The Rodgers and Hammerstein gem “The Sound of Music” continues through Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. This national North American tour is being presented by Concord Theatricals NETworks Presentations and Broadway in Chicago.
“The Sound of Music tells the story of the Von Tapp Family singers. It revolves around Maria, who is in “training” to become a nun, and also pursues a job as a governess for Captain Von Trapp’s children. It’s a tale of family togetherness, love and a fondness for music and what music can bring to a home.
The production, which is directed by Jack O’Brien, celebrates the 65th anniversary of the original stage debut of “The Sound of Music.”
Starring as Maria is Cayleigh Capaldi, who exhibits exceptional vocal talents. Also offering strong vocals are Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Kevin Earley as Captain Georg Von Trapp and the cast of young singers who star as the Von Trapp children.
When it comes to soundtracks, “The Sound of Music” is a winner. Almost every tune is a favorite of theatergoers. And it’s difficult to keep from singing along during this show.
Among outstanding numbers are “My Favorite Things,” “Maria,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title tune “The Sound of Music.”
Theater fans will surely want to plan a visit to the theater to enjoy this production.
FYI: “The Sound of Music” continues to Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $140. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Cherubini’s “Medea” continues to heat up the stage through Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
“Medea” revolves around the story of Medea, a sorceress, and her husband Jason. The production is a tale of evil, murder and revenge. This compelling opera opens the Lyric’s 71st season and it’s the first time Chicago’s Lyric Opera has presented the work.
Starring as Medea is Sondra Radvanovsky, who is a powerhouse vocalist. Radvanovsky helps make this production soar with her stellar vocals and theatrical talents. Also giving excellent performances are Matthew Polenzani as Giasone, Zoie Reams as Neris, Elena Villalon as Glauce and Alfred Walker as King Creonte.
Sir David McVicar is the director of this fabulous production of “Medea.” The acclaimed music director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra as they present the soaring Cherubini score.
The sets, costumes and theatrics are definitely all something to marvel at in this show. “Medea” surely captures an audience’s attention and keeps it during the two-hour plus show.
“Medea” is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Greek National Opera and Canadian Opera Company.
FYI: Medea” continues to Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit lyricopera.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Legendary Hollywood actress Ava Gardner is the subject of a new play at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations,” starring award-winning actress Elizabeth McGovern, continues to Oct. 12. The show, written by McGovern, whom film and TV fans will know from starring roles in “Downton Abbey,”“Once Upon A Time in America” and “Ordinary People,” sheds a fascinating light on the late film legend.
Elizabeth McGovern and Aaron Costa Ganis are seen in “Ava: The Private Conversations.” Provided photo.
The play is based on interviews Gardner gave to writer Peter Evans for a book that was to be published about her. Although it was initially banned from publication, the book was printed 25 years later.
In the show, audience members are led on a journey through segments of Gardner’s career and her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and Artie Shaw as well as her relationship with the eccentric Howard Hughes.
Elizabeth McGovern. Photo provided.
McGovern, who hails from Evanston, Illinois, offers a stellar performance as Gardner in this show, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Starring as writer Evans is Aaron Costa Ganis. Ganis also portrays Rooney, Sinatra and Shaw. It’s fascinating to watch as he shifts from one character to another.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations” is making its Chicago premiere. It originally played at NY City Center. Don’t miss this interesting look at retro Hollywood and one of its most glamorous stars.
FYI: “Ava: The Secret Conversations” continues to Oct. 12 at The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $170. Call 312-753-3210, ext. 102. Visit AvaGardnerPlay.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Chicago Pride Fest (June 21-22, 2025) – Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Northalsted to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Pride Festival
Argyle Night Market (Every Thursday from July 3 – August 28, 2025) – Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer. This vibrant and award-winning event is located on Argyle, the city’s first shared street, which prioritizes pedestrians, celebrates green infrastructure, and encourages community engagement.
Windy City Smokeout (July 10-13, 2025) – The nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival returns to Chicago’s iconic United Center for its 12th year. The star-studded weekend will feature country music’s biggest names, including Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, along with an impressive roster of up-and-coming talent and over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country. In addition to the top performer in country music, the festival offers a selection of curated events, such as the “Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer” on Friday, July 11 and an epic “BBQ Brunch” on Sunday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bottomless BBQ Brunch will include a variety of dishes from the Windy City Smokeout’s Pitmaster Buffet, featuring a special Bacon Bar. Guests can also sip on mimosas and build their own Bloody Marys with all the fixings at the Bloody Mary Bar.
Photo courtesy of Windy City Smokeout
Chinatown Summer Fair(July 26-27, 2025) – This iconic event is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest. Attracting more than 50,000 people from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art, and music. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession, followed by Asian performances; kung fu demonstrations; samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops; arts & crafts exhibits; street vendors with an array of merchandise; and a children’s area.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
Lollapalooza (July 31 – August 3, 2025) – One of Chicago’s most highly anticipated summer events, this genre-defying lineup is packed with the music industry’s biggest names, along with local favorites and emerging artists.The full Lollapalooza lineup features more than 170 musical acts across nine stages, with headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky, Gracie Abrams and Doechii
Photo courtesy of Lollapalooza
Chicago Air and Water Show(August 16-17, 2025) – The Chicago Air and Water Show has been an iconic Chicago event since 1959. The annual summer spectacle is the largest and oldest free-admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The two-day event draws an audience of over one million to the city’s stunning lakefront to see pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
Chicago House Music Festival and Conference (August 22-23, 2025) – The Chicago House Music Festival is an annual celebration of the Chicago-born genre that has revolutionized dance music globally. Held in Millennium Park every summer, this joyous event attracts house fans from across the globe to hear today’s top DJs and up-and-coming talent.
Chicago Jazz Festival (August 28-31, 2025) – The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
“It’s going to be my first time performing in Chicago,” Mortimer said. The illusionist, who has been performing in Vegas for 10 years, said he looks forward to touring with his show.
“It’s very exciting for me to discover new cities and meet new people,” he said about touring. Mortimer’s show features a blend of magical entertainment. Mortimer called his production a highly “visual” magic show with grand illusions as well as storytelling elements.
“This. Is a show for everyone, from 5 to any age,” he said.
Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago.
Mortimer, who starred in Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: One,” said he co-composed much of the music in his magic show. The illusionist also has a background in acrobatics and dance.
He said he enjoyed working in the Jackson Cirque show, which was the project that initially brought him to Vegas. Mortimer, who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” has a popular social media presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
“It was an amazing experience to be part of a huge production in Vegas,” he said of the Michael Jackson show.
Mortimer said he was fascinated by magic while growing up in the south of France.
“I love magic. I’m passionate about any performance art,” he said.
“Magic is like music…there are no language barriers,” Mortimer said.
Mortimer said he is inspired by the talents of Charlie Chaplin when creating magic acts and illusions. He describes Chaplin as having had an amazing storytelling ability that allowed him to draw people in.
“I try to bring people into my world the way he did,” Mortimer said.
FYI: “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic” runs March 21 to 23 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $115. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
File this post under Seriously Cute. It’s the latest update about the meerkats at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.
This “flower power” mob consists of three juvenile sisters
At about 1.5 years old, the meerkats in this flower power mob are still considered juveniles. They were born as part of the same litter at Madison,Wisconsin’sHenry Vilas Zoo, where they were living before coming to Chicago. Their transfer is the result of a recommendation by the Meerkats Species Survival Plan®. This is a collaborative population management effort among institutions within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Christopher Bijalba/Lincoln Park Zoo
Meerkats are a matriarchal species, meaning that females are dominant. In a mob, one meerkat is always on sentinel duty, keeping a sharp eye out for predators while others forage. If they do spot a predator, the sentinel will let out a shrill call warning the other meerkats to take cover. Visitors at Lincoln Park Zoo can often spot the meerkat on sentinel duty because they’ll be standing on their hind legs atop one of the tall mounds in their habitat. The mob rotates sentinel duty throughout the day, so visitors might even catch a changing of the guard!
Christopher Bijalba/Lincoln Park Zoo
“Meerkats’ social nature and cooperation with one another is a great lesson that all of us can learn from,” said Lincoln Park Zoo Curator Cassy Kutilek. “Clover, Dahlia, and Violet are no exception; one of them is always on alert, keeping an eye on everything going on around their habitat. It’s been really rewarding to see their personalities come out as they’ve acclimated to their new home.”
Christopher Bijalba/Lincoln Park Zoo
Measuring between 10-14 inches long and weighing up to 2.2 pounds, meerkats are a small, slender member of the mongoose family whose native range spans southern Africa. As made famous by Timon in The Lion King, a meerkat’s diet primarily consists of insects like grubs and termites. They’re a very vocal species, with at least ten distinctive vocalizations, ranging from growls and clucks to their shrill alarm bark.
Christopher Bijalba/Lincoln Park Zoo
Meerkats have a grizzly gray and brown coat with a dark tip on their tail. They also have dark patches around their eyes that reduce glare from the harsh sunlight common to the savannas and grasslands they call home, not dissimilar to the black paint American football players place below their eyes for protection against the sun and stadium lights.
Christopher Bijalba/Lincoln Park Zoo
Meerkats are listed as a species of Least Concern with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List, meaning that they do not currently face any threat of endangerment or extinction.
About Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.
Fans of large scale blockbuster musicals, whether they’re on stage or screen, will want to secure a ticket to a hot show heating up The Windy City’s theater scene.
“Some Like It Hot” is currently gracing the stage at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The musical continues to Nov. 3.
The production, which is set in Chicago during Prohibition, is based on the classic comedic 1959 film “Some Like It Hot” which starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe.
Directed by Academy Award winner Billy Wilder (“Sunset Boulevard” and “Double Indemnity,” the romantic comedy/musical tells the tale of two musicians who are chased down by members of The Mob after they witness a gangster crime. Dressing up as women to join an all-girl band, the musicians flee the city as a variety of crazy antics, impersonations and other mayhem surround them.
The production is a winner on many levels. From the fast-paced humor to the powerful dance numbers and engaging tunes, this show gets a thumbs up for energy and for pure entertainment from start to finish.
Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine and Tavis Cordell as Jerry/Daphne offer strong performances as the musicians on the run. Both are fine comedic actors with dynamic song and dance skills. Also offering a standout performance in the show is Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar.
Among highlighted musical numbers in “Some Like It Hot” are “I’m California Bound,” “Take It Up A Step,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Fly, Mariposa, Fly” and “Tip Tap Trouble.”
Attendees of this show won’t be disappointed. Plan to snap up a ticket before it leaves town.
FYI: “Some Like It Hot” runs to Nov. 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $30 to $125. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Sidebar headline: Spotlight on Matt Loehr of “Some Like It Hot”
Actor Matt Loehr has been enjoying his work in the touring production of “Some Like It Hot.” The show continues to Nov. 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.
“It’s an absolute dream come true,” Loehr said, about his role as Joe/Josephine in the musical.
In the role, Loehr has the opportunity to show off his acting, singing and dancing skills.
“It’s a job that has everything. And I’m a performer in musical theater who likes to do everything, Loehr said about the triple threats of acting, singing and dancing.
The role, which is a highly physical one, he said, can be “a lot on the body and the brain.”
Loehr said he saw the classic film “Some Like It Hot” for the first time in his twenties and then “rewatched” it prior to auditioning for the live production.
The actor, who said he grew listening to all types of music, has long been interested in the entertainment field and is “grateful” to be working in the industry.
Loehr hopes audience members are truly entertained by the show and can leave their lives behind for a few hours and “have a good time.”
Travel/Food is pleased to welcome guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez who will be frequenting contributing to our site. Eloise is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Travel/Food is pleased to welcome guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez who will be contributing frequently to our site. Eloise is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
By Eloise Marie Valadez
One of the world’s esteemed film festivals is currently celebrating a monumental anniversary, The Chicago International Film Festival, marking 60 years in The Windy City, continues to Oct. 27.
The fest, which is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, features an array of eclectic films spanning various genres.
“Our 60th Festival represents a transformational year, an opportunity for renewal and growth into the next six decades. Just like our viewers and our filmmakers, the Festival itself keeps evolving, with our eyes and our ears forever open to pressing stories of today and new images of our collective tomorrow,” said festival artistic director Mimi Plauche and managing director Vivian Teng, in a statement.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Attendees of the 2024 rendition of the festival will see everything from comedic and dramatic presentations to hard-hitting documentaries, animated contributions and engaging shorts.
On the agenda this year are 122 feature films, 71 shorts, four World Premieres, 19 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres. Films starring in the fest include international works from more than 60 countries.
Among highlights this year is the closing event featuring the screening of “Here” at The Music Box Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 27. The original film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in a story with family themes at its core. The closing night program also includes A Tribute to Robert Zemeckis and the presentation of The Founder’s Legacy Award to the director.
Other films on the fest agenda include “Happy Holidays,” “Slice of Life: The American Dream,” “A Photographic Memory,” “Pavements,” “Flow,” “Ghost Trail,” “The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells” and others.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago International Film Festival.
Film festival screenings will take place at AMC Newcity 14, Music Box Theatre, Hamilton Park Cultural Center, Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago History Museum and Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at The University of Chicago.
Following a banner summer for Chicago’s tourism, hospitality, and events community, the city was honored to be voted the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Award 2024 for a historic eighth consecutive year!
Anchored by the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and other major conventions, as well as events like Lollapalooza and the NASCAR street race, visitors to Chicago filled up a total of 3.4 million hotel room nights over the summer months (June, July, and August 2024) and drove all-time records in summer hotel revenue ($942 million USD). Summer season also welcomed over 671,000 international visitors to Chicago. Looking ahead, Chicago is gearing up for a busy end of 2024, with major events like the launch of Theatre Season, Christkindlmarket, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and more set to attract visitors from near and far. Visit ChooseChicago.com for more information and travel inspiration.
Recent Accolades:
Chicago was honored to be voted the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Award 2024 for a historic eighth consecutive year. (Over 575,000 discerning and well-traveled readers participated in this prestigious survey!)
To read more about Chicago in the news, click here.
Winter/Holiday Hotel Offerings:
Beginning November 23, 2024, the Twelve Ways of Festive returns to Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with themed activations and delightful surprises to capture the whimsy of the holiday season. Over six weeks, guests can expect merry moments from tasty chef-created treats and a speakeasy to family-oriented crafts and cookie decorating in the vibrant social spaces.
NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago will host multiple events throughout the holiday season.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Viewing Party (November 23, 2024) – Experience the 33rd Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival like never before at NoMI. Enjoy lavish food stations, festive activities for the kids, and unlimited trips to the hot chocolate buffet. As the parade begins, enjoy front-row, standing-room views of the Lights Festival parade from our prime vantage point.
NoMI Lounge’s Hot Chocolate Experience (November 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025) – Launching just in time for the Lights Festival, pour yourself a cup of rich Valrhona hot chocolate, then indulge in a buffet of housemade toppings from NoMI’s pastry team. For a grown-up twist, choose from a selection of spirits to “spike” your creation.
Thanksgiving Feast (November 28, 2024) – Join us for a memorable Thanksgiving with a modern twist on traditional flavors. Executive Chef Terence Zubieta will present a 4-course prix-fixe menu featuring truffle-sage brined turkey with herb and brown butter cornbread stuffing, citrus-spiced cranberry sauce, and pommes purée. Indulge in NoMI’s decadent dessert buffet, including our signature salted caramel apple tarts, while enjoying stunning views of the Magnificent Mile from our floor-to-ceiling windows.
Cookies & Wishes: A Santa Workshop (December 7, 2024) – Join us for a magical, one-day-only holiday celebration at NoMI Lounge, where festive fun comes to life for the whole family. Take photos with Santa, decorate cookies, craft letters to Santa, and enjoy endless hot chocolate. To our adult guests, feel free to create letters to take home to your friends and family instead!
Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch (December 24-25, 2024) – Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day overlooking the twinkling lights of Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy a 4-course prix fixe menu curated by Executive Chef Terence Zubieta, starting with hearty appetizers like pomme dauphines with truffle crème, followed by entrées like Chilean sea bass with littleneck clams, king oyster mushroom, and a creamy white wine and passionfruit broth. Conclude your festive evening with a luxe dessert buffet featuring holiday favorites like bûche de noël.
New Year’s Eve Soirée (December 31, 2024) – Slip into your finest cocktail attire and join us for Park Hyatt Chicago’s Annual New Year’s Eve Soirée – a night of pure opulence at NoMI Kitchen! Start your evening with an exquisite dinner and raw bar, before dancing the night away to live music and a champagne toast at midnight.
Thanksgiving Parade View Room Package: Staypineapple Chicago is offering guests the chance to experience the magic of the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade like never before with its exclusive room package that includes a spectacular view of the parade right from their windows as it winds through the city. Guests who stay at this historic gem housed in a National Historic Landmark building from 1895 and book this package will receive complimentary gourmet popcorn and delicious hot chocolate to enjoy while watching the parade overhead from the comfort of their room. This unique experience combining history, charm, and holiday joy will create a Thanksgiving to remember for guests who choose Staypineapple Chicago for their festive winter getaway.
Theater Season Prix Fixe Menu: Atwood, a premier dining establishment located in Staypineapple Chicago, is offering a special prix fixe menu to celebrate the vibrant theater season inspired by the rich artistic heritage of the city. Just steps away from renowned venues like the Chicago Theatre, Goodman Theatre, and Cadillac Palace Theatre, Atwood invites patrons to indulge in a curated selection of dishes that pay homage to the flavors of Chicago. This exclusive menu features seasonal ingredients to create unique course options such as roasted bone marrow with apple butter mostarda, shrimp in brown butter caper sauce, and pumpkin risotto with pepitas, providing the perfect pre-theater dining experience that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening in the city.
Enjoy the holiday magic of Chicago’s Gold Coast with the Winter Wonderland Suite package at One MICHELIN Key hotel Viceroy Chicago. The festive offer includes accommodations in a one bedroom lakeview suite decorated for the holidays, curated amenities, a hot chocolate kit, cookie plate, holiday ornaments and mugs, plus a holiday coloring book and cookie decorating kit for children. This offer is valid on stays from December 1-25, 2024.
Food and Libations:
James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Clark will open Anelya in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood on October 24. The restaurant is the most personal project Clark has launched, with the name and background of the restaurant derived from his grandmother, Anelya, and it serves as her 100th birthday gift. A major focus on the culinary program from Clark will be fermentation and seasonal preservations. Chef Clark’s main menu will feature creative takes on staple dishes like Varenyky, which are similar to pierogis or ravioli, with fillings like pumpkin and farmers cheese, or even seasonal fruits like cherries as a sweet and savory application. Anelya will also offer modern takes on dishes like Holubtsi, or stuffed cabbage with sturgeon and buckwheat with caviar and sherry cream sauce. (Neighborhood: Avondale)
The Chicago City Council has approved a lease agreement to bring the flavors of a popular South Side eatery to O’Hare’s expanded and renovated Terminal 5. Bronzeville Bites will feature a signature bar with small plates modeled after Bronzeville Winery in the namesake neighborhood.
Cantina Rosa, a Mexican bar concept from Chef Erick Williams and Jesus Garcia, will open this fall. The menu will feature an expansive Mezcal and tequila program, Mexican-inspired bar bites, and a chic atmosphere with installations from local artists, spacious tables, and cozy seating. (Neighborhood: Hyde Park)
Cebu Chicago is a modern Filipino restaurant that aims to not only highlight Filipino cuisine in Chicago, but also represents Filipino culture in the USA. As a family-owned business, its mission is to showcase the richness of Filipino culinary traditions and create a welcoming environment for people to enjoy the experience. Part cafe and diner, guests will find ube waffles topped with fried chicken and a breakfast sandwich with a purple bun, hash brown medallion, and a chorizo patty. (Neighborhood: Lakeview)
The Dip Inn is an American cocktail bar coming to River North’s vibrant culinary scene in late 2024. The eatery’s drink menu will feature beverage mainstays helmed by Kevin Beary, partner and award-winning beverage director of Lettuce Entertain You’s Three Dots and a Dash and The Bamboo Room. (Neighborhood: River North)
Ēma, the Mediterranean restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, opened its second location in the Glenview neighborhood. Ēma Glenview’s menu, created by chef-partner CJ Jacobson, menu features a selection of mezze, and Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on Hummus & Spreads, Raw, Vegetable and Kebabs. Signature dishes include Moroccan Onion Dip, Tahini Caesar Salad, Octopus Carpaccio, and Spicy Brisket Kefta Kebab. (Neighborhood: Glenview)
il Carciofo, the newest restaurant from celebrity Chef Joe Flamm, will open in late fall 2024. Guests can enjoy a seasonal menu of elevated Italian favorites, including prosciutto di parma, crispy carciofo and suppli con ragu antipasti, Roman-style pizzas from a custom wood stone oven, traditional hand-rolled pasta, market-driven main courses and house-spun gelatis and sorbettis, maritozzi and zabaglione for dessert. (Neighborhood: Fulton Market)
KOVAL Distillery will debut its new luxury line, Thresh & Winnow, with a limited edition Gold Medal-winning 10-Year-Old Rye Whiskey and a Best in Class and Double Gold medal-winning Single Malt Whiskey. The distillery’s tasting room will introduce new cocktails in the fall, and its tasting room calendar includes exciting cocktail classes, tours, magic, and more.
La Grande Boucherie is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Michael Taus as the new Executive Chef. With over three decades of culinary excellence, Chef Taus brings a wealth of experience and a passion for classic and innovative cuisine. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for La Grande Boucherie as the team continues to elevate the dining experience with his creative vision and mastery of French-inspired cuisine in a classic steakhouse setting at an excellent value for the price point. La Grande Boucherie and Chef Taus are excited to bring a fresh take on the classic steakhouse experience, blending Midwestern charm with French traditions. Known for its expertly crafted cuts of prime steaks and an offering that balances accessibility with quality, La Grande Boucherie offers something for every steak lover and will expand their steakhouse offerings under Chef Taus’ leadership. Whether guests are savoring a perfectly cooked ribeye or indulging in one of the signature French-inspired dishes, Chef Taus promises an unforgettable dining experience that’s refined yet approachable. With a focus on quality and hospitality, La Grande Boucherie is redefining what it means to dine at a steakhouse in the heart of Chicago.
Nora Restaurant & Bar, a culinary gem that opened this year in Chicago, is excited to announce the arrival of its new Executive Chef, Daniele Sotgiu. With his extensive experience and passion for Mediterranean cuisine, Chef Sotgiu is set to elevate the dining experience at Nora with a unique blend of flavors inspired by his Sardinian roots. Under Chef Sotgiu’s direction, Nora plans to launch new menu items that promise to be a delectable feast for the senses. Guests can look forward to signature dishes such as the boneless branzino served with persillade sauce and vegetable caponatina, the bone-in saffron lamb shank that’s marinated overnight, as well as a rotating selection of homemade pastas. The menu will continue to highlight healthy, vibrant dishes, staying true to Mediterranean culinary culture. Chef Sotgiu emphasizes the importance of seasonal ingredients, planning to update the menu seasonally to incorporate the freshest ingredients available. The new menu aims to offer something new and unique that diners won’t find anywhere else.
Petit Pomeroy is now open in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The sister restaurant to Winnetka’s Pomeroy serves a curated selection of bistro favorites alongside kind, impeccable service. It is a special place where everything looks beautiful and everyone feels comfortable. To dine with friends or drink with colleagues is to enjoy a taste of what makes Paris neighborhoods so special: the charming bistros. And those views—both inside and out—ils sont magnifiques! (Neighborhood: River North)
Pitaki, a quick-service dining spot specializing in Greek street food, is coming to Fulton Market this fall. Avli’s new sister restaurant Pitaki is bringing the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Greek street food with pita wraps, bowls, savory Greek pies, salads, and desserts. Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant concept will feature a convenient counter for walk-up service, along with limited in-house seating and a catering program. (Neighborhood: Fulton Market)
New York pizzeria Prince Street Pizza will arrive in Chicago this fall on Randolph Street’s “Restaurant Row.” Offering square, Sicilian-style slices and original Neapolitan pizzas prepared daily from scratch, diners will get their pick of popular combos like “The Spicy Vodka” with fresh mozzarella, spicy vodka sauce, and pecorino romano and the “Green Machine” with nut-free pesto, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and black olives, alongside Chicago-exclusive offerings.
Executive Chef Pablo Mexqutitla welcomes fall with a Tortoise Supper Club tradition – The Pheasant Pie – available beginning October 1, 2024. Settle into the authentic Chicago Supper Club experience at Tortoise Supper Club with fresh, from scratch menu including prime rib, prime steaks, and fresh seafood in a swanky jazz-era atmosphere with live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays in the heart of Downtown Chicago showcasing the Pheasant Pie during the month of October. (Neighborhood: River North)
CHOOSE CHICAGO’S TRAVEL SERIES “THE 77: A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS” WINS THIRTEEN TELLY AWARDS
Choose Chicago is proud to announce that its new travel series, “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods,” has received multiple honors at the prestigious Telly Awards, a globally-recognized awards platform that honors excellence in television and video across all screens.
Pullman Historic District in the Pullman Neighborhood. Photo courtesy of the Pullman Historic Foundation.
Choose Chicago created this series in partnership with Chicago-based Skalawag Productions to showcase the rich diversity and history of our neighborhoods. “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” garnered thirteen accolades at the Telly Awards, including five Gold and eight Silver Awards.
The Chicago River flows through several of the city’s neighborhoods including River North. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Choose Chicago works to position Chicago’s neighborhoods as premier travel destinations by collaborating with local creatives, community leaders, and chambers of commerce, and by supporting community events, infrastructure development, and placemaking projects.
Saints Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church. Ukrainian Village. Photo courtesy of Eric Allix Rogers.
Rich Gamble, Interim President and CEO of Choose Chicago, expressed his excitement about the series’ success: “We are thrilled that ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ has been recognized with such prestigious awards. This series is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago’s neighborhoods and the talented team behind its creation. We hope these stories inspire viewers to further explore and experience all that our city and its neighborhoods have to offer.”
The Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
“The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” celebrates the vibrant and distinct communities that make Chicago a world-class destination. The first five episodes of the series have resonated with audiences and judges alike, earning recognition across multiple categories. The awards underscore the series’ exceptional storytelling, cinematography, and creative direction.
“Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and we took a new marketing approach that acknowledges the realties and complexities of a constantly changing urban landscape,” said Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy at Choose Chicago. “‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ series is part of our organization’s commitment to position the city’s communities as premier cultural destinations and to promote economic activity beyond the central business district.”
Aerial view of Wrigley Field. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
“Working on ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods’ with Choose Chicago has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Mark Skala, Founder of Skalawag Productions. “This series allowed us to delve into the heart of Chicago’s neighborhoods and showcase their unique stories. The collaboration with the community and the talented team at Choose Chicago made this project truly special, and we hope it inspires people to explore every corner of this beautiful city.”
Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago’s Hyde Park Neighborhood. Eric Allix Rogers photography.
“It has been wonderful to see Bronzeville featured in ‘The 77: A City of Neighborhoods,’” said Cecilia Cuff, Owner of Bronzville Winery. “This recognition goes beyond just our restaurant; it highlights the legacy and spirit of the Bronzeville community. Through this series, viewers get a glimpse into how the history and culture of our neighborhood are instrumental in revitalizing and fostering a sense of pride and unity. I am proud to be part of this celebration of Chicago’s neighborhoods and look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience all that my community has to offer.”
Legacy Walk in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Gold Awards:
Food & Beverage — Online
Travel & Tourism — Online
History — Online
Documentary — Online
Writing — Online (Humboldt Park)
The Skydeck at Willis Tower. Photo credit Ranvestal Photography.
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago’s Garfield Park Neighborhood. Adam Alexander Photography.
Funding for production of “The 77: A City of Neighborhoods” was provided by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) as part of a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The series can be viewed on Choose Chicago’s YouTube channel where visitors can immerse themselves in the unique stories and vibrant cultures of our city’s neighborhoods.
Chicago Skyline along the city’s Magnificent Mile. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community.
The Bean in Millennium Park in Chicago’s Loop. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
