Between Thanksgiving and the end of the year, there never seems to be any lack of opportunity to eat. This year, with many food security issues front-of-mind, consider sharing that feasting joy with neighbors in need. Donations of food or funds to Beyond Hunger are distributed locally.
Here are a few things otherwise going on in our neighborhoods:
North avenue’s Dunkin Donuts at 6336 W. North Ave. is getting a complete overhaul. Windows are out; scaffolding is up; a peek behind the fencing shows graffiti on the building. But no worries it’s all getting a glow-up. Down the street, the derelict IHOP building that has sat vacant for years is coming down. There are no immediate plans for another building or business on the lot.
Taglio – A slice of Rome, a pizza concept, is coming to 809 South Blvd. in Oak Park, where Angie’s Pantry used to be. Paper is up on the windows. Job listings are out on Indeed. No info yet on an opening date.
The film lining the windows at Three Fold Bakery, 401 South Blvd, is off. Coffee machines are shining on the counter, so hopefully they will start rolling out the viennoiserie pastry soon.
Takeout 25’s holiday gift card mystery bundles are back. Purchase online in $25 increments, you get one gift card for each $25 spent. Which restaurant your cards are from is a surprise, which helps spread the love as the slower, colder months of the year are a challenge for all local restaurants. How often do you get that thrill of not knowing – yet knowing it will be something good? Santa yourself! The five largest purchasers of gift cards will also receive a Takeout 25 cookbook that debuted in November, featuring recipes from 25 local favorite restaurants. Dec. 5 is the deadline for ordering. Card pickup is at The Book Loft, 1047 Lake St. in Oak Park, starting on Dec. 7.
This time of the year, you can play Dirty Santa, but if you want a dirty soda, head to Candycopia at 717 Lake St. in Oak Park. It’s a drink remix. Classic sodas are amped with creamy add-ins, bold syrups and sweet surprises that Candycopia celebrates every day. Gummy shark in your drink, anyone? Drinks are mixed to order from their own mad-scientist list or create your own concoction.
New Sound Café is open steps from the intersection of Austin & Lake, 5958 W. Lake St. in Chicago. Housed in a building that was a gospel record stores back in the 1970s, the new café roasts their own beans; has ample seating upstairs for working; and an area that converts to a reservable conference room. Pastries as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available, provided by Hatchery incubator-based Trini’s Tasty Pastries.
A bit further east at 3504 W. Lake St. in Chicago you can eat lunch on Fridays and brunch, plus lunch on Saturdays at Inspiration Kitchen. Their motto is “Dine well. Do good.” The goal of this social enterprise is to train aspiring hospitality and kitchen professionals. Seasonal dishes, with some ingredients from their own garden, join a regular menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Catering is also available.
Eats-out – we are going to try another turn at gathering, eating and chatting about what foods make us happy. This time, we are going to Café Cubano on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Alcoholic drinks separate. If you want to join in our table of eight, email me at the address below.
Got news, questions or ideas for this column? Email them to us at Eats@oakparkeats.com.
