🦪 Where to slurp oysters in Chicago

Danny Davis’ Retirement and a Potential Grant Park Revamp

Rep. Danny Davis of the 7th Congressional District is retiring after 15 terms. We discuss the news on today’s podcast, plus the MLB All-Star game coming to Wrigley Field, and renderings of what Grant Park could look like extended to the Lakefront. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Why Are Texas Democrats in Illinois?

Texas Democrat lawmakers joined Gov. JB Pritzker in Carol Stream, Illinois, in an effort to block Texas Republicans from approving new congressional maps that would further a GOP stronghold. At the news conference, Pritzker called President Donald Trump a “cult leader.” [Sun-Times]

• Related: Mayor Brandon Johnson shaded Pritzker over the meetup. [X: Tahman Bradley]
  
  

Piping Plover Chick Killed by Hawk

Ferris, one of three piping plovers hatched recently at Montrose Beach, was killed by a red-tailed hawk Saturday. Last month, Ferris was named in honor of the city’s historic Ferris Wheel and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” His siblings Bean and El are confirmed safe. [WTTW]

Redevelopment Underway at Historic South Side Home

The Corliss property in Pullman has sat vacant for more than 20 years. Now, there’s a plan. Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives has bought the 150-year-old home from the Chicago Housing Authority and aims to buy other homes in the area, too, renovating them into affordable housing. [Block Club]

Chicago isn’t exactly famous for seafood, but today is National Oyster Day! Here are some of the city’s best spots to shellebrate 🦪

‘R’ Month Myth?

Even though National Oyster Day is Aug. 5, perhaps you’ve heard you should only eat fresh oysters in months that end in “r.” Thanks to improvements in refrigeration, oyster farming, and food safety standards, it’s generally safe to eat the shellfish year-round, according to Southern Living.

Still, never eat an oyster if it smells bad or looks cloudy or off-color. If you’re shucking your own, avoid cracked or already-open oysters.

Slurp at These Chicago Oyster Spots

In a city of steakhouses, happy hours, and fine dining, a quick search will reveal any number of best oyster lists. Here are three spots I can vouch for:

• 🥇 Swift & Sons Tavern — I was pleasantly surprised by the variety offered at the Wrigleyville spot’s happy hour, which features $2 oysters.
• 🥈 The Publican — Ask all of your oyster questions here because the staff at this Fulton Market restaurant are super knowledgeable.
• 🥉 Uvae — I came to the Andersonville wine bar for the happy hour oysters. But I stayed for the $5 glasses of cava.

Next on my list? Heritage in Humboldt Park and Chicago Oyster House in South Loop. Queen Mary in Ukrainian Village has a happy hour every Sunday and Monday, featuring Motorshucker oysters and strong $9 martinis. Motorshucker also has an ongoing residency at Easy Does It. Spots with $1 oyster happy hours include:

• Volo Restaurant and Wine Bar in Roscoe Village
• Tortoise Supper Club in River North
• Legal Seafood in the Loop
• Briny Swine Smokehouse and Oyster Bar in Lakeview
  

Today, Shaw's Crab House in the Loop also debuts its new half-off oyster happy hour.

Eat Oysters Like an Expert
Oysters are not all alike. Roughly four regions supply oysters to local restaurants, each offering different flavors.

• Pacific Northwest — The oysters that grow in these cold waters are often smaller, but have a cleaner, more briny flavor.
• Northeast — The majority of restaurant oysters are sourced from the East Coast. Northeast varieties are often sweeter than their West Coast counterparts.
• Chesapeake Bay — Oysters from Virginia and Maryland are even meatier and creamier than those produced north.
• Gulf Coast — You’re unlikely to find these large, meaty oysters served raw in Chicago. But Southern spots like Ina Mae Tavern in Wicker Park offer grilled versions loaded with toppings.
  

What condiments should you add? Executive producer Simone Alicea likes hers with lemon and a little hot sauce. Many restaurants will also serve oysters with cocktail sauce or a mignonette — a kind of shallot vinegar dressing.