T.S. Eliot might think that April is the cruelest month, but April ain’t got nothin’ on March in my opinion. March lulls us with false spring, then wallops with freezing drizzle, grey days, and nary a flower yet to be seen (unless you look really, really hard for crocus.)
All that moaning to say, cold rainy days tell me to stay home. Don’t give in. There are places to go:
Opening up: Habibi’s Chicken and Falafel, a quick service concept from local chain Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill is now serving at 421 N. Harlem Ave. in Oak Park. This location was previously Slice Factory. Free, validated parking in the lots behind the spot, between Harlem and Maple avenues.
Closing down: Milly’s Pizza in the Pan has shuttered their Berwyn location at 6737 Roosevelt. Business was fine, but family time was getting pinched with two locations said owner Robert Maleski.
Three Oak Park restaurants won the village public health department’s Johnson Restaurant Awards in recognition of having the highest two-year inspection records: Publican Quality Breads, Rustico, Sugar Beet Co-op.
In other coveted-hardware news, Climate Ready Green Awards given out by Oak Park’s Environment and Energy Commission were presented to Happy Apple Pie Shop and Daly Bagel for leadership in advancing climate-centered sustainability.
EcoWilde is an ecologically driven floral, plant and recandling (they put new wax and wicks in emptied holders) biz. They just opened doors between Ciro and Carnivore at 1046 Pleasant St. in Oak Park.
Speaking of those neighbors, Ciro has a shelf full of direct-from-Italy products for sale. Items include a hazelnut and coco spread that puts Nutella in its place.
I missed mentioning Black Restaurant Week deals in last month’s column, but I want to shout out to the local establishments that participated: Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles at 543 Madison St. in Oak Park, Rhythm & Blues Café at 7522 Madison St. in Forest Park, and TNT Rooftop Restaurant at 5405 W. Madison St. in Chicago.
Khyber Pass, 1031 Lake St. in Oak Park, celebrated their 30th year with a re-ribbon cutting.
There’s a new owner at Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs, 525 N. Harlem Ave. in Oak Park. No news on any changes in the works, but for now it’s business as usual.
The power went out at Espresso Café, 7501 Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park. It’s back on now and they need to make up for lost revenue. Go get their house-made empanadas or a guava and cheese pastry!
U3 Coffee, 7430 Madison in Forest Park, is launching a year-long Meet the Artist series celebrating local artists and promoting community connection and conversation. Each artist’s work will be displayed in the café for six weeks.
EcoWildeEats-out dined out at Little Owl Social Pub at 3747 Grand Blvd. in Brookfield. The burgers were spot-on and the tater tot nachos we ordered for the table were amazing too.
O’Sullivan’s Public House’s request to use some of the sidewalk by their 7244 Madison St. address in Forest Park was approved. Café tables are planned for warmer weather. Please April, bring us fair weather!
But if you are still focused on the lamb, get that at Carnivore, 1042 Pleasant St., Oak Park.
Got news, questions or ideas for this column? Email them to us at Eats@oakparkeats.com.