Dish Flash: A Soupçon of Voltaire
The old Bar Louie in River North has a new tenant with a French accent: Bistro Voltaire. We made the acquaintance of Claudine Hubert, the chef, and got enough details to whet our appetites.
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Standard Bar/Grill Takes Another Stab at Pleasing the Wicker Park Masses
“What’s with the sign? Looks like Barnum & Bailey presents a bar,” huffed The Creative Director as we pulled up beneath the many-bulbed marquee announcing Standard Bar/Grill the latest incarnation of the Wicker Park watering hold most recently occupied by Loft Six Ten…
Weekend Photos: Kentucky Derby at The Pony
The Nehro of nightlife, Roscoe Village’s The Pony placed second last week in our predictive rundown of Kentucky Derby bar parties. But, come race day, you’d have been hard pressed to find a better kitted-out crowd…
Eight Questions for Phillip Foss of Meatyballs About His New Project, El
Phillip Foss, owner of the Meatyballs food-truck fleet, is planning a sometimes-restaurant called El in the Meatyballs prep space in Douglas Park. It’s technically open, though they have no plates, forks, or glasses, and aren’t taking reservations.
Win, Place, or Show: Rating Kentucky Derby Parties at Chicago Bars
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…
Roots Brings Quad City Pizza to Ukrainian Village
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
Deleece to Move Next Door to Mercury Theatre
Da Lease
Facing the expiration of the lease at Deleece, Lynne Wallack decided to explore her options instead of just negotiate a new lease…
Locking Horns: Bar Bar Black Sheep versus The Black Sheep
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…
Mini Review: Olive Or Twist in Berwyn
“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
The Bento Box Serves Up Asian-Inspired Entrées in Bucktown
BUDGET BEAT: Everything is made to order at this laid-back BYO