gnarchief wrote:Also, the prevailing thought right now is that vaccination won’t prevent you from transmitting COVID to someone who isn’t vaccinated so living your life could kill a lot of people.

That is simply not true.

ronnie_suburban wrote:

gnarchief wrote:Also, the prevailing thought right now is that vaccination won’t prevent you from transmitting COVID to someone who isn’t vaccinated so living your life could kill a lot of people.

I've read quite a lot saying otherwise but admittedly, there's no definitive knowledge about this yet, so caution seems wholly appropriate.

I've read a lot too. What they do know is, the vaccines being given in this country are 95 percent effective. Which means, if you're not taking full precautions, you still have a 5 percent chance of getting coronavirus. If you do get it, the vaccine will prevent you from getting a severe case. But you will still be able to transmit it to others who have not been vaccinated. Which is why they say we should continue to mask and distance.

What they don't know is whether you will be able to transmit the virus to others if you don't actually have it (i.e. whether it can reside in your respiratory system without infecting you, thanks to the vaccine).

And, quite aside from the medical/scientific aspects, we don't know exactly when things will go back to a complete normal, with full-capacity restaurants, sporting and musical events, etc. That will probably depend on if and when the number of cases and hospitalizations has declined for good, approaching "herd immunity".

Ok, all. As easy as it is to drift OT, let's get back to discussion of Openings & Closings.

Thanks,

=R=
for the Moderators

Q Sushi Bar & Omakase has opened in the old Ampersand (RIP) space.

4845 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 681-0206
http://www.qsushichicago.com/

FitzGerald’s in Berwyn gains a barbecue restaurant in deal with veteran chef John Manion.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... story.html

New Garfield Park Restaurant Explores the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora

https://chicago.eater.com/2021/2/1/2226 ... o-hatchery

Chicago Joe’s Closes Permanently; Owners Selling To Developer Who Wants To Build Million-Dollar Condos
https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/02/02 ... ar-condos/

World’s First Vegan Empanada Shop to Debut in Chicago
https://chicago.eater.com/2021/2/2/2226 ... op-chicago

This won't affect many here, but the carry out location of White Fence Farm in Plainfield (123rd/Rt59) has closed.

Signage removed, and WFF website no longer lists the location.

They are down to just 4 locations, which is sad for our family, as we had been going to various take out locations for years, Plainfield being the most recent.

When I lived in the city, it was Riverside which is long gone.

I am fortunate to still have Joliet location, but its not as convenient.

Oh well

While passing by, I noticed the recently opened Offset BBQ in Humboldt Park, on California, just south of North Avenue. According to block club chicago, it opened in January and is named for the style of smoker that's being used there.

blockclubchicago.org wrote:[owners Carlo] Carani and [Doug] Pompa each have more than two decades of experience in the restaurant industry. The two worked at various 4 Star Restaurant Group restaurants, including Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park, before striking out on their own.

1720 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7753

=R=

Caro Mio is now open on Lincoln Avenue including dine-in according to a sign in the window.

jellob1976 wrote on December 17, 2020, in the Openings etc. thread:
I have to imagine that Taco in a Bag location is much smaller than the presence Caro Mio had on Wilson. I don't want to judge it before seeing the build-out though, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

The dining space is tiny with tables really crammed together. I do not see how they can use more than two or three tables with social distancing.

Caro Mio
4613 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago 60625
New website (old site links to this):
https://caromioitalianristorante.squarespace.com/#about

Fiore’s Delicatessen, Known For Bringing Pepper And Egg Sandwich To Chicago, Closes West Town Deli After 50 Years.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/02/08 ... -50-years/

I'll file this here. I noticed a liquor license application for a store at 1433 W Belmont in Lakeview. It looks like a place that specializes in selling Japanese alcohol, in a store format and not necessarily a bar (though maybe that will come). It looks like they might be a store too. Japanese convenience store on the north side? Looks like it's either open or opening soon.

Konbini And Kanpai
https://konbiniandkanpai.company.site

Chongqing Chicken Pot is (or has already) replacing Little Lamb Hot Pot in Chinatown. They specialize in dry pot (Mala Xiang Guo). They have 2 other locations in Houston and the Brooklyn Chinatown.

Chongqing Chicken Pot
2201 S Wentworth Floor 1
https://chongqingchickenpot.com/menu/23 ... rable=true

admich wrote:

Dave148 wrote:Lakeview’s New French-Canadian Bistro Dear Margaret debuts thanks to a decorated chef and a public relations representative turned restaurant owner.
Dear Margaret, 2965 N. Lincoln Ave.
https://chicago.eater.com/2021/1/20/222 ... tos-images

I'm excited for this one. The chef here really had things humming both at Table, Donkey, Stick and then later when Le Sud first opened.

$9 for a Nanaimo Bar is a bridge too far though - got me online to order a container of Bird's custard powder.

Dedicated thread here.

=R=

Dave148 wrote:Chicago Joe’s Closes Permanently; Owners Selling To Developer Who Wants To Build Million-Dollar Condos
https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/02/02 ... ar-condos/

From what I can read between the lines, it seems like the owner of Chicago Joe's likely wanted to retire. I remember as far back as 2019, that one of the local free newspapers(that you can pick up at Jewel and etc) reported a rumor about the owner of that restaurant wanting to sell off the land for condos. This is sad news to hear, and on the heels of a few years ago the 2 floor building across Irving Park Rd.(with the former Windy City Inn bar) being demolished for a blah condo building. From what I read online(and a sign posted on their front door, encouraging their customers to visit other mom and pop bars that still were open like Augie's on Wrightwood Ave west of Ashland), it seemed like the landlord of that building forced out Windy City Inn. Too bad, since that was a bar I liked back in the day.

Southport Corridor twitter feed reporting that Dinkels is "vacating" because it looks like the property is for sale. My mom talked to the owners a few months back, and the story she got was they're getting old and their kids don't want to run it. All of that being said, they're still open and their website doesn't have any formal announcement... So please go in and buy some donuts and paczkis. I really don't want this institution to leave. Their plain chocolate donuts are some of my favorite donuts ever.

https://mobile.twitter.com/SouthportCor ... 0093173760

jellob1976 wrote:Southport Corridor twitter feed reporting that Dinkels is "vacating" because it looks like the property is for sale. My mom talked to the owners a few months back, and the story she got was they're getting old and their kids don't want to run it. All of that being said, they're still open and their website doesn't have any formal announcement... So please go in and buy some donuts and paczkis. I really don't want this institution to leave. Their plain chocolate donuts are some of my favorite donuts ever.

https://mobile.twitter.com/SouthportCor ... 0093173760

Some clarification courtesy of Block Club Chicago. The property is for sale, but no concrete plans to close. The owners are "evaluating their options" which could include selling the property and relocating; selling the property with a lease for the bakery; or something else.

Still, I encourage the consumption of Dinkel's donuts regardless. Here's the article for those interested:

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/02/11 ... oker-says/

jellob1976 wrote:

jellob1976 wrote:Southport Corridor twitter feed reporting that Dinkels is "vacating" because it looks like the property is for sale. My mom talked to the owners a few months back, and the story she got was they're getting old and their kids don't want to run it. All of that being said, they're still open and their website doesn't have any formal announcement... So please go in and buy some donuts and paczkis. I really don't want this institution to leave. Their plain chocolate donuts are some of my favorite donuts ever.

https://mobile.twitter.com/SouthportCor ... 0093173760

Some clarification courtesy of Block Club Chicago. The property is for sale, but no concrete plans to close. The owners are "evaluating their options" which could include selling the property and relocating; selling the property with a lease for the bakery; or something else.

Still, I encourage the consumption of Dinkel's donuts regardless. Here's the article for those interested:

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/02/11 ... oker-says/

Dinkel’s Bakery wants to sell its Lakeview property, but the 99-year-old German bakery plans to remain in business even if the North Lincoln Avenue buildings are redeveloped.
https://apple.news/AIZihts1vTRSEMgdrffs2xw

The other day I was walking past Thai Room, 4022 N. Western, and saw there was another business there now. My bus was coming so I didn't stop to see what the new business was. Does anyone know?

cleanplateclub wrote: Thai Room Restaurant at 4022 N Western Ave is papered over. A sign in the window says "Sushi & Beyond is Coming." I would post a picture but I have never been able to make it work.

The sign actually says "Comimg" but I catch their drift.

Eater Chicago has a little more about Thai Room toward the bottom of the page at
https://chicago.eater.com/2021/1/12/22224953

excelsior wrote:The other day I was walking past Thai Room, 4022 N. Western, and saw there was another business there now. My bus was coming so I didn't stop to see what the new business was. Does anyone know?

That's sad to hear. Thai Room was the first place I had Thai food, maybe 45 years ago. A fair number of good memories there. But just thinking how long ago it was, I guess that's a pretty good run for a restaurant. Still, sorry it's gone.

In the building of doom.....but this time it might work! I sure hope so, it's always frustrating to want to stop and they aren't there anymore.

Qhttps://www.rblandmark.com/2021/02/16/a-fresh-spin-on-tradition-at-tom-n-lous-drive-in/?fbclid=IwAR2KZmqgbfLPNX6kbsGUHauFNoilk3C6XFvfk3FXx8izv0WPtJqAKD63yqQ

I haven't been there yet, but I just noticed that Koya-Wilmette has reopened under their modern reconcept, based on their new website with online ordering available.
1116 Central, 60091
847-728-0632
https://www.koyawm.com
I'm not a fan of the new menu at first glance since they've gotten rid of sushi, maki and virtually everything from their prior menu. It's poke-esque options with teriyaki proteins also available. I really hope they phase-in some forms of maki at a minimum.

Holu is slated to open May 1 according to Google. This is a new steakhouse/asian grilled meat place at Jefferson Square (2105 S Jefferson St). They will apparently have not just Asian style of meat but American steaks too while they dry age their own steaks. They posted some renderings on Google and looks like it could be pretty nice inside.

The name comes from a type of physical stove/grill in China. Owners are I think from NE China, but don't quote me on it yet.

Each table has its own grill probably for the more Asian style grill. They also say they'll have Lamb, Pork, Seafood, etc grill.

Chicago-based convenience store startup Foxtrot Market plans to nearly double its number of stores by the end of the year, thanks to $42 million in new funding.
https://apple.news/A1Snxp4YZTqmIa7SgL6bXgw

I was checking to see if Uni-Mart in Niles was open for business, as I was craving a bit of Filipino food. What came up was a Yelp post saying that people were reporting that it had closed. Did a search on LTH, but nothing has been posted about it for a few years. It's not near where I live, so I thought I'd see if anyone here can confirm this. Will be very sad if it is gone.

Dave148 wrote:Chicago-based convenience store startup Foxtrot Market plans to nearly double its number of stores by the end of the year, thanks to $42 million in new funding.
https://apple.news/A1Snxp4YZTqmIa7SgL6bXgw

This is a place that I always feel would be a good option but whenever I walk in there's nothing that appeals to me.

Cynthia wrote:I was checking to see if Uni-Mart in Niles was open for business, as I was craving a bit of Filipino food. What came up was a Yelp post saying that people were reporting that it had closed. Did a search on LTH, but nothing has been posted about it for a few years. It's not near where I live, so I thought I'd see if anyone here can confirm this. Will be very sad if it is gone.

The Google reports it as permanently closed. Phone number is disconnected.

Cynthia wrote:I was checking to see if Uni-Mart in Niles was open for business, as I was craving a bit of Filipino food. What came up was a Yelp post saying that people were reporting that it had closed. Did a search on LTH, but nothing has been posted about it for a few years. It's not near where I live, so I thought I'd see if anyone here can confirm this. Will be very sad if it is gone.

If you're looking for Filipino groceries, Assi Plaza, practically around the corner, will probably satisfy you. They won't have the hot food though. There are several Filipino restaurants just north of there, though:
Tia Mia's on the NE corner of Golf and Milwaukee (by Walmart)
Lisa and Rose Kitchen on Milwaukee just north of Greenwood
Chicken Ati-Atihan and Cid's Ma Mon Luk at Golf Glen (about a half-mile west of Milwaukee on Golf, behind Omega)
I haven't eaten at any of them, I can't make a recommendation. But there's certainly a concentration of Filipino in that area, exceeded only by Korean.

Oh, and did you know that the Uni-Mart location was the second home (after their original Chicago storefront) of Abt Electronics? From there they moved to a big facility on Waukegan that now has several tenants including 3T MRI, and then to their empire in Glenview.