Chicago Gourmet The annual get-together in Millennium Park is out of the question, so the city’s premier gathering of food and beverage enthusiasts goes online with virtual and interactive demos and discussions that enable guests to get in on the action while at home.
Bobby’s Bike Hike A tour that’s ideal for visitors to the city who want to sample the triumvirate of Chicago food favorites—Italian beef, deep dish, Chicago dogs—and get in socially distanced exercise while tooling around the city on bikes.
Beerfest on the Beach On September 25, one of Chicago’s few festivals that haven’t been canceled will be at the Shore Club on North Avenue Beach: drink beer, breathe fresh air, keep your distance from other humans, a good time.
Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity, David also writes a weekly food column for Wednesday Journal in Oak Park and is a frequent contributor of food/drink and travel pieces to the Chicago Tribune, Plate Magazine and other publications. David has also contributed chapters to several books, including Street Food Around the World, Street Food, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. Contact: dhammond@newcity.com
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.
