POPPING OFF: Popcorn was designated by the Illinois General Assembly as the official snack food of Illinois in 2003—a well-deserved honor. Popularized more than a century ago by pushcart vendors, popcorn in Chicago predates deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, two mayors Daley, and even the Cubs curse.
CRÊPES: Leave it to the French to perfect a food that can never be too thin or too rich
Q Tip
The former Tsunami space, shuttered since June 2009, gains a new tenant soon: Chicago Q (1160 N. Dearborn St.; 312-642-1160), a Southern-style barbecue place from the developer Fred Latsko (Table Fifty-Two…
So, the Phoenix—a new mezzanine-level lounge open Tuesday through Saturday inside The Wit hotel—hasn’t reached the same stratospheric popularity as Roof, its older sibling that launched on the hotel’s 27th floor last year. And without Roof’s skyline views and open-air vibe, it’s probably not going to. But remember last summer, when you were cursing your spot in line down on the sidewalk, waiting to be…
Effective immediately, Aaron Deal is out as executive chef at Custom House Tavern (500 S. Dearborn St.; 312-523-0200). Deal’s replacement will be Perry Hendrix, who currently helms the kitchen at Brasserie by Niche in St. Louis…
LOGAN’S RUN: Boulevards, a brewpub, and more—32 reasons (both old and new) to love Logan Square this summer
As the temperature rises, gelato starts popping up like dandelions—both Black Dog Gelato and a new Paciugo plan to open in the next few weeks. Now comes word that gelato will be sold at the new location of Palermo Bakery (1533 N. Wells St.; no phone yet)…
Boka Restaurant Group, which operates Boka, Landmark, Perennial, and the forthcoming Girl & the Goat, has made a deal for the restaurant space at 531 North Wells Street…
Pret A Rumble
Coming in mid- to late August for Loop lunchers is Pret A Manger (211 W. Adams St.; no phone yet), the first Chicago outpost of the London-based sandwich chain that has more than 200 locations in the United Kingdom…
CUMIN Team Cumin hails from Nepal, which means Wicker Parkers have a sudden craving for momo. Just this once—dumplings. 1414 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-1414 M BURGER We know it looks like part of Tru, but think about it: counter service and burgers under $5. 161 E. Huron St.; 312-254-8500 FOUNTAINHEAD Beer snobs tired of waiting … Read more
