🌳 Meet Chicago’s new parks leader

Thousands Rally in Support of Ukraine

Crowds gathered Sunday along Michigan Avenue urging the U.S. to support Ukraine in ending the war with Russia. The demonstration came two days after a contentious White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. [Block Club]

The Rise and Fall of Chicago’s Stock Exchange

After 143 years of shaping Chicago’s financial landscape, NYSE Chicago – formerly known as the Chicago Stock Exchange – is moving to Texas. Learn more about the history of the stock exchange and its impact on the city. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Just Like That, We Have a New Park District Leader

After Rosa Escareño announced her resignation Wednesday as Chicago Park District CEO, Mayor Brandon Johnson has already found a replacement. Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa will take over, leaving a vacancy in the 35th Ward in Logan Square. [CBS]

Plainfield Landlord Found Guilty in Murder Case

Joseph Czuba was found guilty on all counts for the 2023 hate crime attack against a Palestinian American tenant and the murder of her 6-year-old son. [Sun-Times]

Mardi Gras is tomorrow, and that means it’s time to eat. Trying to make it feel like New Orleans in Chicago? Here are some of the best spots around the city to enjoy traditional dishes 🦞 🍩 🥪

King Cake

This treat is a staple of Mardi Gras tradition, featuring a small plastic baby hidden inside the pastry — the person who finds it is said to have good luck for the next year.

Scafuri Bakery | 1337 W. Taylor St. (Little Italy)

This bakery has it all, including king cakes for your Mardi Gras celebration. They’re even running extended hours today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chicago Pastry | 142 N. Bloomingdale Rd (Bloomingdale)

This patisserie is open on Fat Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. They serve 14 different types of paczki and king cakes. You can choose almond, cinnamon cheese, or plain king cake in two sizes: a 12” one for $9.99 and a 16” one for $30.99.

Gumbo, Jambalaya, & Po’boys

Unfortunately, we can’t live on cake alone. Here’s where to get your fill of the classic soup, sandwiches, and rice dishes.

Big Jones | 5347 N. Clark St. (Andersonville)

Serving up classic Southern dishes, Big Jones also offers a Mardi Gras lunch and dinner menu with po’boy sandwiches, jambalaya, and gumbo. Why not try them all?

Luella’s Southern Kitchen | 4609 N. Lincoln Ave (Lincoln Square)

This Southern restaurant has been serving Chicago since 2015. Try the chicken and sausage gumbo, the catfish po’boy, or the shrimp and grits. And if you’re hankering for a sweet treat, they also have beignets.

Ina Mae Tavern | 1415 N. Wood St. (Wicker Park)

There’s still time to join in on the fun at this restaurant. Today, they’ll host a Mardi Gras pop-up featuring $5-off hot plates and $12 po’ boys. On Fat Tuesday, there will be live music, a shrimp boil, and more.

Daisy’s Po-Boy & Tavern | 5215 S. Harper Ave (Hyde Park)

This spot has nine different po’boys you can try. I’m personally going for the spicy sausage with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles. To wash it all down, try the Mardi Gras Punch made with coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple, and orange juice.