Asparagus, rhubarb, lettuces are pushing their way toward the sun through Illinois soil, then towards the end of the month the crowning achievement of spring (in my opinion): strawberries. Farmers market openings are still a month away, but mouths are watering now.
While you are dreaming of the return of dining al fresco, make a mental note that Publican Quality Bread, 211 Harrison St. in Oak Park, has received the consent of the Oak Park president and board of trustees to use the alley just west of their location for open-air dining from May 4 – Oct. 31.
The landlord for 3 Fold a bakery, 401 South Blvd. in Oak Park, is asking the zoning board for permission to use nearby parking spaces for outdoor dining as well.
News broke recently about Chicago’s Half Acre and Maplewood breweries combining forces. The merger is meant to help weather changes in an oversaturated craft brewing industry. Locally Casa Humilde Cerveceria & Cocina, 7700 Madison St. in Forest Park, closed on March 1. Funkytown Brewery, which recently received a grant to open their own brewery and restaurant at 1923-29 W. Lake St. in Chicago, says that its plans are still on track.
Kinslahger Brewing Company, 6806 Roosevelt Road in Oak Park, is celebrating 10 years. Back in 2016 Steve Loranz, Neal Armstrong and Keith Huizinga followed their dreams. They threw an anniversary party on March 10, but the celebration continues. They currently are pouring a special beer called “Ein beer 10.5” to commemorate not only 10 years in business, but also five years of brewing the house beer for Babygold BBQ.
“I like to think of the beer as a special one-time variant of Babygold ColdBeer,” owner Keith Huizinga said. “It’s a little stronger. It’s a little maltier and it’s dry hopped with a variety called Loral that brings a wonderful floral aroma to the party. We hope you’ll come visit us in the taproom. These stools don’t get warm by themselves.”
Blackberry Market, with other locations in Glen Ellyn, La Grange, Naperville and Oak Brook, has signed a lease to move into the former Buzz Café space at 905 S. Lombard in Oak Park. Lots of internet buzz from customers excited to have an outpost nearby.
Not exactly food news, but I consider movie theater popcorn to be an essential nutrient. The Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St. in Oak Park, is celebrating its 90 years in business on April 22 at 12:30 p.m. You get birthday cake from Sugar Fixé.
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