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—This doesn’t seem right. With all the fantastic bars in Chicago—prompting one national publication to dub it "the greatest drinking city in America" two years ago—not only did the World’s 50 Best Bars only include one Chicago spot on its 2016 list, it also dropped its only Chicago inclusion 10 notches. The Aviary is that bar, and it fell from 29 to 39. The Dead Rabbit took the top spot, one of a plethora of NYC bars on the list.
—Changes are afoot at popular Lincoln Park restaurant Gemini Bistro. Ryan O’Donnell’s seven-year-old restaurant at 2057 N. Lincoln Ave. will close from January 1 until spring to implement an overhaul that will change nearly everything but the concept, Chicago magazine first reported. Expect a brand-new interior including a new larger bar and soundproofed ceiling, a new menu, and name change—they’re dropping the word "Bistro"—when it reopens.
—One of Chicago’s best brunches is returning. Chef-owner John Manion is bringing back the Sunday daytime service at La Sirena Clandestina on Oct. 9, including favorites grilled hanger steak with creamed yucca, fried egg, and chimichurri; and the poached lobster tail benedict. Also look for new sweet dishes by chef de cuisine Eric Michael.
—Speaking of daytime services, Pleasant House Pub now serves weekday breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. with Four Letter Word Coffee and house-made pastries.
—And a popular new daytime spot is closed—at least temporarily. The Doorstep, the fake ivy-covered food truck from two ex-Alinea Group staffers that lived at the Polish Triangle at Division, Ashland and Milwaukee, hasn’t been open for nearly two months. Ownership has been providing vague updates on Instagram, including saying that "we will be open soon and when we do, we'll be here to stay." Keep it here for updates.
—The Publican is bringing in an LA hotspot for a one-day brunch takeover. Sqirl chef-owner Jessica Koslow is taking over One Off Hospitality’s Fulton Market powerhouse on Oct. 16 to serve variations of her signature dishes in conjunction with Publican staff. Walk-ins will be accepted but you’d be wise to make a reservation by calling the restaurant.
—A customer is suing P.F. Chang’s in River North for...allegedly breaking his teeth on its food two years ago. "The plaintiff holds P.F. Chang's responsible because the defendant allegedly neglected its duty by failing to ensure that its food was free of any foreign objects that could cause injuries," Cook County Record reports.
—And finally, on the eve of the Cubs’ first playoff game, can Italian beef break the curse? Buona Beef served 108 Italian beef sandwiches—for the number of years since the Cubs last won the World Series—at a rally in the Division Street Entertainment District, NBC5 reports. Hey, people have tried seemingly everything else to will the Cubs to their first title since Teddy Roosevelt was president in 1908, so why not?