New Orleans-Style Restaurant Coming to River North; Former Pop-Up Prodigy's Food Truck; More

RIVER NORTH—A New Orleans-style restaurant, Nouveau Tavern, is coming to the former Ai Sushi space for a projected early October opening. Expect Southern-style food like blackened catfish, "bayou wings," and bananas foster from chef Norman Hargrove (Pierre Gourmet). Also expect something well-known in River North—bottle service. [Dish]

WEST LOOP—Remember culinary student/pop-up prodigy Fred Noinaj? After working at Violet Hour and avec, Noinaj is previewing his upcoming Hey-Ha food truck at a pop-up tomorrow night at The Garage. Dishes include lemongrass braised beef, Hainese chicken, and soybean curd with chili jam. [EaterWire]

RIVER NORTH—Plenty of well-renowned chefs have contributed to Mercadito's Tacos for Strength program over the last three years, and Mercadito has put together their five favorites for a best-of dinner on October 1. Taste specialty tacos from Giuseppe Tentori, Rodelio Aglibot, Julian Medina, Andrew Zimmerman, and Michelle Bernstein; Zimmerman, Aglibot, and Medina will also be at the event. Call the restaurant for your $55 reservation. [EaterWire]
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