431 S. Dearborn St. seems a very strange place for a 400-seat restaurant. The Manhattan Building has a rather small floor plate for a large restaurant even without considering that the lobby for the condos is near the center of the building. I wonder if Eater blew the address.

A new bubble tea/fruit tea shop is open in Gold Coast. According to a menu I see online they have milk and bubble tea with a variety of toppings, fruit tea, as well as sugarcane and tamarind juice.

This location was formerly a nail salon and spa. This little strip of State St now has a shabu shabu place, a sushi place, a ramen place, and now a bubble tea place.

VinTea
818 N State St

ekreider wrote:431 S. Dearborn St. seems a very strange place for a 400-seat restaurant. The Manhattan Building has a rather small floor plate for a large restaurant even without considering that the lobby for the condos is near the center of the building. I wonder if Eater blew the address.

It's not 431 S Dearborn, it's 431 N Dearborn. Formerly Ruth's Chris.

A family-owned Jewish deli is finally opening in Wicker Park this weekend after more than a year of delays. Helfeld’s Deli, 1750 W. North Ave., will feature Jewish deli staples like pastrami and reuben sandwiches, matzo ball soup and homemade baked goods. About a dozen types of bagels will be sourced from New York Bagel & Bialy in Skokie.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/07/15 ... -the-menu/

Stephanie Izard’s Little Goat Will Exit West Loop for Boka’s Lakeview Complex

https://chicago.eater.com/2022/7/15/232 ... rt-chicago

Little Goat, the bustling all-day diner from Top Chef champion and celebrated Chicago chef Stephanie Izard, will leave its decade-old home in the West Loop in early 2023 for new digs in Lakeview. The diner will join two other Boka Group restaurants — GGs Chicken Shop from Boka executive chef Lee Wolen and an as-yet-unannounced venue — inside the 122-year-old building that previously housed the historic Southport Lanes at 3325 N. Southport Avenue.

Though the diner continues to thrive, the transition is due in large part to the economic and labor fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, says Boka Group co-founder Rob Katz. Serving three meals a day means hiring, training, and managing an enormous number of employees — a lift so significant that Little Goat has cut out dinner service for the time being. “[The diner] is wildly busy — I don’t know if we’ve ever been busier than we are today,” says Katz. “But the diner model of breakfast, lunch, and dinner has become exceedingly difficult in the pandemic and post-pandemic world of extreme labor shortages — it takes an army to put forth that effort.”

...

In Lakeview, the diner will seat just 50 — a third of the West Loop location’s capacity — and offer three meals a day. It will likely share some back-of-house operations, such as dishwashing and storage, with the other Boka restaurants in the building. But each will have a separate entrance and distinctive design to set it apart from its neighbors. This isn’t a Boka food hall.

Not mentioned on the board ever, Iverson's Bakery in Blue Island is closing after today.

A fan who arrived at 5:45 AM saw people lined up out the door.

12948 Western Ave, Blue Island, IL 60406
Hours:
5 AM-5PM Today
Tomorrow closed forever
Phone: (708) 385-3410

lodasi wrote:

cleanplateclub wrote:Block Club is reporting a fire at the Twisted Hippo, 2925 W. Montrose Ave., and the Ultimate Ninjas Gym next door.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/02/21 ... o-brewery/

Early reporting is no casualties but one person hospitalized with smoke inhalation.

Looks like the building is a total loss and any remnants will be demolished ASAP.

After a devastating fire, Twisted Hippo will join District Brew Yards, which is adding a Wheeling location.

https://apple.news/Alh-hBv0wRo229Ut6WmNy5w
Twisted Hippo continues to look for a new home of its own, but in the meantime will have its beer made and served alongside several other breweries at District Brew Yards’ original West Town location, plus a second facility District Brew Yards is opening in the fall in north suburban Wheeling.

Jim’s Original, the historic Chicago hot dog stand, opening first location on the North Side in Avondale

Chicago Tribune link is a photo slideshow of a visit to the current location. One photo has a caption referencing the planned new location.

Recently passed by 2775 N Elston and saw some Jim's Original signage. That address had been Niko's Gyros until becoming Chop Society in 2016.

--
edc

edc wrote:Jim’s Original, the historic Chicago hot dog stand, opening first location on the North Side in Avondale

Chicago Tribune link is a photo slideshow of a visit to the current location. One photo has a caption referencing the planned new location.

Recently passed by 2775 N Elston and saw some Jim's Original signage. That address had been Niko's Gyros until becoming Chop Society in 2016.

--
edc

Chicago hot dog stand Jim's Original opening in Avondale
https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... story.html

Jim’s Original Avondale has transformed the property that was last Chop Society and previously Niko’s Gyros — with a family connection to boot.

“It was my uncle’s, then my cousin’s,” Christopoulos said. “He wanted to get out of the business, so I thought it was a good opportunity to try Jim’s Original on the North Side of town, with a drive-thru.”

Land & Lake’s Ravenswood Restaurant Opens Friday In Former Fountainhead Spot.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/07/22 ... ead-space/

Mini Donut Factory from Wheeling is opening up at 3151 N Broadway in Lakeview East in the city. Looks like they could open soon. They have all the signage and looks like most of the interior is built out.

Just walked by longtime Bucktown staple (for when nowhere else is open) Lazo’s and all the signage is down with a temporary sign for a new taco place hanging up.

Edit: looked more closely today and it’s a new branch of Las Fuentes, which has a Lincoln Park and two suburban locations: https://lasfuentesrestaurant.com/

Dave148 wrote: Chicago hot dog stand Jim's Original opening in Avondale.

Jim’s Original Avondale has transformed the property that was last Chop Society and previously Niko’s Gyros — with a family connection to boot.

“It was my uncle’s, then my cousin’s,” Christopoulos said. “He wanted to get out of the business, so I thought it was a good opportunity to try Jim’s Original on the North Side of town, with a drive-thru.”

This could become quite intriguing.
This corner is opposite a corner for one of the branches of Al's Italian Beef. It is also within walking distance of both Ravinia Brwg., Maplewood Brwg., and Owen and Engine.
I do not know why I did not refer in these images before; but here are pictures I took of it on 14 March. {Maybe I thought Chop Society was closed on Mondays.}
The address had a liquor license going back a bunch of years. The address is in the 32nd Ward. I wonder if Jim C. is going to put in for one? {The Al's is in the 33rd Ward.}

Taipei Cafe is officially open at 820 W Belmont Ave near Boystown. There is also a building permit from late April for 1400 S Michigan Ave where the owner listed on it is also the owner of Taipei Cafe. Just guessing they'll open up something there too and I'm sure it won't be too long.

A korean hot dog/corn dog place is coming to the 88 Marketplace center in East Pilsen called Ssong's Hot Dog. They've apparently been around for nearly a decade and are mostly in the DC area in the US, but also have some near NYC, greater bay area, near Atlanta, etc and also in China, Japan, and Vietnam. Spotted this as they have a sign near the 88 Marketplace main parking lot for it and says it's coming soon.

I'm not sure whether they'll be in the food court at 88 Marketplace or one of the retail bays in the mall itself.

https://www.ssongshotdogus.com/menu

Edited: (Missed gnarchief's earlier post). Las Fuentes Bucktown opened over the weekend.

gnarchief wrote:Just walked by longtime Bucktown staple (for when nowhere else is open) Lazo’s and all the signage is down with a temporary sign for a new taco place hanging up.

Edit: looked more closely today and it’s a new branch of Las Fuentes, which has a Lincoln Park and two suburban locations: https://lasfuentesrestaurant.com/

--
edc

Polish Farm Market Opens In Former Portage Park Home Of Szymanski Deli.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/08/01 ... nski-deli/

Butera Market in Roselle is no more. It's now another outlet of Montrose Market. I visited yesterday. It's the largest Montrose, a lot larger than the two in the city and somewhat larger than the old Wally's in Mt. Prospect. Setup hasn't changed a lot from previous, and there are some things missing compared to the Mt. Prospect store: full service bakery, bulk kraut & herring, and some deli items. Maybe those are coming; it seems to be pretty early in the transition.

MAD Social has closed permanently after six years in the West Loop, citing difficulties with staffing and inflation during the pandemic. Gina Stefani, daughter of restaurateur Phil Stefani, opened MAD Social in 2016 at 1140 W. Madison St.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/08/05 ... six-years/

Cathy2 wrote:From Facebook:

Hot Chocolate Chicago is at Mindy’s Bakery.

This Saturday is our LASTTTTT day at 1747 North Damen! You can preorder or the walkup window will be open at 8am, until it’s gone! All we can say is it’s been one hell of a ride…. If these walls could talk. We love you all and can’t wait to see you at the new space, hopefully soon. Our bakery will be located at 1623 North Milwaukee and is under construction currently. Of courseeee, we will be posting updates on our insta. ~Mindy #newbeginnings #xoMindy #dreambig #jamesbeard #bucktown

Mindy’s Bakery, the hotly anticipated return from celebrated Chicago chef Mindy Segal, launched at long last over the weekend on Milwaukee Avenue.

https://chicago.eater.com/2022/6/10/231 ... ummer-2022

Dave148 wrote:

Cathy2 wrote:From Facebook:

Hot Chocolate Chicago is at Mindy’s Bakery.

This Saturday is our LASTTTTT day at 1747 North Damen! You can preorder or the walkup window will be open at 8am, until it’s gone! All we can say is it’s been one hell of a ride…. If these walls could talk. We love you all and can’t wait to see you at the new space, hopefully soon. Our bakery will be located at 1623 North Milwaukee and is under construction currently. Of courseeee, we will be posting updates on our insta. ~Mindy #newbeginnings #xoMindy #dreambig #jamesbeard #bucktown

Mindy’s Bakery, the hotly anticipated return from celebrated Chicago chef Mindy Segal, launched at long last over the weekend on Milwaukee Avenue.

https://chicago.eater.com/2022/6/10/231 ... ummer-2022

Nice! In the former Red Hen Bakery space.

=R=

A dessert shop with an Asian flair is coming to Wheeling's Restaurant Row. Mochinut could open next spring at 322 N. Milwaukee Ave., village officials said Thursday. It's part of a national operation that launched in California in 2019.

https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20 ... o-wheeling

Dave148 wrote:

A dessert shop with an Asian flair is coming to Wheeling's Restaurant Row. Mochinut could open next spring at 322 N. Milwaukee Ave., village officials said Thursday. It's part of a national operation that launched in California in 2019.

https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20 ... o-wheeling

We're getting one in Arlington Heights, too- in the space that's been a couple of frozen yogurt places most recently, near AH Rd. & Sigwalt St.

76 S Arlington Heights Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Pips Meadery is moving into the former home of Only Child Brewing in Gurnee.

Pips Meadery
1350 Tri State Pkwy, Suite 124
Gurnee, IL 60031

Recently opened:
Mel's Craft BBQ
24 Main St.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
https://www.melsbbq.com/

Mel’s Craft BBQ makes some of the best barbecue in Illinois

Above quoted by Nick Kindelsperger in today's Trib.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/r ... story.html
Mel is Mel Thillens of the armored truck business.

Speaking of BBQ, Lucy’s BBQ just opened in Highland, IN inside Brewfest. Owner is a guy from Hammond who moved to Austin for music, the band broke up, and he decided to pursue a passion for Central Texas BBQ. I haven’t been yet but hope to stop by and pick some up one of these weekends. Brewfest is right off the Borman expressway so pretty easy to get to, particularly if you’re on your way to Michigan or I-65.

Nice write up in this weekend’s NWI Times.

“ Kleutsch sought apprenticeships at some of the most acclaimed barbecue joints in central Texas. He ended up learning from Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis, a Texas Monthly Top 10 BBQ restaurant, and Ben Lambert, formerly of the acclaimed Franklin’s BBQ that people wait hours in line to get a table at, and now the owner of JNL BBQ.

"I started asking those guys if they had jobs, saying I would work for free so long as I could learn from you," he said. "I got some shifts and learned to cook from them."

“ Lucy's BBQ currently offers three sandwiches: brisket, pulled pork and a half-pound smoked prime cheeseburger made from trim from the brisket. It also has pork spare ribs that use craft beer to create a barbecue sauce that's used as a glaze.

"Most places in NWI use a gas-assist cooker," he said. "We keep it Texas traditional with a 500-gallon all-wood offset smoker. I spend 12 to 15 hours a day feeding the smoker by hand, which creates a product that can never be replicated by an automated system."

It's what he learned in Texas.

"Central Texas is a mecca for barbecue," Kleutsch said. "The type of smoker used there is an old propane tank fed by all wood. A lot of the places out here people rave about use gas-assist smokers, where you press a button and the smoker does all the work. I load a log every 45 minutes. It's just me and the smoker and the meat. That's how you get moist ribs if you want it to fall off the bone a little bit. You just need some oak. White oak is really prevalent around here. Barbecue is about using what you've got."

http://www.nwitimes.com/tncms/asset/editorial/f0354ffb-17e5-5a05-a004-6670e1e16e81.

Not sure how permanent this is so figured I’d post it here and if they stick around, and/or open their own place, I can start a separate thread.
For now:

Lucy’s BBQ
8347 Kennedy Ave.
Highland, IN
5:00–sold out, Thursday—Saturday
219-513-8203
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Barbecue-Restaurant/Lucys-BBQ-100871809383462/

Dave148 wrote:

A dessert shop with an Asian flair is coming to Wheeling's Restaurant Row. Mochinut could open next spring at 322 N. Milwaukee Ave., village officials said Thursday. It's part of a national operation that launched in California in 2019.

https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20 ... o-wheeling

That location is pretty parking-challenged. Our favorite "dive bar" hangout is next door and sometimes we use the small lot at 322 as overflow parking, but that nets only a handful of additional spots.

A Sweetgreen outpost is moving into Logan Apartments, the massive development that replaced the Discount Megamall at 2500 N. Milwaukee Ave.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/08/08 ... ee-avenue/

Two recent Guatemalan additions to Albany Park:

Atitlan Restaurant
3119 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(650) 531-0512 | (707) 712-3111

Tikal Restaurant Chapin
3216 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 865-3909
www.tikalchapin.com

Award-Winning Boka Is Opening a Japanese Restaurant in Lakeview
https://chicago.eater.com/2022/8/11/233 ... t-corridor

Dollop General Store and Cafe creates an immersive shopping and café experience in Evanston

https://dailynorthwestern.com/2022/08/1 ... -evanston/