As the weather turns crisp, currently thanks to the Chicago season known as “false fall” (the less evil twin of “false spring”) thoughts also turn to PSL and beer and pie and capturing what you can of the waning of the light.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house,” said poet Nathaniel Hawthorne.
You shouldn’t either. There is so much to see, do and eat:
Free! Sept. 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. get a Nashville hot chicken sandwich (while supplies last) at the new Hangry Cluck, 6620 W. North Ave, Chicago. The Saada family opened the first location two years ago, according to Chef Nas, and all offerings are halal, featuring his unforgettable Cluck sauce. It’s a family affair: children Malik, Nur, Nancy, and wife Nada are all working to bring this favor sensation to their hometown.
Congrats to Amerikas on being featured on WGN TV, laying out the particulars of Chef Armando Gonzalez’s take on chicken and waffles: chicken and churros!
Java 12, 6303 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, opened in August. Though the name suggests coffee – and they do that well – there is more on the menu. Ice cream, sandwiches, tortas, crepes, waffles, yogurt creations and house made sweet empanadas and muffins are all on offer. Tisane fruit teas are a specialty. Dried fruit tidbits flavor this hot beverage. When you are done drinking you can eat the fruit.
Another opening: The Café Oak Park, 103 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, has taken over the location that was formerly Amelie Café and before that the original location of Spilt Milk. Bubble teas, frappes, coffee, breakfast and lunch sandwiches fill the menu.
It’s been a mystery: what’s coming to the former Pieritz Brothers Office Supply building that is a renovation-in-progress at the corner of South Blvd and Ridgeland in Oak Park. The answer has been partially revealed. Plans are afoot for Still Point Books & Cocktails. “By bringing books and cocktails together, we hope to create a place that cultivates stillness, friendship, and generous imaginations. We’re thrilled to have one of Chicagoland’s best beverage directors — Chad Hauge — join our team here in Oak Park,” said Matthew Wiley, founder of the operation. Their website indicates that they are looking for funding to complete their plans.
On the Still Point’s website, there is a reference to a French pastry shop also opening in the same building.
First Watch, in the former Noodles & Co space at 7215 Lake St., River Forest, will cut the grand opening ribbon on Sept. 2. During their inaugural week, you can get a pot of their Project Sunrise coffee on the house.
The owners of the long awaited Gyumon Japanese BBQ concept at 105 N. Marion St. in Oak Park say they expect to welcome diners in September.
Get a good deal on wine and pizzas (two great tastes that taste great together – as the saying goes) on Tuesdays at Tre Sorelle, 1111 Lake St., Oak Park. Buy one pizza and get one free. If you dine in, wine bottles are 50% off too.
Pie and more pie! The Oak Park Farmers’ Market annual pie contest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6. Winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m. After that slices of pie will be plated for market visitors on a first come, first served basis.
September 26-27 is Oaktoberfest in Oak Park, Marion Street becomes a mall for all the lively events: free admission, live music, local food, family fun, and most of all beer and wine tasting. Craft a perfect “snacklace” (pretzels on a string around your neck, nibble to refresh your palate between tastings) and get thee to the fest. Drink tickets are sold day of, on site.
On a more solemn note, Kinslahger’s Paul Waldron passed away in July. He was remembered by brewery co-owner Keith Huizinga as being, “So much more than an employee, Paul’s dedication to Kinslahger and our customers was unmatched. … Paul’s friendship, commitment and spirit will be sorely missed. He spent many hours cycling around the city exploring sites that many of us would be otherwise unaware. One such site is the Lawndale Pop-up Spot, an initiative to connect history, culture, and nature — and to be a part of the great efforts taking place in North Lawndale. It is a place for community-created exhibitions, installations, and education.” Donations in Paul’s memory are welcome at www.lawndalepopupspot.org.
