This week, SAVOR with Andrew's spotlight is actually on a book—Scrounging: A Cookbook.
This unique cookbook contains late-night, last-ditch recipes and ingenious back-of-the-pantry meals straight from movies. Scrounging includes an introduction by Matty Matheson and concoctions from 54 films, including The Breakfast Club's Pixy Stix sandwich, The Apartment's tennis racket spaghetti, The Martian's baked potato with Vicodin, Home Alone's 12-scoop ice cream sundae, Mr. Thackeray's Science Class Salad, Kramer vs. Kramer's French toast and many more.
The cookbook retails for $38; see more at https://shop.a24films.com/products/scrounging-a-cookbook.
The contemporary American spot No Vacancy, 509 N. Wells St., has launched a weekend brunch and an "early check-in" happy hour.
Regarding the brunch, Executive Chef Zenas White has created a menu with items like Bananas Foster challah French toast, barrio breakfast quesadilla and the ever-necessary hangover skillet as local DJs (Richie Olivo, Nikho and DJ Cross, for example) spin tunes each Sunday starting at 11 a.m.
The happy hour is during the week at 4-6 p.m. and includes half off appetizers, wine and draft beer. Patrons can munch on steak sliders, charred Brussels sprouts, pretzel-crusted chicken tenders and other offerings.
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant hosted "A Night of Hope" on June 11 at Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell St.
Once again, Tigist Reda, of Demera, raised money needed for Tigray children in the Hasheba Camp in the Sudan. The reception—featuring all women chefs—included Chef Sarah Stegner, of Prairie Grass Cafe; Chef Christine Cikoswski, of Honey and Butter; Chef Diana Davila, of Mi tocaya antojeria; Margaret Pak, of Thattu Restaurant; and Sandra Holl, of Floriole.
The event raised more than $11,000.
Cakebread Cellars is celebrating its 50th harvest in 2023 with passed hors d'oeuvres and a specially prepared four-course dinner on Thursday, July 13, at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House, 1024 N. Rush St., 6-9 p.m. Each bite will be paired with one of Cakebread's favorite vintages.
The cost is $275/person; to RSVP, visit OpenTable.com and look for "Cakebread 50th Anniversary Wine Dinner."
In addition to the Grant Park event in September, the 2023 Taste of Chicago will be in three neighborhood parks throughout the summer: The Taste of Chicago: Humboldt Park took place June 24, but there are still events in Pullman Park (July 15) and Marquette Park (Aug. 5). For more information, visit www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago6.html .
And the Taste of Lincoln Avenue will take place July 21-23. The entrance will be at Lincoln and Fullerton avenues (in Lincoln Park) and there will be a $10 fee for all-day entry.
Bands such as 16 Candles, School of Rock, Rosie & the Rivets, and the popular '80s act A Flock of Seagulls are scheduled to perform. Of course, there will be dozens of food vendors and local restaurants.
Visit tasteoflincolnchicago.com .
Say goodbye to Mexican fixture Dos Urban Cantina. According to a Facebook post, the Logan Square restaurant, 2829 W. Armitage Ave., is ending things as of June 30.
The post read, "Unfortunately, June is going to be our last month for operations. While we are bummed to deliver this news, we really want to take this time to say a HUGE thank you! Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for the last 8 years and sharing so, so many great memories, tasty foods and good vibes." Be sure to check out the fried plantains, various tacos and crispy chipotle wings one last time; visit www.dosurbancantina.com/ .
Also, John's Pizzeria, a fixture for more than 60 years in Bucktown at 2104 N. Western Ave., is closing after Friday, June 30.
On Facebook, the restaurant posted, "Long story short, we lost our lease. We've loved serving up Chicagoland's best pies [pizza emoji] since 1957 and hosting all your birthdays, graduations and celebrations over the decades. Thanks for all the memories."
Be sure to check out a pizza (regular or gourmet), pasta dish, entree, sandwich and/or decadent dessert by the end of the month. See more about the restaurant at johnspizzeriachicago.com .
In case you didn't know, National Caviar Day is Tuesday, July 18. Gold Coast spot Maple & Ash will mark the occasion with its "Bumps & Bubbles" Cart that has caviar (Kaluga, Ostera or Siberian) and Champagne as well as the Blackout Oyster ($26)—a Beau Soleil Oyster topped with a large serving of Kaluga caviar, then set on a chilled vodka shot served in a crystal glass.
Of course, another (more well-known) special day is the Fourth of July—and you could enjoy an al fresco brunch at the new-ish spot Evette's All Day, 2807 N. Sheffield Ave. It has a sidewalk patio that seats 20-25 people and the cuisine is quite unique in that it's a fusion of Lebanese and Mexican foods.
Breakfast is served every day at this third iteration of Evette's until 2 p.m. and includes items like tacos (such as gyro, chicken arabe and halloumi varieties), hash dishes and chilaquiles with a pita or tortilla option. Visit www.evetteschicago.com .
And if you're out near the exurb of Geneva, B.A.S.H. Burger and Sushi House (and that's quite a combo) will offer all day specials on Sunday, July 2, including $5 draft beers, $7 frozen drinks and $8 B.A.S.H. burgers in celebration of the Independence Day weekend. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy their food and drink al fresco on the shaded and modern patio area with seating for 96 guests. (B.A.S.H. is also in Ottawa, btw.) Visit www.burgerandsushihouse.com/ .
Lure Fishbar, 616 N. Rush St. (connected to the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago), has its own NASCAR-related event happening. (As everyone knows, NASCAR will hold its initial Chicago event this coming weekend.)
The NASCAR Patio Pitstop Menu includes shrimp tempura with spicy mayo, sesame and chives ($12); the bash slider, with onion-bacon jam, cheddar cheese, special sauce and pickles ($8); and the Lure Fishbar Signature Rolls including Lure house roll ($10 for four pieces) and yellowtail jalapeno roll ($10 for four pieces). The featured cocktail on the menu is a Passionflower Paloma ($10).
The menu will be available on July 1-2 at 4-6:30 p.m.
Saying it employs "a cocktail approach to coffee," Froth Cafe, 1515 W. Monroe St., has "frothtails" such as Berry the Hatchet (cold brew with strawberry-graham cracker crumble) and the Grin and Carrot (cold brew with sparkling ginger soda, carrot-apple syrup and lemon-peel garnish).
For more about this pet-friendly stop with plenty of outdoor seating and its innovative approach, visit https://www.froth.cafe/ .
The Greater River North Business Association announced that it is hosting The Market by the River—the first farmers' market in Chicago's River North area. The market (which will be open to the public) will take place every Friday on July 21-Oct. 20, 3-7 p.m., at Wolf Point Plaza, 333 W. Wolf Point Plaza (next to the Chicago River). Be sure to check it out.
