—Seeing “Signs”: Iconic comedienne/actress Lily Tomlin will appear at Chicago’s Siskel Film Center on July 24 at 1 p.m. for a sneak preview of the newly restored The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, according to a release. Before the film, Tomlin will engage in a short on-stage dialogue. Wife Jane Wagner created this one-woman show for Tomlin in 1985. Asked recently if she sees any signs of intelligent life in the universe at the moment, Tomlin replied, “I see a lot of intelligence, but we apply that intelligence so stupidly.” Tickets can be purchased at this link.
And now on to culinary items…
Artis. Photo courtesy of Brandi Artis
—Shutting down: River North spot Artis Restaurant & Lounge announced that it’s closing its doors, weeks after a mass shooting took place.
On Instagram, the team behind the queer-, women- and POC-owned business captioned, “Two weeks ago, our lives were forever changed. During the mass shooting that took place outside our restaurant, we—along with members of our team and family—were inside. What was supposed to be a night of artistry, laughter, and connection turned into a moment of unimaginable fear and heartbreak.
“We are still processing, still grieving, and still holding one another close. Thank you to everyone who reached out with love and support. Please continue to hold space for our staff, our families, the victims, and this entire community. We will not be defined by this violence, but we will never forget. 
”
In part, the actual message read, “The rising pressure, coded policies, and attempted public persecution have sent a clear message: We are not welcome here. Still, we leave with our heads high and hearts full.”
This writer hoped that Artis would be around for years. Hopefully, owners Brittany and Brandi Artis will be able to resurrect their cuisine—and establish a true safe space— elsewhere.
SPOTLIGHT: Scottie Eskelund (they/them) happens to be several things, including a therapist, fashion designer and LGBTQ+-rights advocate—and they are choosing what place to spotlight this week.
Scottie Eskelund. Photo courtesy of Eskelund
As for their restaurant choice, the Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree had this to say: “If you are interested in fine coursed dining, I would highly recommend Mako for your next dining experience! Mako is an intimate omakase restaurant that features an exquisite 15-course menu with an incredible sake and wine pairing that will bring you on a journey through delicious small bites.”
Regarding their designs, Eskelund runs Tucked by Scottie—the first wraparound tucking brand that makes bikinis, lingerie and one pieces that tuck. Check what Tucked by Scottie has to offer here.
—Rose(mont) patch: Rosemont spot Cima Restaurant, adjacent to the newly reimagined Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare, has officially opened its doors.
Cima, offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes, is the culinary centerpiece of a large-scale revitalization of the Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare that includes an adjacent lobby bar and bistro market that features Dark Matter Coffee and Molly’s Cupcakes. Lunch offerings feature dishes like herb-marinated skirt steak salad, shawarma wraps and a lamb burger layered with Mediterranean spice, while dinner expands into a selection of small plates, handhelds and refined large plates. The bar bites menu brings elevated comfort to the table with dirty fries tossed in herb vinaigrette and feta dipping sauce, marinated olives and fried almonds, along with chef-curated meat and cheese boards.
—For the win: Soul & Smoke’s Chef D’Andre Carter took first place in the “Good Morning America Barbecue Brawl” that was broadcast live from Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout festival.
Carter went head-to-head with Mississippi pitmaster Leslie Roark Scott in the cook-off, with his win earning a $10,000 prize for Chicago Chefs Cook, the chef-led nonprofit that mobilizes culinary talent for humanitarian aid. Chicago Chefs Cook will, in turn, donate this prize to the TX Restaurant Relief Fund, an initiative of the Texas Restaurant Foundation. (Update: The organization matched that prize.)
During the live segment, Carter impressed the judges—who included country music star Koe Wetzel, ABC 7 Chicago’s Tracy Butler and James Beard Award-winning chef Art Smith—with buttermilk-brined chicken wings as well as Soul & Smoke’s signature mac & cheese.
Start of Tour de Donut 2025. Photo courtesy of Christian Hasselberg
—Sweet ride: Have you heard of the annual Tour de Donut?
This year’s version (which featured more than 650 entrants) took place July 12 in Staunton, Illinois, which is about an hour south of Springfield. The event (which takes place the second Saturday of July, according to organizer Christian Hasselberg) is a timed 34-mile race using Fleet Feet RFID Automated timing. The long race includes two donut stops; a 12-mile ride is available that is not timed and includes one donut stop. While donut consumption is not mandatory, the rider is awarded a five minute time credit for EACH donut eaten—which means a couple people I know could end up with negative times. And in addition to the donuts, registered individuals can also win a new bike; four were given away this year. Also, there were cash prizes for the most donuts eaten; men and women had separate categories.
—Prime time: Adalina Prime—the next chapter from Gold Coast’s Adalina opening in Fulton Market later this summer—has revealed its chef team and menu offerings.
The new spot will be under the leadership of newly named Chef/Partner Soo Ahn. Ahead of its late summer debut, the team is unveiling a lineup of culinary talent, including Executive Chef Nemanja Milunović (formerly of Prime & Provisions, Aba + more), Chef de Cuisine Andy Lownes and Pastry Chef Amy Arnold.
Adalina Prime promises to offer staple prime cuts, fresh seafood and other steakhouse classics—along with some surprises. Look for dishes like Korean cheesy corn with lobster, cacio e pepe spinach, and seafood towers topped with tteokbokki, rice cakes with a spicy diavolo sauce inspired by one of Ahn’s favorite street foods. There will also be vegetarian and vegan dishes like charred lion’s mane mushroom steak and an avocado ceviche. Also, chef-driven fun will run throughout, seen in nods to chain favorites like cheddar bay biscuits and small bites like the Wagyu, truffle and foie gras (“WTF”) and olive oil caviar, mushroom mousse and garlic “(OMG”).
—I’ll drink to that: This July, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is celebrating its 46th anniversary by raising a glass of its exclusive, new Perry’s Reserve Premier Cru Champagne.
Perry’s has collaborated with the family-owned Maurice Philippart Champagne House—which has crafted fine Champagne since 1827 and has eight generations of tradition—to produce its own grower’s Premier Cru from the village of Chigny-les-Roses near Reims. Perry’s Reserve Premier Cru Champagne will also be featured as part of the new Reserve Anniversary Wine Flight for $20, which includes three two-ounce pours of Perry’s Reserve Premier Cru Champagne, Chardonnay and rosé.
—Deep “South”: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is hosting the “Up South Pop-Up Dinners”—a new collaborative dining series that aims to celebrate culinary excellence, community and purpose. Launching this summer, the series spotlights and supports the Broussard Justice Foundation, the I KNEAD LOVE Workshop and the Up South Pop-Up initiative.
Hosted in the semi-private dining room at Adorn Bar & Restaurant, each evening begins with a welcome reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner service at 7 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy a four-course menu created in collaboration by Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Executive Chef Franco Diaz and Executive Pastry Chef Yudith Bustos, alongside James Beard Finalist Chef Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies and a rotating lineup of nationally acclaimed guest chefs.
The next dinners will take place July 24 with Chef Ricky Moore, the 2022 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southeast; Aug. 7 with Chef Fariyal Abdullahi, a 2024 James Beard Award nominee for Emerging Chef and executive chef of Hav & Mar in New York; and Sept. 18 with Chef Serigne Mbaye, executive chef and partner at DAKAR NOLA, winner of the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
Tickets are $180 per person (plus tax and gratuity), inclusive of a four-course menu and welcome beverage. An optional wine pairing is available at an additional cost. Seating is limited to 40-45 guests per event, and reservations are available on OpenTable.
—Stretch it out: Start your Friday morn with a 45-minute riverfront yoga, coffee and DJ session at Pizzeria Portofino, 317 N. Clark St., on July 25 at 7 or 8:15 a.m.
After class, stay for a live DJ and coffee mixer filled with fresh brews and good vibes. Tickets include a 45-minute class and access to the DJ and coffee mixer. Keep in mind that yoga mats are not provided, so remember to bring your own. The DJ and coffee mixer includes a complimentary coffee bar and pastries. (Note: A videographer and photographer will be present to capture the experience.)
—Holiday: Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co.—recently named one of the top 10 pizzas in the country—is celebrating Christmas in July in honor of the 10th anniversary of The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Kicking off on July 25—otherwise known as Christmas in July—Robert’s Pizza will be offering its famous festive pie for a limited time. The Nutcracker Pizza features an olive-oil base, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, dates and figs, and is finished with Calabrian pepper oil, burrata, speck, pistachios, toasted walnuts and a balsamic glaze. The pie is $30 and will be available from Friday, July 25, through the end of the month.
Related