Everyone has a story, as we writers relish pointing out. But when I stopped by Wrigleyville’s longtime reggae club The Wild Hare last night to interview the owner, Zeleke Gessesse, about why he’s closing the place on May 15th after 25 years, I found myself in the presence of someone with a Story—capital S, plus italics…
I only met Ric Hess, the longtime co-owner of the Lake View bar Sheffield’s, a handful of times, but he was right up there among the most gregarious proprietors I’ve known. Hess died of a heart attack in January, and I still think about him every time I drive past his place…
1 place everyone’s talking about and dining at—if they can only get a ticket.
Michael Kornick and Erick Williams of mk restaurant are serving up state tartare from the Kansas ranch of Independence native and local CBS anchor Bill Kurtis.
MISSION: INCOGNITO: I’m a card-carrying member of a dwindling species: anonymous restaurant reviewer. Is the ruse still crucial? Or is the jig up?
A Cute Angle
Although it sounds like a reference to daytime highs here in January, 25 Degrees, a gourmet burger place opening in June in the old Blue Chicago blues club space, is a southern California import.
Illinois is revisiting its old, controversial beer regulations to permit some brewers to circumvent the post-Prohibition three-tier system. Cheer up: Texas, of all places, is even more restrictive.
22 great places to eat right now
For when proximity is close enough: Bacardi at the Park, a new sports bar managed by the guys behind Gibsons and sponsored by—yes—Bacardi, just a crosswalk away from U.S. Cellular Field. Located opposite the ballpark’s Gate 5 (320 W. 35th St; 312-674-5860), the clubhouse is open to the public on home-game days, from two and a half hours before the first pitch to two hours after the last out, no game ticket required…
Story highlights from the May 2011 issue of Chicago magazine, including a list of 22 best new restaurants, an interview with Grant Achatz’s money guy, Nick Kokonas, and summer’s must-have trends.
