I love to eat outside. Yet, I’ve only managed to dine on my deck once this year. That’s because I draw a line when it’s over 90 degrees and 90% humidity. Still, I’ve managed to picnic at Ravinia and also in Austin Gardens in Oak Park while seeing Oak Park Festival Theater’s dazzling production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Set a route to rout your hunger at the River Forest Food Truck Rally, Aug. 22 from 5 – 9 p.m. in the Metra depot parking lot, 8001 W. Central Ave. Loading in are: Billy Bricks, Spoon Burger, Happy Lobster, 5411 Empanadas, Hawaiian Food Truck, Pinoy Grill Filipino Street Food, My Funnel Truck, Hello Boba and Roost Chicken and Biscuits. Slake your thirst with offerings from Kinslagher Brewing and Cooper’s Hawk Winery.
For splashy summer cocktails go to 6727 W Roosevelt Road in Berwyn for Autre Monde’s pop-up aperitif society. Tuesdays from 5 – 10 p.m. 15 rotating selections include non-alcoholic options. Try the Italian Stallionette – a vermouth spritz with fresh lime,orange liquor and dried lime; or the house-bottled Boulevardier – bourbon, Campari with Carpano Antica vermouth. Appetizers amuse the mouth too: black truffle fries, hummus; pita, margherita pizza and crab cake sliders.
On Thursdays head to Wise Cup, 1018 Lake St. in Oak Park, for their Mumbai burger – a veggie/potato fritter tucked inside a soft bun, graced with chutney. Get ‘em after 5 p.m. paired with a mango lassi. It’s a sweet and spicy sensation.
There is a sprinkling of news about Brown Cow Ice Cream, 7347 Madison St. in Forest Park. First, the shop was named in the Chicago Sun-Times as one of 12 artisanal ice cream shops that change the rules. In the article touting 24 flavors all with 18% of luscious butterfat, owner Colleen Brown says she opened up because there was no ice cream shop to weave summer memories in Forest Park. Her other bit of news is that she is looking for the next owner of said shop. Could you be the next scooper hero?
New Orleans in its heart, but also in Forest Park and on the sales floor, Shanahan’s, 7353 Madison St., is looking for a new owner as Tim Shanahan looks to retire. Do you have a French quarter?
Kribi Coffee, locations in Forest Park and Oak Park, got a shout-out on TV for their coffee concoction of the week (July 28-Aug 4), which was a coquito latte honoring WGN’s Ana Belaval’s 20th anniversary on the station. The name meaning “little coconut” references an eggnog-like holiday spiced drink that originated in Puerto Rico.
And now with condiments concerns in the media: on Michelle Obama’s IMO podcast Barack Obama weighed in about ketchup. In his opinion, “You should not eat ketchup after the age of eight.” He was firm that this includes all ketchup, not just ketchup on hot dogs. “You gotta outgrow it.”
The Bears football season will be upon us Aug. 10, and that makes me yearn for chicken wings. But they also pair nicely with a picnic table! You’ve got a few options locally to get your fix, including the newly opened Wings Galore at 210 Lake St. in Oak Park.
Small chain Wing Snob hasn’t been in town much longer at 7115 W. North Ave. in Oak Park. And the ‘ole poultry juggernaut Wingstop is at 515 Madison St. in Oak Park.
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Eats@oakparkeats.com.
