Last Deep Dish of 2013! Looking forward to reporting all the openings, closings and food and restaurant news in 2014.
But for now, here’s what you need to know today:
The Micro-Distillery Trend Continues…
Rhine Hall Distillery (2010 W. Fulton St., Chicago, 312-243-4313), owned by Jennifer Solberg and her father, Winnetka native Charlie Solberg, is making handcrafted apple brandy with fruit from Bixby Orchards in Michigan. It’s a clear, unaged spirit made entirely from apples, inspired by similar brandies they enjoyed when the family lived in Austria.
And Rhine Hall is truly a family affair: the tanks were manufactured by Solberg Manufacturing, Inc.; the art in the tasting room is the work of Lisa Solberg; and Jennifer and Charlie make and sell the product. You can visit the distillery on Thursday nights from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday afternoons from noon to 6 p.m. Tour the distillery, taste the apple brandy and then grab a fabulous cocktail at their Brandy Bar. What a fun outing!
The End of an Era
UPDATE 12/29: Early this morning, a multi-alarm fire destroyed both Taco Diablo and Pineyard restaurants in downtown Evanston. I am not sure how this will affect the Kelch family’s decision to close Lulu’s. Stay tuned for more details. We are saddened by the loss of these two favorite Evanston/North Shore restaurants. Thankfully, the businesses were closed at the time and there was no loss of life. Knowing the amount of time, care and effort that Laura and Dan put into the building of Taco Diablo, I am devastated for them.
This January, after 20-plus wildly successful years, Dan and Laura Kelch are closing Lulu’s Dim Sum in Evanston to focus on their newer restaurant, Taco Diablo (1029 Davis St., Evanston, 847-868-8229). Dan recently told me that he was touched by the outpouring of affection from the Evanston community, but that he and his wife had grown tired of the Lulu’s concept. His beloved Lulu’s staff has been raising money to keep Lulu’s going, so don’t be surprised to see a Lulu’s 3.0 appear somewhere in E-town in the next year. Until then, goodbye Udon Noodle Soup, Cold Sesame Noodles, Ginger Chicken Salad and Spicy Dragon Noodles. You will be missed.
Meals for Good
Meal delivery service Meez Meals (773-916-6339) has entered a yearlong partnership with Art Smith’s Common Threads , which empowers kids and adults with nutrition information and teaches them the benefits of an active lifestyle and how to “cook smart.” Each month, a favorite recipe will be featured from a top Chicago chef. Currently, the featured recipe is a Roman Rapini Pasta Bowl from Chef David Blonsky of Siena Tavern and Public House Chicago . Each Meals for Good purchase will support Common Threads’ after-school programming.
That’s LYFE!
Trying to keep to your New Year’s resolutions? LYFE Kitchen , owned by Highland Park native Carey Cooper, has opened in River North (413 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-836-5933). The building uses LEED-certified design and construction and features local foods and a vertical living herb wall. Whether you follow a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or omnivore diet, you’ll find something delicious to suit your mood. Calories and sodium are thoughtfully listed (every dish is under 600 calories), and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their motto is “One Bite. Everything Changes,” and they are doing their part to give back to the community, support sustainability, and support local farms. They plan on opening an Evanston outpost in 2014.
Something’s Brewing
Home brewers, rejoice! North Shore Brewing Supply has opened (1480 Old Deerfield Rd., Suite 15, Highland Park, 847-831-0570). It will be your go-to source for everything you need to make your own wine, beer, mead or cider, providing ingredients, equipment and the knowhow necessary for this super-fun DIY. They’ve got classes to get you started, and they’ll even bottle your homebrew—sounds like a great potential party idea as well.
Winter Farmers’ Market? It’s Happening…
The Evanston Ecology Center (2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston) is hosting the Evanston Winter Market again this year. You’ll find favorites like Nichols Farm, Crust & Crumb, Lake Breeze Organics, Henry’s Farm, Noir d’Ebene Chocolate and Sheekar Delights there. So nice to know there’s still a source for local produce and artisanal products even in the dead of winter!
As always, if you have any Deep Dish-appropriate gossip for me, send me a note! You can reach me at jchernoff@makeitbetter.net or tweet me @juliechernoff.
