Chicago-style pizza makes its way to the Vatican
You can take the pope out of Chicago, but you can’t take the Chicago out of the pope. Last week, Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV accepted a personal-sized Aurelio’s pepperoni pizza from an onlooker in St. Peter’s Square. The delivery was coordinated by a group of friends from the Midwest, with Cincinnati resident Madeline Daley bringing the pie to its final destination. She was able to catch the pope’s attention as he was passing by in the popemobile with a sign that read, “We Have Aurelio’s Pizza.” Pope Leo XIV had been known to enjoy the suburban pizza chain during his time living in the area, and Aurelio’s created a special Poperoni pizza in his honor in July. Earlier this year, the pizzeria closed its last remaining Chicago location in South Loop.
‘Hot Ones’ host to visit Wrigleyville
Hot Ones creator Sean Evans will appear at this year’s WingOut on Sunday, August 31. The annual wings festival, which takes place outside Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way from August 30 to 31, will bring together more than 18 wing vendors — including Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap, Smoke Daddy, and Woodie’s Flat — for a weekend of chicken tastings, live music, and 10th anniversary celebrations. Evanston native Evans hosts the popular YouTube talk show where he interviews celebrities while they take on progressively spicier hot wings. Fans can catch him in WingOut’s VIP area.
A late-night Uptown bar now serves coffee and pastries during the day
A venerable sausage company is moving to the suburbs
An Italian stalwart adds an Elmwood Park location
One of the oldest restaurants in Chicago is expanding to Elmwood Park. Taylor Street institution Pompei will open at 22 Conti Parkway in September. The family-owned Italian restaurant has been around since 1909, once operating multiple locations prior to scaling back to just its flagship. The new spot will take over a space that housed a convenience store, and before that, a Jewel. Guests can expect to find all of Pompei’s favorites at the Elmwood Park outpost, including sandwiches, strudels, pastas, and pizzas. Pompei will also be serving food at the Taste of Elmwood Park from August 7 to 10.