Barrelhouse Flat Renovations Coming; How Chicago Nabbed Beards; More

LINCOLN PARK—Barrelhouse Flat will close this coming Monday, June 02 for renovations, re-opening Monday, June 09 with various specials and new bottled cocktails. Designer Kevin Heisner (Lone Wolf, Trenchermen) is re-doing the first floor to make a little more room and a few TVs will be added for sports fans, but the second floor will remain as is, a statement says. [EaterWire]

CHICAGO—How Chicago managed to nab the James Beard Awards is becoming a little clearer, as the Chicago Tribune reports that a pledge of $2 million from sponsorships helped solidify the city's bid. Choose Chicago, which spearheaded the initiative, has already landed $800,000 in sponsorships from grocery chain Mariano's and concessionaire HMSHost. As the Trib reports, private funding of public events is now part of the norm in how the city operates. [Tribune]

EVERYWHERE—Next week is Negroni Week and 35 Chicago restaurants and bars are participating, including Azzurra, Cocello, Trellis and Acadia. Each participating location will donate a portion of their proceeds to a charity of their choosing, with Campari donating an additional $10,000 to the charity who raised the most. [EaterWire]

RIVER NORTH—Beginning June 01, Quartino is letting customers add fresh-shaved Italian summer truffles to any of their menu's dishes for $5 per dish. The summer truffle is a lower grade of truffle, but also a great way to indulge without busting your budget. The special runs through July 31. [EaterWire]

RIVER NORTH—Bottlefork gave its Facebook fans a sneak at a new lunch menu item today. Their smoked corned beef brisket will arrive on the menu this coming Monday, June 02. See what it looks like here. [EaterWire]