Bunny the Micro Bakery (2928 North Broadway), Iliana Regan’s second act, is scheduled to open any day now. It’s really small— “perhaps the smallest bakery in town,” says the website—and will be serving baked goods that have been most popular at Elizabeth.
Foodseum, the Chicago food museum, slated to open September 19 at Block 37 (108 North State), explores food in Chicago’s past and present, and it will offer interactive exhibits for hands-on learning.
Chicago Gourmet runs September 25-27 in Millennium Park, and for several years has been the city’s premier food and wine event. With Bon Appétit sponsorship, and 150 Chicago area chefs representing, this eater’s extravaganza has helped put Chicago in the forefront of American cuisine.
Grant Achatz is perhaps the foremost culinary artist in Chicago, and his restaurant Alinea is one of only two Michelin three-star restos in the city. With partner Nick Kokonas, Achatz will be opening what sounds like a loud and raucous bar at 951 West Fulton, next door to his Next and Aviary, to be called (subject to change) Roister.
Set to open this autumn, Cruz Blanca (900 West Randolph), Rick Bayless’ West Side brewery, will feature a tasting room, ten-barrel brewing system and a growler program.
Can’t-Miss Dining & Drinking Events (Fall Arts Preview 2021) Undoubtedly, there has rarely been a time in U.S. history when it was more challenging to open a restaurant. Still, the wheels are in motion to open the doors on three very promising Chicago restaurants before the end of the year.
After Blackbird: Restaurateur Donnie Madia says “We Are In a Different World” (Fall Arts Preview 2021) Donny Madia of One Off Hospitality Group and I met in the dining room of avec River North. I wanted to hear what transformations—aside from closures—have been wrought upon One Off Hospitality by the recent health catastrophe. Throughout this conversation, common themes emerged around the communication and newfound sense of community spirit that has been established.
Dining and Drinking Top 5: May 2022 The weather is encouraging us to go out and have fun, even with the enduring specter of the plague hanging over our heads. To be on the safe side, check websites for these events.
Dining and Drinking Top 5 of 2021 I like street food, but I also like eating high-end, white tablecloth dinners. I guess I just like eating.
