As fall nears, Tortello in Wicker Park is inviting Chicagoans to celebrate the women it says are often the keepers of Italian cooking traditions. The restaurant has launched “Nonna Knows Best,” a video contest inspired by owner Dario Monni’s late Nonna Tina, whose Sunday lunches centered on …
- Ashlea Pazan
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Florida-based sushi chain OMAKAI is moving into Chicago with two restaurants, its first expansion outside the state, according to Yahoo Finance. The company said the new locations will open in Fulton Market and River North before the end of the year, bringing its accessible omakase approach …
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher
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If the answer includes Rick Bayless, Sarah Stegner, Tony Priolo, Belinda Chang, Lamar Moore, Ken Polk and Tigist Reda, you know dinner is going to be good. Mariano’s and Metro Market, in partnership with Chicago Chefs Cook, are inviting home cooks to pull up a chair with the launch of Who’s …
- David Cohn
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Popular restaurant brand Beatnik is getting a new addition to the family with a recently announced upcoming location in Lincoln Park set to open its doors this month. The new restaurant will join sister sites Beatnik West Town and Beatnik on the River, which opened in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher
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Chicago's legendary Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is packing up some of its signature steakhouse swagger and heading south. Gibsons Restaurant Group is bringing its iconic Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse to downtown Nashville. The restaurant is expected to open in spring 2028 at 414 Union Street…
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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The Lake Forest Food and Wine Festival is set for a three-day run in Lake Forest, Ill., with daytime and nighttime events built around food, drinks, and live entertainment. The event, called Lake Forest Food & Wine: A Revelry Experience, is hosted by Chef Beau MacMillan, Chef Dominic Zum…
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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Founded in Flushing, Queens, in 2006, the restaurant has grown into a national chain with 14 U.S. locations, and 10 more are planned, the Chicago Business Journal confirmed. The company said it has earned Michelin Guide recommendations for nine straight years, per the report.
- Ashlea Pazan
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Chicago’s Adalina Prime is marking its first anniversary this week with a giveaway that puts its signature soft serve in the spotlight. According to a press release by the restaurant, through Sunday, Sept. 6, diners will get a complimentary chalice of the dessert with lunch, dinner or happy …
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher (AI assisted)
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Chicago Gourmet is getting a makeover for 2026, and this year’s food festival is bringing a little more rhythm to the table. Powered by Invesco QQQ, this popular event returns Sept. 23-27 under the new theme “Let Your Tastebuds Dance,” with several new events and formats designed to take the…
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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A federal crackdown on intoxicating hemp products is now expected in December, after Congress passed a bill that caps THC in drinks, gummies, and other infused products, according to WDIO. The change would make most hemp-derived THC products illegal to sell and manufacture.
- David Cohn
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From deep-dish pizza and Chicago dogs to Italian beef and tri-flavored popcorn, Chicagoans are not shy about the eclectic taste that has created our city's vibrant culinary tapestry. However, sometimes in a city this big, you come across menu items that shock and surprise even our slightly u…
- By Jon Cohn
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Argue if you must. But here are the highly unofficial results of a poll of one (me) for best Chicago-area sweet-tasting delights.Shockingly, number one is an out-of-the-box, deep-from-left-field entry, stunning the entire field of contestants. But no peeking at the bottom of this page.
- Ashlea Pazan
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The Langham, Chicago is bringing a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea to the city this fall with an experience called the Forbidden Forest Afternoon Tea. The offering runs from Saturday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 22 and is open to witches, wizards, and fans of all ages.
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher
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Chicago’s love affair with fried chicken is getting a bubbly upgrade. The Banchet Awards will host its inaugural Cluck ‘N Bubble, a fried chicken and Champagne celebration bringing together nine of Chicago’s top chefs for an afternoon of food, fun and friendly competition on Sunday, Aug. 23,…
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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Chicago-based Gibsons Restaurant Group is bringing its flagship steakhouse brand to downtown Nashville for the first time, marking the chain’s first location outside Illinois, according to the Chicago Business Journal. The new restaurant will open on the first floor of 414 Union Street, a hi…
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher (AI assisted)
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Chicago’s love affair with local food is in full bloom as Green City Market returns for another vibrant season, bringing together farmers, chefs, food lovers and families for one of the city’s most beloved outdoor traditions. With colorful produce, artisan goods, chef demonstrations and a st…
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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Chicago’s Taste of Greektown festival will return for its 36th year from Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30, bringing Greek food, music and dancing to Halsted Street in the city’s Greektown neighborhood. The event will run from Adams to Van Buren and is billed as Chicago’s largest cele…
- Jon Cohn
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Apparently, working as an emergency room doctor was not enough for 40-year-old La Grange native Ryan McKillip.
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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The James Beard Foundation has begun a nationwide search for the next home of its annual awards, a move that could end the ceremony’s run in Chicago after 2028, according to PR Newswire. The foundation said cities can now compete to host the James Beard Awards from 2029 through 2033, with th…
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher
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Chicago's biggest celebration of food is back, and this year's Chicago Gourmet is adding a lively new beat to the menu. Running Sept. 23-27 and powered by Invesco QQQ, this popular foodie fest will return with the playful theme, "Let Your Tastebuds Dance," blending world-class cuisine with m…
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher
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There's something magical about biting into a perfectly ripe Illinois peach on a warm summer day, and Okaw Valley Orchard is inviting families to celebrate the sweetest days of the season during its annual Peach Party on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- By 'Candid' Candace Jordan, Associate Publisher
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If your perfect summer day includes a scenic drive, charming beach town and a memorable meal, point your car toward New Buffalo, Michigan, and make a reservation at the delightful Hummingbird Lounge.
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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Chicago’s iconic Magic Mansion is opening its doors to children for the first time, according to a press release. Beginning Sunday, July 19, The Hand & The Eye will host a new family brunch for guests ages five and older. This marks the first time kids can visit the world-class magic des…
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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Chicago’s northwest side is set to host two massive craft beer festivals this July, celebrating the region’s booming brewing culture. Horner BrewFest 2026 marks its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 17, while Ravenswood On Tap returns for its ninth year on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.
- Chicago Star Media AI; Edited by Ashlea Pazan
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Two Chicago staples have joined forces to sweeten summer commutes with limited-edition ice cream pops inspired by the city’s “L” train lines. According to an announcement, Pretty Cool Ice Cream and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) launched the collaboration to celebrate National Ice Cream Month.
- David Cohn
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One of River North’s most popular destinations for Mexican cuisine, Mercadito, is officially branching out after 17 years with a new location debuting in Lincoln Park.






