hand and all inspections have been squared away and your contractors have packed up their tools for the very last time, just go ahead and open. Then tell everyone you’ve done so…
Related: HUBBARD INN » A new Hemingway-inspired River North concept bar 1) Barra Ñ This sultry Argentina-by-way-of-Avondale nook features barely there lighting, strong mojitos, and DJ-spun beats that pull dancers out of their seats. 2977 N. Elston Ave.; 773-866-9898 2) Huettenbar It’s Oktoberfest every night at this slice of Germany in Lincoln Square: flower boxes … Read more
