Nobu Construction Imminent, Doug Sohn & Others Featured in Photos, More Intel

—That vacant space on Randolph Restaurant Row next to Grange Hall Burger Bar near the 840 block of Randolph Street could finally soon see a 12-story hotel with an outpost of a famous restaurant brand. Curbed Chicago reports that Nobu Hotel, a project that dates back to 2014, could soon see life. The project includes the 10,000-square foot Nobu restaurant and a rooftop terrace.

—Check out "The Uplifted" a new photo project featuring Doug Sohn (Hot Doug's), Michael Carroll and Craig Sindelar (Band of Bohemia), Rick Bayless (Frontera, etc.) and more. The photos feature subjects with their favorite items "floating." Sohn told DNAinfo that he uses the photo of himself and a floating hot dog as a publicity shot.

—Charlie McKenna (Lillie's Q) took home a major award over the weekend, as his slow-smoked pork earned first place at the 2016 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis, Tenn. Father Quito McKenna teamed up with his son. They bested 55 competitors in the category, and won the prize for the second time since 2007.

—The massive forthcoming Wrigleyville development project has yet another casualty. Salt & Pepper Diner shuttered on May 1 at 3537 N. Clark St., making the city's diner landscape a sadder place. The original Salt & Pepper had closed four years ago at 2575 N. Lincoln Ave. and was founded in 1965, according to DNAinfo.

—Earlier this month, Bread & Wine closed for a week for renovations. They reopened on May 14 with new interiors and a new spring menu.

—Alpana Singh's The Boarding House launched a new bar menu. The items include a burger, brioche grilled cheese and a variety of pizzas, including a spinach pizza with roasted piquillo peppers.

—Ironside Bar & Galley, the sports bar that took over the Cyrano's Farm Kitchen space, is looking for a June opening at 546 N. Wells St. It's the same ownership as Flagship Tavern & Grill.

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