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  • Adelita Grijalva Sworn In As The House’s Newest Member, Paving The Way For An Epstein Files Vote – KXL

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Adelita Grijalva was sworn in as the newest member of Congress on Wednesday, more than seven weeks after she won a special election in Arizona to fill the House seat last held by her late father.

    Grijalva was sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Wednesday shortly before the House returned to session to vote on a deal to fund the federal government. After delivering a floor speech, Grijalva signed a discharge petition to eventually trigger a vote to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, giving it the needed 218 signatures.

    Grijalva’s seating brings the partisan margin in the House to a narrow 219-214 Republican majority. She vowed to continue her father’s legacy of advocating for progressive policies on issues like environmentalism, labor rights and tribal sovereignty.

    In a speech on the House floor after being sworn in, Grijalva said it was time for Congress “to restore a full and check and balance to this administration.”

    “We can and must do better. What is most concerning is not what this administration has done, but what the majority of this body has failed to do,” she said.

    The seating of Grijalva brings an end to a weekslong delay that she and other Democrats said was intended to prevent her signature on the Epstein petition .

    Johnson had refused to seat Grijalva while the chamber was out of session, a decision that prompted condemnation from Grijalva, a lawsuit from Arizona’s attorney general and speculation that Johnson was delaying her induction into the House to stall a vote on whether to require the Justice Department release documents related to the late convicted sex trafficker.

    Grijalva had said she would join the petition from Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., after taking office, giving it the 218 signatures needed. Three Republicans have signed onto Massie’s petition — Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

    President Donald Trump has been reaching out about the Epstein petition to Boebert and Mace, according to a person familiar with the effort who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

    A busy first day
    Grijalva’s arrival kicks off a busy day on Capitol Hill as hundreds of House members return, their trips potentially complicated by travel delays caused by the shutdown.

    Lawmakers who win special elections typically take the oath of office on days when legislative business is conducted. But with the House out of session since Sept. 19, Johnson had said he would swear her in when everyone returned. He did swear in two Republican members this year when the chamber was not in legislative session.

    “I don’t think he’s thought of anything that he’s doing, in this case, as anything personal,” Grijalva told The Associated Press in an interview. “It feels personal because, literally, my name was attached. I also know that if I were a Republican, I would have been sworn in seven weeks ago.”

    “We’ve been waiting for this so long that it’s still surreal,” she said.

    She will start her House tenure by voting on the Senate-passed legislation to reopen the government. Grijalva and most Democrats are expected to oppose it because it does not extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire at the end of the year. Republicans can still pass the bill with their slim majority.

    The 218th signature on an Epstein file discharge petition
    Grijalva is the final necessary signature on a discharge petition linked to legislation that would require the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents and communications related to Epstein and his sex trafficking operation. But her move will not mean a vote right away, due to House rules.

    Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern, the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, said he expects voting on the Epstein bill to take place in early December.

    Emails released Wednesday from Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are likely to reignite interest in the issue. Epstein wrote in a 2011 email that Trump had “spent hours” at Epstein’s house with a victim of sex trafficking and said in a separate message years later that Trump “knew about the girls.”

    “The Democrats selectively leaked emails to the liberal media to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

    Leavitt and Republicans on the committee said the person in question was Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with a number of his rich and powerful friends. Giuffre, before she died this year, had long insisted that Trump was not among the men who had victimized her.

    Arizona’s first Latina congresswoman
    Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Adelita’s father, died in March after more than two decades in the House, where he built a reputation as a staunch progressive.

    Adelita Grijalva has long been active in local politics. She served on the Tucson Unified School District board before joining the Pima County Board of Supervisors, where she became only the second woman to lead the board.

    She won the Sept. 23 special election with ease to complete the remainder of her father’s term, representing a mostly Hispanic district in which Democrats enjoy a nearly 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans. Grijalva said the win was emotional.

    “I would rather have my dad than have an office,” she said.

    She told the AP that environmental justice, tribal sovereignty and public education are among her priorities, echoing the work her father championed.

    “I know that the bar is set very high, and the expectation is high of what we’re going to be able to do once sworn in,” she said.

    Jordan Vawter

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  • Jillaroos beat Kiwi Ferns in tense Pacific Championships clash

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  • Indianapolis’s 50 Newest Listings: September 8, 2025

    Indianapolis is one of the Midwest’s fastest-moving markets, with homes selling in a matter of days and drawing consistent buyer interest. The median sale price reached $255,000 in July 2025, and properties typically go pending in just 15 days. Redfin’s Home Trends data shows buyers here often paying slightly above list price, with a 101.1% sale-to-list ratio, and keeping their eyes on features like spacious open layouts, inviting outdoor spaces, and modern kitchen updates. With demand this strong, Indianapolis continues to shine as a competitive yet accessible place to buy.

    Latest Indianapolis listings

    8545 La Corrida Ct, IN 46227

    • Price: $100,000

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 882

    • Year Built: 1980

    6616 Stonepoint Way, IN 46237

    • Price: $489,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,990

    • Year Built: 2018

    2302 S Pennsylvania St, IN 46225

    • Price: $389,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 3

    • Square Feet: 1,590

    • Year Built: 1925

    2435 N College Ave, IN 46205

    • Price: $499,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 3,004

    • Year Built: 1910

    1134 Gilbert Ave, IN 46227

    • Price: $165,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,309

    • Year Built: 1954

    1303 Deloss St, IN 46203

    • Price: $472,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,940

    • Year Built: 2022

    5968 Quail Run Ct, IN 46237

    • Price: $195,000

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,163

    • Year Built: 1995

    1548 Broadway St, IN 46202

    • Price: $1,025,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 3.5

    • Square Feet: 4,065

    • Year Built: 2008

    7326 Hartington Pl, IN 46259

    • Price: $422,500

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 3,348

    • Year Built: 2004

    719 E McCarty St, IN 46203

    • Price: $378,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 2,208

    • Year Built: 1890

    4625 Rookwood Ave, IN 46208

    • Price: $340,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 2,000

    • Year Built: 1915

    8988 Pine Cone Way, IN 46268

    • Price: $179,900

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 1,180

    • Year Built: 1980

    125 David Lind Dr, IN 46217

    • Price: $242,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 2,364

    • Year Built: 1954

    7554 Briarstone Dr, IN 46227

    • Price: $239,900

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,558

    • Year Built: 1997

    3440 Brewer Dr, IN 46222

    • Price: $215,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 957

    • Year Built: 1958

    3842 Priscilla Ave, IN 46226

    • Price: $214,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 2,080

    • Year Built: 1955

    247 Hendricks Pl, IN 46201

    • Price: $245,750

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 2,760

    • Year Built: 1920

    1810 Bellefontaine St, IN 46202

    • Price: $630,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 3.5

    • Square Feet: 4,035

    • Year Built: 2019

    5858 Timber Lake Blvd, IN 46237

    • Price: $275,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,544

    • Year Built: 1990

    1149 E Market St, IN 46202

    • Price: $220,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 4,632

    • Year Built: 1910

    8509 Mills Rd, IN 46241

    • Price: $275,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 1,701

    • Year Built: 1969

    6702 Jackson St, IN 46241

    • Price: $220,000

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 2,352

    • Year Built: 1940

    8459 Seattle Slew Ln, IN 46217

    • Price: $320,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 2,001

    • Year Built: 1987

    8030 Cork Bend Ln, IN 46239

    • Price: $199,900

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,494

    • Year Built: 2005

    4310 E 42nd St, IN 46226

    • Price: $260,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,526

    • Year Built: 1956

    5653 Crittenden Ave, IN 46220

    • Price: $295,000

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,597

    • Year Built: 1983

    1105 Worcester Ave, IN 46203

    • Price: $139,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 932

    • Year Built: 1951

    2915 Parr Dr, IN 46220

    • Price: $289,900

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 1,328

    • Year Built: 1964

    5123 Brookstone Ct, IN 46268

    • Price: $300,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,526

    • Year Built: 1996

    4464 Andscott Dr, IN 46254

    • Price: $254,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,318

    • Year Built: 1983

    6180 Norwaldo Ave, IN 46220

    • Price: $315,000

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 1,425

    • Year Built: 1931

    1640 Walpole Way, IN 46231

    • Price: $365,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 3,174

    • Year Built: 2002

    1983 S 800 W, IN 46239

    • Price: $375,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 2,162

    • Year Built: 1972

    4511 Angelica Dr, IN 46237

    • Price: $320,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 2,313

    • Year Built: 2011

    422 W 41st St, IN 46208

    • Price: $295,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,992

    • Year Built: 1925

    4314 Dudley North Dr, IN 46237

    • Price: $225,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 1,403

    • Year Built: 1959

    1625 N Dequincy St, IN 46218

    • Price: $169,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 1,026

    • Year Built: 1956

    2829 Manlove Ave, IN 46218

    • Price: $169,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 960

    • Year Built: 1960

    3048 Falcon Dr, IN 46222

    • Price: $169,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 840

    • Year Built: 1955

    1820 Hibiscus Dr, IN 46219

    • Price: $245,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,491

    • Year Built: 1969

    221 Miley Ave, IN 46222

    • Price: $149,900

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 1,053

    • Year Built: 1920

    7108 Hearthstone Way, IN 46227

    • Price: $239,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,669

    • Year Built: 1975

    1807 Fullerton Dr, IN 46214

    • Price: $304,900

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 2,214

    • Year Built: 1994

    9155 Centenary Ln, IN 46113

    • Price: $259,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 1,792

    • Year Built: 2004

    1145 Rosner Dr, IN 46224

    • Price: $199,000

    • Beds: 2

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 1,456

    • Year Built: 1942

    1702 Charter Oak Cir, IN 46260

    • Price: $329,900

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 1,759

    • Year Built: 1972

    9063 Rigging Ct, IN 46256

    • Price: $405,000

    • Beds: 4

    • Baths: 2.5

    • Square Feet: 3,226

    • Year Built: 1989

    7773 Paddington Ln W, IN 46268

    • Price: $275,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 2

    • Square Feet: 1,872

    • Year Built: 1987

    3343 Graceland Ave, IN 46208

    • Price: $320,000

    • Beds: 3

    • Baths: 1.5

    • Square Feet: 2,123

    • Year Built: 1930

    2603 Collier St, IN 46241

    • Price: $89,500

    • Beds: 1

    • Baths: 1

    • Square Feet: 644

    • Year Built: 1940

    The post Indianapolis’s 50 Newest Listings: September 8, 2025 appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

    Marissa Crum

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  • Alice Soper: Rugby’s next evolution is happening with Black Ferns’ revelation

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  • A River North Bar Wants to Lure Younger Drinkers With Quality, Affordable Cocktails

    Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ overhaul of the Hub 51 space in River North starts with the unveiling of a wallet-friendly cocktail bar. Gus’ Sip and Dip aims to prove that downtown bars can pour quality cocktails at affordable prices at all times of the day, not just happy hour.

    The menu will consist of classic cocktails all priced at $12. A bar program with housemade ingredients, — including juices and syrups — as well as in-house ice making will help keep prices low.

    Costs are a worry, but Kevin Beary also cites hard seltzers and ready-to-drink canned cocktails as reasons the next generation of drinkers has shifted away from cocktails that are mixed in front of them by bartenders. “It’s a concerning sign when we see folks of the younger age groups gravitating towards those,” says Beary.

    “I’m so concerned for the future of cocktails that I feel like I need to expose as many people to great classic cocktails as possible,” he adds.

    Gus’, which should debut next month at 51 W. Hubbard Street, is Beary’s brainchild — he’s the beverage director of Three Dots and a Dash, the Bamboo Room, and the Omakase Room at Sushi-san. For the 30 cocktails, Beary promises ingredients, techniques, and presentations that guests are familiar with and a curated selection of premium spirits. “Instead of offering a 200-bottle back bar where I have a ton of inventory, I’m focusing solely on the spirits we use to make the cocktails,” he says.

    Complementing the cocktail list — ranging from a “killer White Russian” and amaretto sour to a traditional martini — will be an ambiance that channels classic taverns. “It’s supposed to feel like a bar that could have been there for the past 50 years,” Beary says. “Classic in nature, very approachable, and somewhat familiar.”

    Glassware also went through a careful selection process, especially since the various glasses will be stored in freezers under the bar. “I wanted to have every piece of glassware come chilled,” he says.

    Taking over one-third of the former Hub 51 space, Gus’ Sip and Dip will seat about 75 guests. Located in the center of the room, the 25-seat U-shaped bar will feature leather-wrapped arm rails. Leather booths surround the room with a few high-tops near the bar.

    In addition to cocktails, a light and a dark beer have been custom brewed for Gus’. Beary says McSorley’s Old Ale House in New York, which has been open for two centuries, inspired the move. He declined to say which two breweries were making the beer. There’ll be cider, too. Wine offerings will be limited to a red and white burgundy.

    The food menu, headed up by RPM Restaurants chef Bob Broskey, will feature classic tavern favorites, including a wagyu French dip, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, and a burger.

    “I’m trying to create a bar that is going to be very appealing to your seasoned cocktail drinker but can also be a really good introduction to this classic style of drinks for the next generation,” says Beary.

    Hub 51 had a 16-year run before it closed in June. Sharing the Hub 51 space with Gus’ will be Crying Tiger from HaiSous chef Thai Dang, opening next year.

    Gus’ Sip and Dip, 51 W. Hubbard Street, opening in December

    Lisa Shames

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  • Michelin-Starred Galit Unveils an All-Day Cafe in Lincoln Park

    Michelin-Starred Galit Unveils an All-Day Cafe in Lincoln Park

    The team behind Michelin-starred Galit will open an all-day cafe next to their award-winning restaurant. Chef Zach Engel and partner Andrés Clavero plan to debut Cafe Yaya this winter at 2431 N. Lincoln Avenue, sandwiched between the Biograph Theater and Galit.

    The counter-service cafe will debut with morning pastries and an al carte dinner menu, but there are plans for lunch, brunch, and takeout, according to a news release. It’s a walk-in cafe with reservations available for parties of four or more. Cafe Yaya’s second floor will be available for private events, and ownership hopes to work with local artists, teachers, and entrepreneurs.

    Engel and Clavero feel the new project is a natural extension of Galit, and that the new cafe will further nurture the Lincoln Park community. Mary Eder-McClure, Galit’s longtime pastry chef is baking pastries like walnut baklava; fig, goat cheese, and zataar-stuffed challah, potato bourekia (a savory hand pie) with everything spice; and a vegan apple puff with sahleb (a Middle Eastern milk pudding).

    Beyond the more casual setting, Cafe Yaya’s wine program will diverge from Galit with bottles from overlooked regions, including Chinon, France; and South America. There will be plenty of wines by the glass with the selection curated by Scott Stroemer, Galit’s bar director.

    Galit set a standard for food with Israeli and Palestinian influences, and Engel is a James Beard Award winner. Cafe Yaya’s dinner menu with a blend of French, Jewish, Southern, Middle Eastern, and Midwestern touches. They’ll pour coffee from Sparrow Coffee Roastery, a familiar sight at many local fine dining restaurants.

    News of Clavero and Engel’s project broke in the spring 2023, and progress has inched along. Meanwhile, Galit has continued to star with a family-style multi-course meal. Construction is still far from completion, so expect more details as 2024 comes to an end.

    Cafe Yaya, 2431 N. Lincoln Avenue, scheduled to open in winter 2025

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    Ashok Selvam

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  • Inside Avondale’s Nostalgic Pierogi Palace

    Inside Avondale’s Nostalgic Pierogi Palace

    One bite of Max Glassman’s pierogies is all it takes to taste the difference. In his alter-ego, Pierogi Papi, Glassman saves the city from mundane and limp Polish dumplings. He’ll stuff his with traditional fixings like cheese and potato but also deviate with braised beef or caramelized onion.

    He’s popped up across the city, including Moonwalker Cafe in Avondale. The Chicago Reader’s Monday Night Foodball hosted him at an event last year. But after years of wandering, it appears Glassman has found a semi-permanent base of operations in Logan Square at one of the city’s most unique bars, Consignment Lounge.

    Mark Pallman and Katie Piepel opened the bar in September 2022 in Avondale at 3520 W. Diversey Avenue and have stuffed the bar with a mishmash of trinkets liberated from estate sales, auctions, and antique malls. Pallman explains everything in the bar is for sale, including vintage sports memorabilia — he recalls a poster featuring members of the 1986 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears was a hot item. The poster captured players in the locker room wearing towels. There are also paintings, hats, old glassware, comics, and books: “It’s a smattering of things I like,” Pallman says.

    Just like bucia used to make.

    A cocktail in a highball.

    At $12 to $14, the cocktails are affordable.

    A bar with vintage gear stuffed into a shelves with loungey furniture.

    Everything is for sale.

    Piepl and Pallman were introduced to Glassman as a patron. The bar had a revolving slate of food vendors and Pierogi Papi blew them away. And so, for the last few weeks, Glassman has been a fixture on Thursdays and Fridays. Milo’s Market is another Consignment Lounge regular, popping up when the schedule permits. Their specialty is “beeria” grilled cheese.

    Pallman has a background in advertising and Piepl in real estate. The purchase of Consignment Lounge’s building was. at first, investment property for the couple, who have been married for four years: “I’ve always loved taverns and dive bar cocktails,” he says. They have a small staff of bar veterans. Jana Heili (Machine, The Walk-In) and Mark Bailie (SmallBar, Punch House) developed the drink recipes. KB Woodson (Stop Along, Harding Tap) handles staff relations.

    Consignment Lounge’s drinks aren’t as fancy — or expensive — as some cocktail lounges, but they’re well thought out and more than hold their own. Pallman says it’s the customer service that makes the bar special.

    Two bartenders working the stick.

    These bartenders have experience at some of Chicago’s most popular spots.

    Luxury, redefined.

    The space also has its share of CRT TVs, which they can hook up to a streaming device to watch movies or even live sports. Some customers are tricked into thinking there’s some sort of nostalgic video filter being applied. No, that’s just an old-school 4:3 aspect ratio.

    Hopefully, by spring, Consignment Lounge will unveil an enclosed patio that could hold 30 to 40 people. The bar should grow, Pallman says. After all, the original concept is the evolution of a basement.

    Walk through the space below.

    Consignment Lounge, 3520 W. Diversey Avenue, open 4 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday; noon to 2 a.m. on Saturday; noon to midnight on Sunday. Pierogi Papi onsite at 6 p.m. until sold out on Thursday and Friday nights — check social media to confirm.

    Yes, that’s a St. Louis football Cardinals penant.

    Color TVs are huge.

    Get snacks and a show.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 Finale: MVPs, Fit Lords, and More Murders

    ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 Finale: MVPs, Fit Lords, and More Murders

    Mallory Rubin and Ben Lindbergh crack the case to recap the Only Murders in the Building Season 4 finale. They discuss how this season’s central mystery measures up to past seasons, the (at times overly) self-referential aspects of the series, and how it sets up Season 5 (1:46). Later, they award a handful of superlatives, including favorite episode, smartest red herring, best (or worst!) podcasting moment, the season’s fit lord, and much more (22:54).

    Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Ben Lindbergh
    Producer: Kai Grady
    Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles

    Subscribe: Spotify

    Mallory Rubin

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  • GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE

    GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE

    I’ve been looking for the right apartment close enough to work, in the right price range, and availability for a few months now and just about twenty minutes ago or so the manager of the property sent me a text and said that I had it!! GUYS I’M SO FRIGGIN PSYCHED

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  • Kuma’s Corner Calling it Quits in Fulton Market After Seven Years

    Kuma’s Corner Calling it Quits in Fulton Market After Seven Years

    Kuma’s Corner’s seven-year run in Fulton Market is coming to an end. The burger restaurant will close on Friday, November 1, confirms owner Ron Cain. The original announcement came earlier in October via WGN-TV.

    Cain says workers were informed of the pending closure at 852 W. Fulton Market on Monday, October 1. After the shutter, three Kuma’s locations would remain: the original in Avondale, a suburban restaurant in Schaumburg, and another in Indianapolis.

    The chain debuted 19 years ago at 2900 W. Belmont Avenue. The restaurant was a pioneer, open in Avondale before venues like Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Parachute, Beer Temple, and Dmen Tap arrived. Kuma’s quickly gained credibility for loud music, often showcasing bands on independent labels. As the hype increased, folks not into that music scene began infiltrating the restaurant and Kuma’s turned down the volume. Ron Cain, Mike’s brother, bought the business and the restaurant added locations in Lakeview, Schaumburg, and Vernon Hills. Kuma’s also poured beer from local craft breweries, which appealed to suburban dads.

    When Kuma’s opened in Fulton Market, it was a departure from the independent vibe of the original. The restaurant wanted to compete in an area crowded with restaurants along Fulton Market and near Randolph Restaurant Row. The bar that once detested bros and ballcaps was now inviting them inside to watch the game and even advertising on sports radio.

    However, COVID arrived in 2020, and the pandemic crushed restaurants. Inflation remains, even after a vaccine. Ron Cain blamed inflation for the Fulton Market closure, saying economic forces made operating the restaurant unsustainable. The local craft beer scene has also imploded in recent years, with breweries closing at a record clip.

    Additionally, the parent company behind Kuma’s in June filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the time, Ron Cain said he expected the company to emerge from the filing as a health entity. In September, Ron Cain’s attorneys submitted a plan to pay off $3.4 million in debt (which includes a $2.5 million claim from Mike Cain), according to court documents. Chapter 11 offers protection, so parties who file don’t pay the full amount of what’s owed. Instead, they pay a portion or a fair pro-rata share. The next court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • The Best Places to Eat in Central Illinois

    The Best Places to Eat in Central Illinois

    That pre-#MeToo shenanigans are alive and well inside of Snappers in Clinton will be an immediate showstopper for most. To them, it’s a bit like watching old episodes of “Cheers” here in this bar that time forgot, while also not acknowledging that “Cheers” was a great show. The men who frequent Snappers, bless them, still catcall the female bartenders from time to time, and those bartenders, in ways attributed mostly to Dolly Parton movies from the 1980s, reply, “Oh, you hush” or “Come on now,” with a smile. This is not so much an endorsement as it is something to ponder, and canceling the entire affair would mean missing out on what locals call, “Good, basic grassroots food.” That is, when it comes to food, the very highest of praise around Central Illinois, and when it comes right down to it, the food at Snappers is bar food that wears its heart on its sleeve, while also being so much more. The burgers, especially, are as incredibly well-crafted as they are hefty, and more power to anyone who can finish an entire one in a single sitting. Should you be brave enough to try, there might be some hootin’ and hollerin’ from the locals as they watch you struggle, and that’s when the realization hits. Snappers, it turns out, is part of the cultural fabric that makes up Clinton. Anyone who lives there will be quick to admit that they are a bit old-fashioned, which may not be to everyone’s liking, but at the same time, Snappers patrons aren’t ones to judge and will always accept those merely passing through Clinton without needing to tell them they’re accepted. That should just go without saying. There are reasons why the country is so divided, anyone at Snappers will tell you, but none of those reasons has anything to do with pulling up for a meal and a beer and simply saying hi to folks, with or without the catcalls.

    Timothy DePeugh

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  • Behold West Town’s New Tavern-Style Pizzeria With an Edge

    Behold West Town’s New Tavern-Style Pizzeria With an Edge

    West Town’s new pizzeria replacing Parson’s Chicken & Fish is here at long last. Dicey’s Pizza & Tavern has kept busy over the last week inside the former Parson’s at 2109 W. Chicago Avenue. Parson’s owners did a light remodel, matching the decor to the original Dicey’s that opened in 2022 in Nashville.

    Dicey’s specializes in Chicago thin-crust pizza, commonly known as tavern style. Though the pizzeria debuted in Tennessee, owners Land & Sea Dept. are a Chicago company known for Parson’s, Cherry Circle Room, Lonesome Rose, and other local restaurants and bars. Dicey’s pizza is razor-thin without the puffs customers can find on the edge of some Chicago crusts. Dicey’s uses cup-and-char pepperoni cups which start on one of its specialty pies, Peppy Boy (pepperoni, hot honey, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, spicy tomato sauce). There’s also a classic sausage and giardiniera. For now, it’s dine-in and pick-up only.

    Dicey’s takes over the former Parson’s space.

    Three slices of Chicago pizza on a dish and a glass of beer.

    3 pizzas on a table.

    The vegan Earth Crisis (left), Pep Boy (center), and sausage and giardiniera.

    A close up of a sausage and giardiniera pizza.

    The crust is very thin and crunchy.

    A bowl of tots, a plate of Buffalo wings, and a salad.

    Tater tots, chicken wings, and salads are also on the menu.

    A vegan pizza without cheese is called Earth Crisis, a nod to the hardcore band from Syracuse, New York that’s famously straight edge and vegan. The pizza comes piled with tomato sauce, eggplant, roasted onions, chili flakes, basil, lemon, and olive oil. Dicey’s decor strays from Chicago tradition with motorcycles and skeletons (vaguely reminiscent of Twisted Spoke). It’s more of an edgy feel versus red and white tablecloths, and that makes the inclusion of a somewhat obscure hardcore band fit with the environment. Land & Sea co-owner Cody Hudson says the company’s art director, Drew Ryan, would wear Earth Crisis shirts at the office, and when it came to figuring out names for pizzas, the idea presented itself. Ryan also helped organize a hardcore show on the patio at Dicey’s in Nashville, which led to a collaboration with Nashville vegan bakery Guerilla Biscuits.

    But West Town, full of families, might not be the scene for hardcore. Don’t sweat it. Dicey’s has high chairs, even ones that are tall enough for high-top tables. Three pinball machines from Logan Arcade on the first floor, and a trio of vintage arcade cabinets on the second-floor ledge that houses an additional bar and more seats ideal for a large group. There are only two TVs in the space, which means this isn’t a sports bar. The old fireplace, a holdover from the old Old Oak Tap days, remains on the first floor.

    On the beverage side, there’s a mix of local beer and natural wines. There’s also frozen cocktails — they’re still using the machines left over from Parson’s. Some wine bottles are also available to go in a cooler in the back of the restaurant. The restaurant is also near All Together Now, one of the best wine stores in town, so that’s an option for carryout.

    Other standouts are juicy Buffalo wings, tater tots, and salads. A sign near the bathrooms declares that “you can win friends with salads,” a poke at the old Simpsons gag, and perhaps a sign of confidence in Dicey’s salad game.

    Dicey’s certainly talks a good game — they snagged space in an Esquire story last year about tavern pizza. But Chicago, no matter what Jerry Reinsdorf may say, is no Nashville. There’s more competition here. See if Dicey’s can walk the walk in the photos below.

    Dicey’s Pizza & Tavern, 2019 W. Chicago Avenue, (773) 697-3346, open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, order pickup via Toast

    The exterior of Dicey’s.

    The patio remain instact.

    The exterior of Dicey’s with large windows.

    Dicey’s is family friendly until the sun sets.

    The interior of Dicey’s Pizza.

    The space has done through a light remodel.

    The center bar at Dicey’s.

    Folks will recognize the fireplace from the Old Oak Tavern days.

    The cooler behind is for to-go drinks and stocked with bottles and cans of wine.

    The all-season room as three pinball machines from Logan Arcade.

    In the background, the stairs to the second-floor landing can be seen.

    “WWF Superstars,” “Battletoads,” and “Super Mario Bros.” can be played.

    A bar with stools and tables on the other end.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • “Y’all Yelled About It” Plus a Comic Book Check-in With Kerm

    “Y’all Yelled About It” Plus a Comic Book Check-in With Kerm

    Y’all yelled about it, and we heard you! Today, Jomi and Steve will dive into a few of the many shows and movies in the world of fandom that you have suggested we watch, including From, Slow Horses, and The Wild Robot. Later, producer Kerm joins to discuss some of our favorite recently released comic books!

    Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman
    Producer: Jonathan Kermah
    Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal

    Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts

    Jomi Adeniran

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  • Michelin Will Announce Chicago, D.C., and New York Stars in December

    Michelin Will Announce Chicago, D.C., and New York Stars in December

    Chicago restaurants must wait until December to learn if they’ve earned a Michelin star. Like last year, the tire guide will bundle announcements for Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. at a private party held in New York.

    Michelin will announce on Monday, December 9 at a ceremony held at the Glasshouse in New York. Last year’s announcement came in November, and the big news was Smyth joined Alinea as the only two restaurants in Chicago will a full three Michelin stars. Daisies also received a Green Star which recognizes a commitment to environmental sustainability. There is some irony as the tire company created the guide to encourage car travel.

    Twenty-one Chicago restaurants have Michelin stars, one of the highest restaurant honors. But in recent years, local tourism boards have been attracting the Michelin Guide to their cities to help boost travel. Some have questioned whether this waters down the honor. The bib gourmands, a designation that recognizes value for the money, will also be announced.

    The guide has been rating restaurants in Chicago since 2011. The guide arrived in New York in 2005 and in D.C. in 2017. The guide is in eight American markets: California, Florida (Miami/Orlando/Tampa), Colorado, Atlanta, and Texas. It’s also in Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico, and Quebec.

    A fundraiser for Northern Thailand

    Northern Thailand has been in crisis with floods and typhoons. The government ordered evacuations, shelters were set up, and hundreds of animals needed rescue. Waters have since receded, but aid is still required. NaKorn, an upscale restaurant that opened in 2016 in suburban Evanston, is holding a fundraiser dinner to help the community. Proceeds from the Sunday, October 20 event will benefit underprivileged children and families in Thailand. There are two seatings and reservations are available via OpenTable.

    Goose Island’s Rare Day

    Goose Island Beer Co. won’t hold its annual Propreitor’s Day, an event that celebrates the Chicago-area-only release of a Bourbon County Brand Stout variant. It’s the one packaged in a blue box and the flavors change every year. Instead, Goose has unveiled a replacement centering around another variant: Rare Day. The event will take place on Saturday, November 16 at the Goose Island Barrel House. There were two sessions, but the early session has already sold out. Tickets for the $160 event are on sale via Oznr.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • Indianapolis vs Louisville: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

    Indianapolis vs Louisville: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

    You might be considering a house in Indianapolis or an apartment in Louisville, as both cities offer distinct living experiences. Indianapolis provides more affordable living and a relaxed, Midwestern pace, while Louisville offers a blend of Southern culture and vibrant urban life. Whether you’re drawn to the open spaces and suburban feel of Indianapolis or the historic charm and lively atmosphere of Louisville, choosing the right place to call home is a big decision.

    From real estate prices and job prospects to cost of living and cultural experiences, there’s a lot to consider. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the key differences to help you determine which city is best for your next move.

    Housing in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    Housing in Indianapolis

    Indianapolis offers a variety of housing options, from suburban neighborhoods to urban downtown apartments. Homebuyers will find affordable single-family homes with larger lots, particularly in suburban areas like Carmel, Fishers, or Greenwood. Indianapolis’ housing market is known for its spacious living compared to many urban regions, making it appealing for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to city amenities.

    indianapolis apartments and houses for rent

    Housing in Louisville

    Louisville’s housing market offers a mix of urban, suburban, and historic living. Buyers can choose from charming Victorian homes in Old Louisville to modern condos in downtown areas. The city’s mix of green spaces and culturally Louisville neighborhoods makes it an attractive option for homebuyers and renters alike. Louisville is still relatively affordable, though housing prices have risen in recent years due to growth in demand.

    townohouses houses and apartments for rent and sale louisville

    Cost of living in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    The overall cost of living in Louisville is about 5% higher than in Indianapolis, driven primarily by differences in housing, utilities, and lifestyle expenses.

    1. Utilities

    Utilities in Louisville are about 11% less expensive than in Indianapolis. While Louisville’s larger population and older infrastructure might drive up utility use, Indianapolis benefits from more modern, energy-efficient buildings, which can keep utility costs higher despite the city’s infrastructure being newer.

    2. Groceries

    Grocery costs in Louisville are approximately the same as in Indianapolis. Louisville’s urban demand for diverse food options keeps prices similar to Indianapolis, which benefits from its proximity to agricultural regions that help keep food prices stable.

    3. Transportation

    Transportation costs are roughly the same in both Indianapolis and Louisville. While Louisville offers a more developed public transit system and higher parking fees in urban areas, Indianapolis remains more car-dependent, but both cities have similar commuting costs overall.

    4. Healthcare

    Healthcare in Louisville is around 30% more expensive than in Indianapolis. Louisville’s broader range of specialized medical services contributes to higher healthcare costs, while Indianapolis provides more budget-friendly options with fewer specialized healthcare facilities.

    5. Lifestyle

    Lifestyle costs in Louisville are about 10% higher than in Indianapolis due to the city’s vibrant arts scene, dining, and entertainment options. Indianapolis offers similar cultural experiences, though at a more affordable price, making it attractive for those seeking a lower-cost urban lifestyle.

    louisville ky of skyline and ohio river

    Indianapolis vs Louisville in size and population: A tale of two distinct cities

    Indianapolis and Louisville, while geographically close, differ significantly in size and population. Indianapolis covers about 370 square miles with a population of roughly 888,000, offering a mix of urban and suburban living. The city has a bustling downtown and sprawling suburbs, with more space for parks and residential areas. In contrast, Louisville spans around 400 square miles with a population of about 387,000, creating a more compact, urban atmosphere. While Indianapolis provides more open space and a quieter lifestyle, Louisville’s dense urban environment offers quicker access to cultural events and activities.

    Weather and climate in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    Both Indianapolis’ climate and Louisville’s climate experience all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. However, Indianapolis tends to have harsher winters, with more frequent snowstorms, particularly in northern parts of the city. Louisville, being farther south, enjoys milder winters with more rain and less snow. Both cities experience similar summer heat and humidity, but Louisville often has longer, warmer summers. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can affect both areas, though Indianapolis’ colder winters and Louisville’s longer summers mark the primary climate differences.

    indianapolis weather and things to do

    The Job Market in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    Indianapolis: A diverse economy rooted in manufacturing and healthcare

    Indianapolis has a strong job market driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and tech. The city’s employment rate is around 66%, with a median household income of about $67,000. Key industries include pharmaceuticals, logistics, and tech, with major employers like Eli Lilly, Salesforce, and Cummins offering a range of job opportunities. With an average hourly wage of $29.11, Indianapolis provides competitive wages in sectors like healthcare, tech, and education.

    Louisville: A growing hub for healthcare and logistics

    Louisville’s job market is centered around healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, with UPS Worldport being one of the city’s largest employers. The employment rate in Louisville is about 60%, with a median household income of $62,000. The average hourly wage in Louisville is $27.87, reflecting the city’s more affordable cost of living. Healthcare giants like Humana and Norton Healthcare, as well as a growing tech sector, contribute to Louisville’s diverse job market.

    bourbon tour louisville

    Transportation in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    Indianapolis: Car-dependent with limited public transit

    Indianapolis is largely car-dependent, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting. Public transportation is limited, though IndyGo provides bus services throughout the city. The expansive highway system around Indianapolis makes driving a convenient option, but outside of downtown, biking and walking are less common. The city has made some efforts to expand bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas, particularly downtown, but for the most part, Indianapolis remains reliant on cars.

    Louisville: Growing transit with car-friendly options

    Like Indianapolis, Louisville is predominantly car-dependent. The city’s transportation system includes bus services through the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), but many residents still rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute. Louisville is more walkable in its downtown and historic neighborhoods, and it has made strides in creating bike-friendly infrastructure through programs like the LouVelo bike share. Compared to larger cities, Louisville offers more ample parking options, making driving the primary mode of transportation for many.

    Travel in and out of Indianapolis vs Louisville

    Both cities offer significant travel connections, although Louisville has a more centralized airport hub for international flights. Indianapolis provides a range of travel options, including an international airport, major highways, and Amtrak service, making it easy to travel in and out of the city.

    • Indianapolis: Indianapolis International Airport, Amtrak routes, Greyhound services, and extensive highway connections.
    • Louisville: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Amtrak access via nearby cities, Greyhound, and Megabus services.

    louisville ky steamboat

    Lifestyle and things to do in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    A day in the life of an Indianapolis resident

    Living in Indianapolis offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban excitement. Mornings might begin with a coffee at a local café in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, or for those in the suburbs, a quiet start to the day on the porch. Downtown Indianapolis brings a mix of bustling streets and peaceful green spaces, providing residents with easy access to both work and leisure. Weekends are spent enjoying local farmer’s markets, attending Colts games at Lucas Oil Stadium, or exploring the city’s arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts often head to nearby parks for a hike or bike ride, while the city’s many cultural attractions offer endless entertainment options.

    Top things to do in Indianapolis:

    Google Street View inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art

    Indianapolis parks and green gems:

    Google Street View of agle Creek Park

    Indianapolis tourist attractions:

    • Indianapolis Motor Speedway
    • The Indiana State Museum
    • Indianapolis Zoo
    • White River State Park
    • The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

    A day in the life of a Louisvillian

    Life in Louisville is a blend of Southern charm and urban excitement. Mornings might begin with a cup of bourbon coffee at a local café, followed by a stroll through historic neighborhoods like Old Louisville. Weekends are for exploring the lively food scene, attending one of the many festivals, or taking a walk along the scenic Ohio River. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy walking through Waterfront Park or visiting one of the city’s many parks, while those looking for entertainment can take in a performance at the Kentucky Center or catch live music at a local bar.

    Top things to do in Louisville:

    Google Street View of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

    Louisville parks and green gems:

    Google Street View of the Waterfront Park

    Louisville tourist attractions:

    • Churchill Downs
    • Kentucky Science Center
    • Louisville Mega Cavern
    • Louisville Zoo
    • Belle of Louisville Riverboats

    Food and culture in Indianapolis vs Louisville

    Indianapolis: A taste of heartland comfort

    Indianapolis boasts a food scene that combines traditional Midwestern comfort with modern culinary innovation. Known for its iconic pork tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pie, the city embraces its agricultural roots while offering a growing selection of diverse dining options. Indianapolis has seen a rise in farm-to-table restaurants and an expanding craft beer movement, with local breweries becoming a staple in neighborhoods like Fountain Square and Broad Ripple. The city’s cultural identity is also deeply connected to sports and racing, with the Indianapolis 500 serving as a yearly highlight. Festivals, state fairs, and local events bring the community together, showcasing everything from artisan foods to live music. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back meal or exploring the city’s evolving food landscape, Indianapolis offers a warm, welcoming taste of Midwestern comfort.

    Louisville: Bourbon, barbecue, and the Kentucky Derby

    Louisville’s food scene offers a unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern influence, with bourbon-infused dishes and classic Southern fare like hot browns and fried chicken. The city is part of the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail, drawing food and drink lovers from across the country. Louisville’s neighborhoods, such as the Highlands, are home to a variety of culinary experiences, from fine dining to vibrant food trucks. In addition to its food scene, Louisville is known for the Kentucky Derby, a world-renowned cultural event that combines horse racing with elaborate hats, mint juleps, and parties. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, with festivals, theater, and live music filling the calendar year-round.

    Indianapolis racingn and sports

    Sports scene in Indiana vs Louisville

    Indianapolis: A basketball and motorsports powerhouse

    Indianapolis is synonymous with sports, especially basketball and motorsports. Known as a basketball hub, the city is home to the Indiana Pacers, offering an exciting NBA experience at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the passion for basketball extends throughout the state with deep roots in high school and college teams. Hoosier basketball culture thrives here, bringing communities together. Indianapolis is also the proud host of the iconic Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event, drawing motorsports fans from all over the globe to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every May. Beyond basketball and racing, football is a major part of the city’s sports identity, with the Indianapolis Colts playing at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

    Louisville: Horse racing and college basketball pride

    Louisville’s sports scene is best known for the Kentucky Derby, an iconic event that draws international attention every May. Churchill Downs serves as the heart of horse racing culture in Louisville. The city also has a strong basketball presence, with the University of Louisville Cardinals competing at the highest levels of NCAA basketball. Football is also popular, with college and minor league teams contributing to the city’s sports identity. Louisville Slugger Field offers baseball fans the chance to see the Louisville Bats, a Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, in action.

    louisville sports and football team

    Holly Hooper

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  • A Dominican Legend Known for Her Fried Chicken Rises Once More

    A Dominican Legend Known for Her Fried Chicken Rises Once More

    At around noon on a Friday, chef and owner Miriam Montes de Oca hurried out of her restaurant, Morena’s Kitchen, and headed to Rush Medical Center. Her 26-year-old daughter, Tatiana, was giving birth to Montes de Oca’s second granddaughter, Hailey. “I ran to the hospital because Tatiana was supposed to have the baby quickly, but [Hailey] didn’t come until the next day at 8 o’clock in the morning,” she says.

    Hailey’s arrival coincided with the revival of Morena’s, as Montes de Oca had recently reopened the restaurant at a new location, 3758 W. North Avenue in Humboldt Park. She shut down the original restaurant — located about three miles west in Belmont Cragin at 5054 W. Armitage Avenue — three years ago.

    Welcoming a new granddaughter while restarting her business has been a whirlwind for Montes de Oca, but she’s enjoying the journey. Before the closure, for five years, Morena’s Kitchen served Dominican staples like sancocho, oxtail, and red snapper — and Montes de Oca’s famous Dominican fried chicken.

    Holding a piece of fried chicken.

    The chicken is legendary.

    The spice blend for that chicken hasn’t changed, and Montes de Oca guards the recipe with absolute secrecy. Diners can also taste that it’s been cleaned in the Caribbean way, with citrus or vinegar. Heated online debates over whether you should wash meat — the CDC says no, almost everyone with melanin says yes — fail to realize that most Caribbean, Asian, and African meat-washing techniques serve mainly as a brine to remove the gamy taste meat can often have, giving the dish a clarity of flavor, which Morena’s chicken — and their oxtail and lengua — have. “That fried chicken can’t go nowhere,” Montes de Oca laughs. “People love it the most.”

    Montes de Oca closed her restaurant in January 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a hard time. There was not enough money coming in, so I preferred to close down before it was too late for me,” she says.

    A woman warming tortillas on a black flattop.

    Miriam Montes de Oca cooking in her new kitchen.

    Miriam Montes de Oca smiles while cooking in a kitchen using a pan on a gas range.

    Miriam Montes de Oca puts a plate of food on a steel case.

    She took a job with United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport to pay bills. With the extra time not running a restaurant, she was able to help Tatiana with her 2-year-old daughter, Catalina. Free airplane tickets also allowed Montes de Oca to go back to the Dominican Republic three to four times a year after not having been home for nearly two decades. “I was without my country for 16 years,” she says. “And when I closed the restaurant, I went back and I fell in love with my country again.”

    Montes de Oca got the opportunity to reopen Morena’s when Vladimir Rodriguez, the owner of a Mexican bar and restaurant called La Leña, found he could no longer handle the expenses. He offered the restaurant space to Montes de Oca, and she didn’t hesitate. Rodriguez kept the bar half of the space, connected to Morena’s through a sliding door that’s usually open with customers easily moving through both businesses. The partnership has been good. “We work together,” Montes de Oca says. “The clients that drink over there, they ask for my food. And when people finish eating here, they say, ‘Oh you got a bar next door?’ and I tell them to go ahead and take a look.”

    Still, when customers search Morena’s by name online, the old location still pops up instead of the new North Avenue location and La Leña comes up when searching by address. “I need to change it,” Montes de Oca says. “Everybody is confused. They ask me, ‘Are you La Leña’s, are you Morena’s? Are you Mexican, are you Dominican?’”

    A shrimp cocktail, a bottle of red soda, rice, and more on square plates on a table.

    Seafood and other Dominican specialties are available.

    The best way to find the address, hours, and special announcements is through Facebook and Instagram — Morena’s regulars will find the menu unchanged, with a notable new section. Although firmly a Dominican restaurant, Montes de Oca retained some Mexican holdovers from La Leña’s menu like tortas, tacos, burritos, and chilaquiles. She notes that keeping the items helps La Leña’s old diners with the transition, but they also sell extremely well because she offers less commonly served meats like tripe and lengua.

    Business has been good overall, with some ebbs and flows, Montes de Oca says. “To be out of the business for almost three years? I can’t complain.”

    Many of Morena’s customers have transitioned to the new location seamlessly, either through word of mouth, Facebook posts, or walking by and doing a double take when they see the old sign. “Three days ago, one customer came and said ‘More, I thought somebody stole your name!’ I was like, ‘No, it’s me, I’m here. I’m back in business.’”

    On weekends, Montes de Oca serves Dominican dishes like chivo guisado and rabo guisado (Dominican-style braised goat and oxtail). It can be hard to source specifically Dominican ingredients — especially Dominican oregano, which has a stronger flavor — but Montes de Oca gets many ingredients from a Dominican Chicagoan who brings it back from trips to New York. The restaurant also stocks traditional Dominican sodas, like the brand Country Club, in addition to more familiar brands like Mexican Jarritos.

    Other options included mondongo, or tripe stew, and sancocho, a Latin American meat and vegetable stew widely thought to have roots in the Afro Latino community, whose ancestors were forcibly brought to the Caribbean, South and Central America by Spanish enslavers. Montes de Oca is Afro Latina, hence the name of the restaurant and Montes de Oca’s nickname, More. Morena means “dark-skinned” in Spanish, often referring to Latinas of African descent. As for the nickname, Montes de Oca says it’s a positive thing, although many people ask whether it bothers her. “I say no. It’s sweet, not the bad way. And it’s true. I am Morena, and it’s my nickname in the Dominican Republic, too.”

    Cooked shrimp stuffed in a veggie.

    One of the more distinctive Dominican staples available at the restaurant every day are los tres golpes, meaning “the three hits” in Dominican Spanish — fried Dominican salami, fried eggs, and some fried cheese. Montes de Oca eats it with mangú, a cousin of Puerto Rican mofongo made from boiled plantain that she squishes like mashed potatoes.

    Montes de Oca tops tres golpes with a savory onion gravy cooked in oil and vinegar. The rotisserie chicken — which fans of Peruvian pollo a la brasa will find familiar. Served with plain white rice, it’s her oldest granddaughter Catalina’s favorite meal.

    Morena’s presence on the Chicago food scene is a relief for Dominicans in the city and surrounding suburbs since there isn’t much Dominican — or Caribbean — food in Chicago. Puerto Rican restaurants abound due to the large community here, but if you’re of Virgin Islander and Trinidadian descent like me, Guyanese, Bahamian, Haitian, or Dominican, the options get fewer and fewer. The Caribbean still maintains a presence on the dining scene in Chicago; Cafe Trinidad, 14 Parish, and Garifuna Flava are all great places.

    Montes de Oca says one of her customers recently came in and excitedly told her about a Haitian restaurant near O’Hare, called Kizin Creole. “I told him, ‘For real, they got Haitian food?’ And I want to go try it because when I’m not here, I want to try something different. I like to go out with my kids and eat different foods and support other businesses because right now we need to help each other.”

    A seafood cocktail with shrimp and octopus tendrils.

    Chicago lacks the abundance of choice diners might find in cities like New York, Miami, or Toronto, where clusters of Caribbean restaurants are within walking distance of each other. Montes de Oca says she would love for the options to diversify for Caribbean diners in Chicago and fans of our food, and she sees herself as part of that push.

    Montes de Oca, who has lived in Chicago for 27 years, says she sees that changing in the coming years as New York, home to one of the country’s biggest Dominican communities, gets increasingly expensive. “Lots of Puerto Ricans and Dominicans are coming [to Chicago] from New York now. I have family in who are like ‘I can’t afford the city anymore, I’ve got to go.’”

    Even though the Dominican community here in Chicago is small, Montes de Oca says they find a home with many of the Puerto Ricans in the city, both being from Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries, with African, Indigenous, and European influences, as well as other bursts of migration from South and East Asia and the Middle East. “We’re brothers and sisters. We eat the same thing with different names,” Montes de Oca says. For example, she’s happy to make jibaritos — a sandwich of meat in between huge slices of smashed and fried plantains — for her Puerto Rican customers, who represent a large portion of her customer base. Jibaritos are one of those Chicago staples that have become famous because of the Puerto Rican community here. But, it’s also a Dominican food — Montes de Oca says they call it patacón.

    A fried fish on a plated with salad and fried plantains.

    Whole-fried fish.

    Roasted chicken topped with red onion and red peppers, with a mound of rice and salad.

    There’s more than fried chicken.

    In some ways, Montes de Oca feels her new location is a seamless transition. In other ways, she feels like she’s starting over from scratch. Food costs were a particular shock, and she’s learning how to deal with inflation.

    “When I went to the grocery store [three years ago], my plantain was like $35. Now it’s $47,” she says. “My oil was $19. Now it’s $30.”

    Morena’s stays open much longer — until midnight most days, and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday — than most restaurants in the city. That’s despite restaurants rolling back hours during the pandemic due to labor and decreased business. At Morena’s, the longer hours are also an attempt to enliven the Caribbean dining scene here in Chicago.

    Chicago’s restrictions don’t support street or late-night food culture, between infrastructure that’s hostile to walkers and those who take public transit, cultural differences that encourage fast eating, and lowered profits coupled with rising food costs. But Montes de Oca is giving it a go.

    “I need to make this happen, and my people are happy with that because they say, after 7 o’clock, you don’t find any Caribbean food open,” she says. “You can’t find food from us.”

    Morena’s Kitchen, 3758 W. North Avenue

    Nylah Iqbal Muhammad

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  • The Ultimate Guide to Halloween 2024 in Chicago

    The Ultimate Guide to Halloween 2024 in Chicago

    The Buffy pop-up in Wicker Park is among 20 great Halloween pop-ups. | Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

    These bars and restaurants have plentiful tricks, treats, and spooky scares

    No, it’s not just you. It does feel like it’s way too early for Halloween to be right around the corner (Thursday, October 31). We suggest you get into the spirit and have plenty of ways to do it. From a hotel rooftop where horror movies come alive to a haunted house that comes with a warning, this year’s festivities aren’t for the faint of heart. Those looking for something a little less scary — specialty drinks and upscale Halloween-themed food at a fancy-pants cocktail lounge where costumes are required, perhaps? — we have you covered, too.

    Lisa Shames

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  • Inside Bridgeport’s Smash-Hit Bakery With Long Lines Fueled by Strawberry Milk Croissants and Mexican Mochas

    Inside Bridgeport’s Smash-Hit Bakery With Long Lines Fueled by Strawberry Milk Croissants and Mexican Mochas

    The lines form about an hour before the 9 a.m. opening time, with customers waiting outside Fat Peach Bakery hoping to grab a treat like a strawberry milk croissant. Owners David Castillo and Kerrie Breuer opened their small bakery on August 31 at 2907 S. Archer Avenue, replacing the former Bridgeport Bakery, a neighborhood icon for nearly five decades.

    The lines start early at Fat Peach.

    Judging by the long weekend lines, the neighborhood has embraced the change. Fat Peach specializes in laminated pastries, and they’ve quickly sold out of croissants and Danishes while open three days a week — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Breuer’s strawberry milk-filled croissants, a play on Strawberry Quik, has been one of the stars. Another highlight is a mushroom Danish which uses a paste made of sous vide mushrooms and English cheddar mornay sauce. It’s then twice-baked with an enoki mushroom conserva.

    “It takes me forever to make all of that — I don’t know of any place that does that,” Castillo says.

    12 mushroom danishes on a tray

    Mushroom Danish

    A couple wearing aprons inside their bakery with baked goods in a case.

    Kerrie Breuer and David Castillo are Bridgeport residents.

    There’s no online ordering option, for now. Castillo and Breuer have thought about opening on more days, but they want to ease into any expansion plans. Castillo’s resume includes working for Sodexo at the Shedd Aquarium and with Hogsalt, working at Restoration Hardware in Gold Coast. He worked for Rich Labriola and at White Oak Tavern in Lincoln Park. Breuer moved to Chicago in June 2019 from North Dakota. Her background is in cake decorating and she appeared on Amazon Studios’ Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge. The two met while working together at a Chicago bakery. Castillo, a Mexican American, grew up in suburban Blue Island. Breuer grew up in North Dakota after being adopted from South Korea.

    Castillo visited Mexico City as a child, and the bakeries there — using simple ingredients and techniques — left an impression. He wondered why he couldn’t find similar pastries in Chicago. He credits White Oak’s opening chef, John Asbaty, with sharing a similar philosophy in using the best ingredients in his dishes. That showed Castillo that bringing those memories of Mexico City to Chicago was possible. But not everything is hyperlocal and they’ll source from all over. Sourcing tropical fruits, for example, is a challenge during midwestern winters.

    A pink sign for Fat Peach Bakery on a house with blue siding.

    Fat Peach replaces Bridgeport Bakery, which was open for nearly 50 years.

    The interiors of Fat Peach bakery.

    Most of the business is to-go, but there is seating.

    Putting together creme-filled croissants.

    Fat Peach specializes in laminated pastries.

    A tray of pastries

    Fat Peach was inspired by Mexican bakery culture.

    “This place is kind of a mishmash of the best flour, local flour, butter we can get,” Castillo says. “But we also we also like to use fruit in our pastry — because who doesn’t want that? It’s a nice reminder of, you know, how sweet life can be.”

    They’re using Four Letter Word Coffee, and for Fat Peach’s mocha, they’re mixing chocolate and cinnamon from Mexico in their syrups. They’re looking for ways to incorporate more Mexican flavors into their pastries, waiting to see what their customers toward.

    Breuer left Korea when she was 6 and grew up with a white military family in America. As a teen, she spent a year in South Korea, familiarizing herself with the culture (she jokes that she sometimes considers herself a banana). Flavors like red bean, sesame, and matcha could be incorporated into future pastries. There have been tasty experiments like a kimchi-pimento Danish with English cheddar, and roasted potatoes with rosemary. Breuer wants balanced flavors that work versus gimmickery.

    The couple looked at spaces for six months and had targeted a location in suburban La Grange, but that deal fell through. The two are Bridgeport residents and pounded after Castillo noticed a “for lease” sign. It wasn’t exactly a turnkey operation. Beyond cleanup, the couple needed to purchase some new equipment which they found via Facebook Marketplace.

    Kerrie Breuer fills pastries.

    Let there be quiche.

    As Chicago’s demographics change and tastes continue to evolve, Fat Peach has a different bent compared to its European-focused predecessor. Customers won’t find Bridgeport Bakery’s sausage and bacon buns (the bakery officially closed in October 2021). They might not find paczkis either. Castillo says he doesn’t want to lean on the Polish doughnuts to sustain business. He’d rather Fat Peach be busy with unique offerings regularly.

    As far as the name? Yes, it’s no longer stonefruit season, but nothing on the menu ever contained peaches. The couple just loves puns.

    “I feel like everyone, like, wants to have a fat peach nowadays — especially the ladies,” Breuer says with a laugh.

    Fat Peach Bakery, 2907 S. Archer Avenue, open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • Parachute Attempts to Pump Up the Volume in Avondale

    Parachute Attempts to Pump Up the Volume in Avondale

    Welcome to the Scene Report, a new column in which Eater Chicago captures the vibe of a notable Chicago restaurant at a specific moment in time.

    Parachute HiFi opened without fanfare, and that’s not what folks would expect from James Beard Award-winning chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim. Parachute was a tour de force, a stunning restaurant that showed both Korean flavors in a different light to Chicago and the rest of the country.

    But a decade after opening along Elston, and igniting Avondale as one of the hottest dining neighborhoods in America, Kim and Clark have shifted gears. Parachute HiFi marks their latest attempt at reinventing themselves. While they hope to eventually bring back Parachute in all its fine dining glory to a Downtown Chicago space, their focus right now is to bring back some fun to Elston. Parachute HiFi opened in early September at the former Parachute space, 3500 N. Elston Avenue.

    The Wait: Parachute was a fine dining restaurant and thanks to its Michelin-star status and notoriety in the Korean community, finding a table without a reservation was nearly impossible during its peak. HiFi moves away from that with more of a local community feel — they don’t take reservations. Don’t have plans? Find a barstool with your name on it. Need a quick weeknight dinner? Just walk in and grab a table.

    The Vibe: In some way, Clark and Kim’s restaurant down the street, Anelya, provided a blueprint for the next iteration of Parachute. Anelya serves Ukrainian comfort food and the Ukrainian music is essential in creating an environment that elevates a country’s culture that hasn’t been showcased too much in Chicago’s restaurant scene.

    Clark admits he’s a bit of an audiophile, having collected vintage speakers and visitors will see some of those pieces on display, and he’s ventured as far as exotic locales like Peoria to source. There’s a DJ booth at the front of the bar. Kim and Clark have no prior experience spinning records, but they planning on hosting themed music nights. But the couple isn’t handling all the music. In recent nights, DJs have played soul, funk, Japanese pop, French yeyé, and more.

    There’s a tradition of Korean pubs with tall beers, small plates, and karaoke. That’s something the Chicago area has been recently introduced to, with places like Miki’s Park in River North, and New Village Gastropub in suburban Northbrook. Parachute HiFi captures the casual nature of these pubs and it may remind customers of another Avondale institution across the street. Irish pub Chief O’Neil’s has been around since 1999 and possesses a come-as-you-are atmosphere. The original Parachute was family-friendly, an oddity for Chicago’s fine dining restaurants. HiFi, somehow even as a bar without a children’s menu, is even more so. It’s a throwback, like those Chicago pubs of yore, when children were taught that local bars were safe spaces, places they could find shelter if they were in danger and needed support. It’s Chicago tavern culture, don’t argue with it.

    What to Eat: They’re not pigeonholing themselves at Parachute HiFI. The menu features a mash-up of Korean, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and more. The chefs have avoided talking about the food too much because they want to pique people’s interest without spoiling any surprises or having cynical folks making knee-jerk conclusions. While different from Parachute’s original menus, Korean food can often be misunderstood, and Kim remains sensitive to those conclusions, whether it’s complaints about prices or Koreans complaining that the food tastes different from what they grew up eating.

    Salmon nigiri and seasonal veggies with walnut ssamjang dip.

    Riff on pad Thai with Korean rice cakes.

    HiFi’s menu is tidy. The must-try starter is the salmon nigiri. It’s nice, light, and taste. A great snack. There’s a burger on the menu. It’s a double-griddled patty made with beef from Slagel Family Farm, well seasoned and ground with short rib. It comes sliced with bacon in a shallow pool of comte fondue. These types of fondue burgers seem to be enjoying a popularity surge, and thanks to the pickles, this one is a winner.

    Since our visit fell on a Wednesday, the bing bread — one of Parachute’s most beloved items, and a menu item of great consternation for the owners when it comes to labor and expenses — is back. The fabled items were removed from Parachute’s menu in 2022, but it’s back once a week at HiFi on Wednesday. It’s as good as fans will remember. Rice cakes get the deluxe treatment with a Thai tweak. The tteokbokki pad Thai — get it with shrimp — was stellar. The french fries, which come with banana ketchup, are also some of the better crispy spuds in town.

    What to Drink: There’s not a huge N/A menu, but plenty of wine — Kim and Clark made an investment in good wine at Wherewithall, and it’s apparent that commitment has spilled over to their other projects. There is also a nice selection of sool and sake. House cocktails include the Whisky Apple made with Granny Smith apples, and the Blueberry Pancakes made with brown butter mezcal, blueberry maple, and egg.

    Mind you, Kim says the menu has gone through some tweaks, so don’t be surprised to find a few changes.

    The Verdict: Kim and Clark badly want to give Avondale something locals will appreciate. The execution of their food is high level — here’s another reminder that Parachute was a Michelin-star winner. It was early in the night, so I can’t be certain, but it feels like HiFi needs to let its hair down a little bit and embrace the bar side. Confidence comes with experience. For example, a recent visit to New Village Gastropub showed a much more energetic vibe inside a much larger suburban space. Parachute HiFi packs a lot inside a tiny footprint, and the restaurant was open only for a few weeks when I went. Once the crew stops playing it safe and leans into its weird side, HiFi could be a home run. For now, it’s an intriguing experiment in rebooting a dining destination into a casual haunt.

    Ashok Selvam

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  • Ex-convict makes DA kill himself, attacks judge

    Ex-convict makes DA kill himself, attacks judge

    Isaac Wright, spent 8 years in prison became a paralegal helping other inmates & practicing his own case. He got a police officer to admit the states attorney was bribing & lying. The state attorney commited suicide before the trial. He then had to fight against the other charges he had, and was released
    Wright is the only person in the US history to have been Sentenced to life in prison, Securing his own release and exoneration, and then being granted a license to practice Law by the very court that condemned him

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