Grace Wong

Vandals strike outdoor dining tents in Chicago’s West Loop

December 2, 2020 at 3:32 p.m.

Formento's was one of a few West Loop restaurants hit by graffiti over the holiday weekend. Vandals spray-painted graffiti on outdoor tents used to shelter patrons dining outdoors in the...

A woman walks past Formento's Italian restaurant and Nonna's, its attached pizza and sandwich shop, on Nov. 11, 2020, in Chicago.

With city data on restaurant COVID-19 infections in hand, Fulton Market Association decries clampdown on industry, pushes for relief

November 12, 2020 at 1:22 a.m.

The Fulton Market Association in Chicago joined calls across the state of Illinois for more financial aid for the hurting restaurant and bar industry, adding that more transparency was needed in...

Imperial Lamian in Chicago closes, citing coronavirus pandemic economic challenges

November 11, 2020 at 2:50 p.m.

After more than four and a half years of serving rainbow-colored soup dumplings, roast duck and vegan spring rolls, Imperial Lamian has closed its doors in River North. The pandemic...

Stephanie Izard opens a new bakery, Sugargoat, in West Loop, just in time for the holidays

November 11, 2020 at 2:49 p.m.

Between the pandemic and a contentious election season, we could all use a little more comfort. Thankfully, chef Stephanie Izard has been busy during quarantine, dreaming up a little shop...

Alpana Singh, pictured at Tied House during an interview about her return as host of "Check, Please!," renounced the prestigious wine title that takes professionals years of study to achieve.

Alpana Singh, ‘Check, Please!’ host, renounces master sommelier title in solidarity with women accusing elite wine organization of sexual harassment

November 5, 2020 at 4:50 p.m.

Alpana Singh, the Chicago-area restaurateur and host of "Check, Please!," has renounced a title conferred by an elite wine organization after multiple women accused male members of the group of...

For the cook who’s in the kitchen now more than ever

November 24, 2020 at 3:35 p.m.

Instead of calling 2020 the year of the pandemic, let's rebrand it as the year of the home cook, many of whom are embarking on culinary adventures from the comfort...

As state halts indoor dining in Chicago, a Pilsen restaurant tests a sidewalk enclosure. The designer aims to build more, but needs financial backing.

October 30, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.

Finding creative ways for restaurants and bars to serve guests outside might be a vital means for establishments to survive the winter, especially after Illinois moves to shut down indoor...

Navy Pier taps Blue Door’s Art Smith, former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, for new restaurant to replace Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

October 28, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.

Despite Navy Pier temporarily shutting down for the winter due to COVID-19 and postponing the launch of a forthcoming hotel, officials say it's full steam ahead for a new restaurant...

General manager Jaidah Wilson-Turnbow, 45, sets up chairs on the patio behind Frances Cocktail Lounge in the Chatham neighborhood on Oct. 22, 2020, in Chicago. The city has prohibited service indoors for bars without a food license.

Confused about outdoor dining? Here’s a breakdown of the rules and safety guidelines.

October 26, 2020 at 5:31 p.m.

After a flurry of news this week surrounding outdoor dining, restaurants and customers alike are playing catch-up on what they are allowed and not allowed to do. And as the...

Margaret Orozco pushes her bike to get tested for coronavirus outside Loretto Hospital in Chicago on April 27, 2020.

Illinois orders tighter restrictions on bars, restaurants and gatherings in several suburban counties as coronavirus positivity rates rise

October 21, 2020 at 2:49 a.m.

Roughly a third of Illinois' 102 counties and a quarter of its residents soon will be living under stricter rules aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus as the...

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