88 Marketplace had its grand opening yesterday - a 80,000 sq ft Chinese market that is the largest in the Midwest and might be one of the largest in the US. They have a food court there too with Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc food although it's unclear if that opened yet. I believe they have food from not just China here too as well as a lot of other products from all over Asia including alcohol. This is part of the new, huge 300,000 square foot Jefferson Square (aka Tianyi Square) development. Keep in mind that the average supermarket in America is around 40,000 sq ft - this is much larger.

Pictures here of the grand opening ceremony including Illinois rep Theresa Mah and alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/IDlcr4ZqbxKrnvYqlSjTrQ

88 Marketplace
2105 S Jefferson St (East Pilsen)
Open daily from 8am - 8pm
(312) 846-6962

https://www.facebook.com/88MarketplaceChicago/

A few more openings:

1) Fish taco joint Don Pez Fish Tacos has opened at 844 W Armitage in Lincoln Park serving...fish tacos. If I'm not mistaken, this was primarily a mobile food stand/food truck previously now with a brick and mortar location.

https://www.facebook.com/donpezfishtacos/

2) Latin seafood restaurant Azul Mariscos has opened at 1177 N Elston along the river - former home of Estate - and featuring a big mural from an artist from Mexico City. They also have cocktails, wine, champagne, and hard liquor. SocialLight runs this new spot, who also ran Estate previously in the same location. They will also have a rooftop.

Azul Mariscos
1177 N Elston
Thursday & Friday 4pm - Midnight
Saturday & Sunday 11am - Midnight
(773) 770-3766
https://azulmariscos.com

3) Small Hawaiian food chain Hawaiian Bros opened in the Kitchen United location at 831 N Sedgwick St - doing delivery/take out. They have locations in Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. The website says they're also opening another outpost at 3517 N Spaulding, not far from the Addison Blue Line train stop.

Serving spam musubi, a handful of chicken dishes, and some Kalua style pig. They also have dole whip, which I really crave and wish the mainland had more of.

Hawaiian Bros
831 N Sedgwick (Kitchen United - delivery/take out only)
https://hawaiianbros.com

4) BBQ chain Smokey Bones also opened at 831 N Sedgwick doing take out/delivery. Their only other Illinois locations are in Rockford and Champaign - now Chicago.

Smokey Bones
831 N Sedgwick (Kitchen United - delivery/take out only)
https://smokeybones.com

From Ronny’s Steakhouse FB page:

Farewell, Chicago.........

It has been an historic run; it’s time to turn off that famous neon sign one final time.

From a foundational dream in 1963, both a legacy and legend were born. Excellent food, great service, and amazing prices were the keystones to our success. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated staff and fabulous customers.

It’s been our honor and privilege to serve and employ our spectacular city’s citizens. From the corner of Randolph and State to Clark and Lake and all the locations in between, Ronny’s has stood as a beacon welcoming all of Chicago, and those from around the globe, into our dining room and family. For this, we will be eternally grateful.

A million “thanks” for the good times.
Hold on to the memories.
We won’t say “good bye” but rather “until we meet again”.

Dave148 wrote:From Ronny’s Steakhouse FB page:

Farewell, Chicago.........

It has been an historic run; it’s time to turn off that famous neon sign one final time.

From a foundational dream in 1963, both a legacy and legend were born. Excellent food, great service, and amazing prices were the keystones to our success. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated staff and fabulous customers.

It’s been our honor and privilege to serve and employ our spectacular city’s citizens. From the corner of Randolph and State to Clark and Lake and all the locations in between, Ronny’s has stood as a beacon welcoming all of Chicago, and those from around the globe, into our dining room and family. For this, we will be eternally grateful.

A million “thanks” for the good times.
Hold on to the memories.
We won’t say “good bye” but rather “until we meet again”.

It's been over 20 years since I've eaten at Ronny's. I used to work at WLS radio, basically in the mailroom, and the randolph/lake location was in my regular lunch rotation. The other mailroom guys used to mock me whenever I went, and caution against misconceived notions of foodborne illness. They never got it. I typically stuck to some variation of grilled chicken (usually tossed in bbq) with fries, and it was always tastey... but I was always envious of the wings. Cooked to order and hand tossed in front of the customer. They looked delicious (wish I wasn't so strict about my diet back then).

And their $9.95 steaks were never great, but they were a welcome respite for those who didn't have expense account steak dinners in their future.

Oh yeah, and eating inside the state and randolph location was like a quick trip to Disneyland. That sort of cheesy ambience can't be recreated easily. The clark and lake location just couldn't match it. Ronny's, you'll be missed.

Not sure exactly when it happened, as there's no Facebook update indicating it, but sadly, Semiramis is permanently closed. We called last week to confirm and their phone number was no longer in service, and it's listed as permanently closed on Google. We'll really miss this place--I really liked the whole chicken with toum, and it was one of the few places in town you could get a decent kibbeh nayyeh (I've tried it from Libanais and found it wanting).

marothisu wrote:The Han Burger
3220 W Grand Ave (Humboldt Park)
Open Wed-Mon from 11am - 9pm. Closed on Tuesdays
https://www.thehanburger.com

Per their website, they moved to 850 W Superior in River West. I think it's only pick up and delivery, and I believe it's another one of those "cloud kitchen" locations.

Updated hours:
Monday: 11am - 9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wed - Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat: 12pm - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 9pm

The Chicago Brauhaus Is Back: Iconic German Bar Will Reopen Next Week Inside Lincoln Square’s DANK Haus
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/09/08 ... al-center/

Saying the Brauhaus is opening in the DANK Haus is a stretch. Moving the decor and fixtures would be more accurate.

For anyone still working in the Western part of the Loop, Beatrix is back. Sort of. They're offering a minimal selection of sandwiches and salads for walk-ins. If you're a planner, you can order from a more extensive build-your-own salad/sandwich menu with lots of other options, including pizza, for pick-up. Breakfast options are similarly limited; no chilaquiles.

Former Sabatino’s Chef’s New Restaurant Opens This Month — And He’s Bringing Back Some Beloved Dishes

https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/09/09 ... his-month/

Downtown steakhouse the Grill on the Alley, known for solid classics like shrimp cocktail, steak tartare, and Key lime pie, is permanently closed

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/5/12/212 ... oronavirus

Dave148 wrote:

Former Sabatino’s Chef’s New Restaurant Opens This Month — And He’s Bringing Back Some Beloved Dishes

https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/09/09 ... his-month/

This is where Aiello's Golden Crust used to be located at, they've been closed for many years.
Anyone know if they were connected to the still going strong Golden Crust on Kedzie and Eastwood

Wells Street Market is closing on Friday = https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... story.html

Avvio is taking reservations or bookings now. Avvio is the new restaurant of former chef(s) of Sabatino's. They have a FB page looks like you can make reservations through there. Anyone been yet? Thoughts? Looks like most of Sabatino's former menu is there (not seeing a lot of flaming table side dishes), but staples seem to be there.

Sabatino's was my parents favorite restaurant, but they are in their 80s so I will have to bring Avvio to them via take out.

https://www.facebook.com/avvioitaliankitchen/

Madame Zuzu's has reopened as a "multi-media venue featuring a plant-based café, retail, art, and entertainment."
1876 First St.
Highland Park, IL 60035
https://www.madamezuzus.com

La Macchina in downtown Evanston is no more.
https://patch.com/illinois/evanston/two-downtown-evanston-restaurants-close-permanently

The Unicorn Cafe at 1723 Sherman has closed after being in business for 30 years according to the Patch.

The Chicago Board Game Café has been sold by Cards Against Humanity. It will reopen as the Chicago location of Snakes & Lattés, a Canadian board game café chain on October 14, 2020.

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/9/17/214 ... wn-chicago

Fat Willy's Rib Shack

It’s with deep gratitude and a true shade of sadness that we are announcing our closure at the end of this month. Sunday, September the 27th, will be our last day of operation. We have been serving the neighborhood for 19+ years and we have been humbled and honored to serve so many incredible guests. Many of you became a special part of our lives and it was an amazing thing to feed you all. We will miss our restaurant guests and employees. We all look forward to a renewed and brighter future.
-Fat Willy’s Rib Shack

From their facebook page:

Dear Kiki’s Bistro Family Of Friends,

50 years of classic French fare for Chicago comes to an end September 30, 2020.
We appreciate the birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions and everyday meals that you spent dining and laughing with us. Those memories have sustained us through the last few months, as your visits did for those many years.

We acknowledge our staff who served hospitality in the dining room and worked magic behind the kitchen doors. They spent so much time with us and you each week. Several have worked with us over a decade, some over two.
It is a bittersweet moment, bein sur.

Kiki, 87 ans, is attempting retirement with an open eye for a potential petite Kiki’s — a tiny, cozy reboot with the potential to offer authentic French fare you love on a very intimate scale. Let us know if you’re interested and know of a wonderful mignon space.
To keep a part of Kiki’s in your home or business and help us along into the next chapter, please attend our auction 9/21-9/23 and share the link.
https://www.proxibid.com/.../Kiki-s.../ ... log/186080

We hope Kiki’s Bistro remains in your hearts forever as it will in ours. Let us stay in touch @Kiki’sBistro on Instagram or Facebook, oui?

C’est pas mal. Sante.

KIKI’s

Lawry’s is closing at the end of the year. https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... utType=amp

Shin Thompson and Līga Sigal have soft opened Bokuchan's, a Japanese curry house in a virtual kitchen in Avondale. It is currently available to be ordered through the Toast platform for take out and delivery.

Menu: https://www.toasttab.com/bokuchans/v3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bokuchans/

Bokuchan's
3517 N Spaulding Ave
Kitchen 136
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 562-8440

Dave148 wrote:Lawry’s is closing at the end of the year. https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... utType=amp

sad to see it go. the kind of place I love and my wife hates.

Looks like Pierogi Heaven in the Loop on 169 N Wells is permanently closed:

lodasi wrote:Shin Thompson and Līga Sigal have soft opened Bokuchan's, a Japanese curry house in a virtual kitchen in Avondale. It is currently available to be ordered through the Toast platform for take out and delivery.

Menu: https://www.toasttab.com/bokuchans/v3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bokuchans/

Bokuchan's
3517 N Spaulding Ave
Kitchen 136
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 562-8440

LTH,

The tangential discussion that sprung off from this post has been moved to its own thread and can now be found here.

Thanks,

=R=
for the Moderators

Iconic Arlington Heights Arlington Cake Box Bakery closes after 71 years.

After more than seven decades, the iconic Arlington Cake Box Bakery in Arlington Heights has served its last chocolate chip coffee cake and Campbell Street Special.

The third-generation owners announced Monday that Sunday had been the last day for their mom-and-pop business after 71 years at two locations in the village.

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/202009 ... on-heights

https://www.facebook.com/pg/cakeboxbake ... e_internal

Famed deep-dish pizza chain Gino’s East and first-floor brewpub Gino’s Brewing Co. are permanently closed in the former LaSalle Power Co.

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/5/12/212 ... oronavirus

Coming sometime soonish in Lincoln Square is Pastores + Brunch, a place with a menu so varied that, well, I don't want to prejudge. Hopefully their blackened tilapia, baos, burgers, chicken caesar pita wraps, mochis, omelettes, eggs benedict, steak, crab cake salads, etc. are actually as good as the pastor (and hopefully the pastor is delicious).

Pastores + Brunch
4661 N. Lincoln
(773) 961-7841
www.pastoresbrunch.com

MarlaCollins'Husband wrote:I don't want to prejudge. Hopefully their blackened tilapia, baos, burgers, chicken caesar pita wraps, mochis, omelettes, eggs benedict, steak, crab cake salads, etc. are actually as good as the pastor (and hopefully the pastor is delicious).

Wow, can't wait! Going to get a blackened tilapia bao, off menu of course, and a side of pork jowl keeeeenWaaaaaaa.

G Wiv wrote:

MarlaCollins'Husband wrote:I don't want to prejudge. Hopefully their blackened tilapia, baos, burgers, chicken caesar pita wraps, mochis, omelettes, eggs benedict, steak, crab cake salads, etc. are actually as good as the pastor (and hopefully the pastor is delicious).

Wow, can't wait! Going to get a blackened tilapia bao, off menu of course, and a side of pork jowl keeeeenWaaaaaaa.

I can't tell if you are joking or really taking a jab at this place, but I would just like to say:

1. I have had numerous conversations with the gentleman who is patiently awaiting permits before opening. He seem genuine, passionate and has tons of experience in the industry.

2. Yeah, the menu is ambitious but it's pretty clear where core strengths lie and I'm sure he will adapt.

3. Take a look at the menu at Yellow Rose Cafe, which you seem to enjoy. Equally broad and lots of incongruous choices.

I look forward to giving it a try and supporting a truly independent local business. I will report on it whether I like it or not but Count Me Hoping To Be A Fan .