This week's SAVOR with Andrew spotlight shines on Provo's Bakery.
I discovered this bakery at the Division Street farmer's market (on Division Street between State and Clark streets every Saturday at 7 a.m.-noon). Master baker/founder Wesley Kuras and his family first opened the bakery—which specializes in homemade, old-fashioned European pastries and breads—in 2000. My top picks are the apple cinnamon cake, chocolate donuts, pineapple upside-down cake and butter cookies.
Check out www.provosbakery.com/ .
—SAVOR was part of a July 27 media gathering at the new contemporary Italian spot UMMO, 22 W. Hubbard St., which will open to the public with limited reservations on Saturday, Aug. 5.
The bilevel spot—which was once Rockit Bar & Grill—offers a sleek atmosphere with a more laid-back vibe upstairs (including a pool table and fun lounge seating). However, it's the food that will likely bring people back—repeatedly.
Chef/partner Jose Sosa constantly dazzled guests with items such as gnocco fritto (a melange of pistachio, mortadella and ricotta that my dining companion said he could've eaten the rest of the night) and wagyu tartare on a caramelized onion waffle—but those were just the starters. The full dinner was more than impressive, with dishes such as wood-fired halibut; carpaccio with octopus chicharron; the silkiest tortellini (with pistachio pesto); and a show-stopping dry-aged steak. Add a dessert featuring tomato, raspberry and vanilla compote with basil sorbet, and it was an outstanding evening, indeed.
The team backing this venue includes Tzuco chef Carlos Gaytan and Somos Hospitality as well as Sosa. It's off to a very promising start.
—After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the elegant, pop-up urban picnic Le Diner en Blanc-Chicago returns Thursday, Aug. 17, at an unexpected and secret new location in the city.
According to a press release, "Chicago will go back to its roots with an intimate event for 2,500 guests to enjoy food, wine, conversation, dancing and the splendor of the Windy City. Dressed entirely in white, guests descend on a landmark public space—which is revealed in real time as guests arrive—with everything they need for an elegant soiree in tow, including folding table and chairs, gourmet picnic food, fine china, silverware and a tablecloth.
"Over the course of the evening, guests reunite with old friends and make new friends as well. The event offers attendees the perfect occasion to express their unique fashion and design style, elaborate and creative outfits, fantastic hats and fascinators, and decorative table settings."
As always, returning members received an invitation to purchase tickets, and new guests also have an opportunity to join the experience by registering for the waiting list at chicago.dinerenblanc.com and clicking on the register tab. (So far, the event is sold out—but you never know how many people may cancel.)
BTW, there are six gourmet picnic basket options for the event curated by Blue Plate Chicago Executive Chef Charles Haracz. The baskets can be found on the website.
—Condolences go to the family of Tafari Campbell.
Campbell—a former White House sous chef who later became the Obamas' personal chef—died in a paddleboarding accident near the Obamas' estate in Martha's Vineyard. He was 45.
—Drag brunches are now at =Macy's State Street's Walnut Room. (Yes, you read that correctly.)
The one-of-a-kind Lucy Stoole is the MC of the weekly events—and, to Macy's credit, there are different themes. The "2000s Drag Brunch" will be Saturday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; "The Real Housewives Drag Brunch with Whitney Rose" will be Saturday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; "Barbie Drag Brunch" (of course) will be Sunday, Aug. 13, at 11 a.m. only; and the "Mamma Mia Drag Brunch" will be Saturday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Check out www.flipphoneevents.com/chicago for tickets, etc.
—Lombard's Yorktown Center announced three new food concepts coming to the retail, dining, fitness and entertainment complex.
Local favorite craft burger and sandwich shop Empire Burgers + Brews and a new-to-market taco and tequila eatery, Ancho & Agave will both open in 2024 while Mochii Donut opened on July 24.
—File this under "Things you don't see every day."
The longtime, Virginia-based heavy-metal band GWAR is partnering with Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., The Virginia Rye Whisky to release Ragnarok Rye: Oderus Edition.
The edition commemorates the passing of lead singer Oderus Urungus (birth name: David Brockie) in 2014. Up to 200 cases of Ragnarok Rye: Oderus Edition (92 proof/46% ABV; for $99/750mL) will be available throughout Catoctin Creek's national distribution footprint beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1. See www.catoctincreekstore.com .
NOTE: More news is at the SAVOR with Andrew Substack at future3733.substack.com .
Note: No reproduction of this column is permitted under any circumstances without express prior written permission.
