On a moonlit night at the intersection of Campbell and Elston, two cooks stepped out of a van with a cloud of smoke billowing behind them. They were tired and hungry but ready for the enchantments this warm late summer night had to offer. As they enjoyed their pastrami melts and Modelos, one of them, known as Papi, claimed to have seen a black cat followed by raccoons crossing the street, which he interpreted as a sign of winter approaching.
Despite the looming winter, there was still daylight left to enjoy, and the chefs were excited to present a brand-new early autumn lineup for Monday Night Foodball at Frank and Mary’s Tavern. The lineup included a bitter herbal digestif called Amaro da Verde from Sauce and Bread Kitchen and 18th Street Distillery, a South Indian-inspired taco pop-up from Chacko’s Tacos, and Pupusa Time on October 7.
The schedule also featured visually frightful dumplings from Deep Cut Pierogi on October 14 and Fat Plate Fridays from Fat Jesus on October 21. Piñatta made their return for Lunes Negro on October 28, followed by El Hongo Magico on November 4. The chefs promised exciting menu drops, ordering info, and updates on Instagram to keep everyone informed.
In addition to the Monday Night Foodball lineup, Chicago’s food scene has been bustling with activity. Josh Noel’s new book aims to demystify Malört, Chicago’s signature spirit. The Chicago Urban Ag Crawl promotes food solidarity in Englewood, supporting Black and Brown farmers. Cookbook clubs at the Chicago Public Library offer a glimpse into other cultures, while Migos Fine Foods serves up halal southern-fried taqueria delights in Portage Park.
Chicago’s urban food sovereignty ecosystem continues to grow, with initiatives like the Community Food Navigator connecting communities. Pookie Crack Cakes, known for their glaze-soaked bundt cakes, sell out daily due to their irresistible flavors. This vibrant food scene is a testament to Chicago’s culinary diversity and innovation, offering something for everyone to enjoy.