😋 2 new Thai restaurants

Dilla vs. Dope Snow

“Everything dope comes from Chicago.” You may have heard the phrase before — it’s a signature of local historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. (It’s also true.) That’s why Dilla set out to trademark it last year. Now, Swedish ski company Dope Snow says it owns the word “dope.” [Block Club]

• Friend of the pod: Dilla told us why Chicago’s obsessed with Al Capone. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
• Also: What’s in a Chicago nickname? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Another Mayoral Candidate

Bill Quinlan, an attorney from Sauganash, is throwing his hat into the crowded mayoral race. Previously, Quinlan was the state’s general counsel under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (He resigned in 2008, after Blagojevich’s arrest.) He also comes from a political family. [Tribune 🔒]

No, Wright Houses Are Not Being Demolished

Hundreds of people commented on a video claiming one of Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright houses was set to be demolished to build apartments. That’s not happening, according to homeowners and suburban officials. They say the video intentionally misled viewers about proposed zoning changes. [Crain’s 🎁]

Trump For Bailey

President Donald Trump said he’s “all for” Republican Darren Bailey in Illinois’ governor race. Trump endorsed Bailey when he previously ran in 2022. Back then, Bailey courted Trump’s support. This time around, he claims he’s not “MAGA” … He just supports much of the MAGA agenda. [Politico]

• Recently, Bailey appeared in the president’s box at “Trumpapalooza” 👀 [X]

Guerrilla Bus Benches Popping Up

A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? We discuss the need for benches and shelters on today’s podcast, plus Bisexual Visibility Week and signs of autumn. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Two Chicagoland spots just landed on the New York Times’ list of the best restaurants in America. Honestly, I’m surprised there are just two. We Chicagoans know the city is full of excellent new places to try.

Here are seven recent openings.

Logan Inn in Logan Square

Just what Logan Square needed: an upscale coffee-shop-bar! I kid. But the martinis are pretty damn good. And if, like me, you can’t stomach the $18 price tag, there’s a “tini” version available for $12. TBD on a coffee review — the line was too long when I went to try one.

Picadilly Market in Lincoln Park

The second Picadilly Market opened recently at the courtyard on the corner of Clark and Fullerton. It’s essentially a boutique (sorry, “European-style”) grocery store with an all-day cafe and bar. Local vendors include Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Publican Quality Bread, and Katherine Anne Confections.

• I popped in: Bartender Andrew gave me a heavy pour of wine, and my friend enjoyed her spicy tuna sandwich.

Chez Poulet in Logan Square

From the team behind romantic French bistro Le Bouchon comes a very different kind of restaurant. This one serves rotisserie chicken on paper plates. And it’s working — lines stretch down Western Avenue. (It arrives in the original Taqueria Chingon space.)

The Beef Stand in Wicker Park

This new spot by Bunoa is minimal in name and concept. The pop-up, walk-up window on Division Street serves, yup, Italian beef. (Okay, there’s also vegan beef, milkshakes, and chips. But still. Pretty sparse.)

• Bonus: It’s attached to a Rainbow Cone!

Taan in Humboldt Park

Thai restaurant Taan is also a wine bar. The cozy interior truly evokes both. However, you might not find your Thai go-tos on this menu — there’s no basil chicken or pad thai. And that’s the point. Owner Chanita Chayaluk says local Thai dining is stuck in the ‘80s. For now, the menu is made up of small bites.

F1 Arcade in River North

This new arcade, inside former Rock Bottom Brewery, has 61 racing simulators, plus food and signature cocktails. The drinks are by James Beard Award-winning chef/bartender Julia Momosé, of Kumiko fame.

• Worth noting: I really like the food at another River North gaming spot, Electric Shuffle — don’t write off downtown arcade grub!

Tarra in River North

I recently walked past Thai spot Tarra — in a burger costume — but I haven’t gotten to visit yet. Luckily, a little birdie (aka the Hungry Hound’s daughter) told me just what to order when I do: crab curry, grilled chicken thighs, and fried shrimp cake.