City Approves Chicago's First Cat Cafe, Band of Bohemia's Weekend Lunch, More Intel

—Chicago's first cat cafe is officially on its way. An ordinance was approved by the City Council on Wednesday that paves the way for Tree House Humane Society's feline cafe in Rogers Park, originally dubbed Cat'fe, as well as more possible cat cafes in the future, DNAinfo reported first. The Tribune reports that the first should open by late fall. It will have a full coffee bar fueled by Grounds and Hounds, an adjacent cat lounge, but no food.

—Band of Bohemia is launching "beerhall-style" weekend lunch service tomorrow, with sandwiches, tartines, a "Parisian hot dog," and of course beer for counter service on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The culinary brewhouse is also open beginning at 8 a.m. for coffee and cafe service.

—Spiaggia sommelier Rachael Lowe added another accolade to her already sparkling resume this week when she was named one of Food & Wine's sommeliers of the year. The magazine says "she's taken over a 30-year-old Italian wine program and revivified it in a thrilling way." Lowe landed at Tony Mantuano's landmark Italian fine-dining restaurant in January 2014.

—Baocos, the poorly-reviewed bao-fueled casual Latin-Asian fusion spot at Western and Armitage, is closed—at least for now. Signage has gone up saying its "closed until further notice" and there's no word on when it'll reopen.

Photo: Daniel Gerzina

—Viagra Triangle island-themed bar and eatery Coconutz now serves Sunday brunch—and surprisingly now also serves a tasting menu. The 12-course dinner is only available on Thursdays and costs $60—$80 with five wine pairings.

—The 12th annual Good Food Festival & Conference kicks off three days of food tastings, demonstrations, and panels with high-profile speakers including Rick Bayless and Paul Kahan on Thursday, March 24. Check out all the festivities here.