Openings

For those who mourned the passing of Bar Deville, your sadness may soon come to an end. Brad Bolt, the force behind the neighborhood tavern, has worked with Heisler Hospitality to open a new spot in Wicker Park: Neon Wilderness (1270 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Bolt hopes to bring the welcoming spirit from his old venture, along with high-quality drinks, to the new place, and you can also expect some pretty great happy hour specials.

There’s a new Italian restaurant in River North. Chef Joe Farina (Carmine’s, Centro) promises that Victory Italian (434 W. Ontario St.) will serve all of the awesome classic Italian dishes that his fans love, including handmade pastas, meatballs, brick chicken, and pizza from Armand’s.

Morsels

Sometimes, food TV strikes where you least expect it. One of my favorite restaurants, mfk (432 W. Diversey Pkwy., Lake View), is going to be featured prominently on television in early September… but on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. What? I’m not quite sure which category mfk fits into, but I also don’t care, since it’s so great it deserves all the attention. The segment airs on September 7.

There’s a new organization in town that wants to work with restaurants to raise money for people with disabilities. Doors Open Dishes is partnering with a different venue every few months to create a special dish. Some of the proceeds from sales will keep group homes and workshops for people with disabilities in Illinois open and functioning (budget cuts have threatened many of these facilities). This month, the team partnered with Cindy’s (12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop). Chef Christian Ragano is creating a special dish to benefit Gateway to Learning, a special education center for adults. Check it out the next time you’re chilling on the rooftop.

A great brunch buffet is a true treasure. When Oyster Bah (1962 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park) announced that it was launching one, my ears perked up, particularly as it’s under the same ownership and management as Shaw’s Crab House (21 E. Hubbard St., River North), which has one of the best in town. Oyster Bah’s special doesn’t disappoint. For about $35, brunch guests can enjoy unlimited oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, mussels, omelets, French toast, and more. Go on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to get in on the feasting.

If you enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians, and if the insanely delicious Southeast Asian food featured has you hungry, the Trib has your back. Its editors have picked some of the best dishes in the film, from live crab to fried radish cake, and suggested spots where you can eat them.

One of the most exciting changes to come to the Riverwalk since it opened is happening this weekend. On Sunday, the Northman will open its cider-focused riverfront location at 233 East Lower Wacker Drive. It will have room to seat more than 500 and will offer a wide variety of local and European beer and cider. Don’t expect a ton of food yet (that’s coming in the second phase of the launch), but you can still get sausages and snacks to go with your cider.