🍽 ON THE PLATE
Gilda Basque Tavern is finally open on Chicago Avenue — and it took a crowdfunding campaign to get there. Chef-partners Jeremy Leven, Rafael Esparza, and Anthony Baier (mfk., Momotaro, Kimski pedigree) raised about $20,000 from fans after getting turned down for an SBA loan. The pintxos-focused Basque tavern at 1421 W. Chicago Ave. is built around a rotating menu of small bites — including the namesake dish of olives, piparra peppers, and anchovies — plus a Malört grilled cheese for good measure.
Ann Sather is open in Wicker Park as of today. Tom Tunney's breakfast institution soft-opened at 1819 W. Division St. this weekend, decor and murals recreated from the shuttered Belmont flagship, cinnamon rolls and all.
Bucktown Pizza and Jomon Sushi & Izakaya have both landed on the Western Avenue strip, and Vajra — the Nepalese-Indian spot that's flip-flopped between takeout-only and dine-in since the pandemic — has reopened its dining room for weekend service.
📅 MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Wicker Park Fest takes over Milwaukee Avenue this weekend, July 24–26. Headliners Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band and The Frights, plus Ovlov, Devon Gilfillian, and 50+ acts across two stages, 200+ vendors, a Pet Fest, and the usual arts-and-crafts sprawl. Friday 5–10pm, Saturday and Sunday noon–10pm. $10 suggested donation at the gate. wickerparkbucktown.com
Taste of Lincoln Avenue is also on this weekend, July 24–26, on the 2500 block of Lincoln Ave. — its 42nd year.
🏗 PERMIT DESK
Halsted Pointe Phase 1 just cleared its last permitting hurdle. A full building permit was issued this week for Onni Group's 46-story tower at 931 N. Halsted on Goose Island — the step that unlocks full above-ground construction. The tower crane's already up, foundation work is done, and the building is now clear to start rising: 464 apartments, a 6th-floor pool deck, ground-floor retail facing Halsted.
QUICK HITS
Every Now and Then is Joe Freshgoods' first permanent retail concept. The Chicago streetwear designer — 20 years into sneaker and apparel collabs with New Balance, Nike, and others — opened the sleek, light-filled space at 1843 W. Chicago Ave. earlier this month. It's got sneakers and apparel, a DJ booth, designer furniture, and a full-service café called Josephine's, named for Freshgoods' grandmother.
F1 Arcade — the racing-simulator/entertainment concept — has landed its licenses at 1 W. Grand Ave. in River North, taking over three levels including a rooftop.
See you next weekend — The 60614