Clarke’s Belmont Returning, City Cracking Down on Food Trucks, More Intel

—Time to celebrate, 90s and 2000s Lakeview kids. Clarke’s, the longtime local diner and bar mini-chain that’s shuttered the majority of their locations recently, is returning to its own stomping grounds at 928-930 W. Belmont Ave., DNAinfo reports, and will be run by an original partner. A former manager opened Belmont Cafe in the space, which had a rough go before shuttering a couple weeks ago, as DNAinfo quoted the new/old owner Pepe Avila saying "the guy didn't know what the hell he was doing...he didn't make it, so we're coming back." Expect its original 1960s-themed branding and menus, and its 24-hour policy, when it reopens imminently.

—The city is indeed cracking down on food trucks following the polarizing Sun-Times/ABC7 investigation and subsequent promise by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in late August. Operators tell CBS2 about the tickets and fines their now being hit with, some of which are their first in years. Let’s pass more lenient laws, City Hall.

—Two of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs are combining forces for a new festival that’ll feature many of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. Paul Kahan and Stephanie Izard are masterminding Fulton Market Harvest Fest, an outdoor festival on October 2, and have recruited a bonanza of West Loop hotspots including Au Cheval, bellyQ, El Che Bar, Green Street Smoked Meats, chef Edward Lee (610 Magnolia in Louisville) and more in addition to their own restaurants The Publican and Girl & The Goat. And tickets are on sale now for only $25—which include $20 worth of food and drink tickets.

—In more event news, Logan Square is getting a Food Truck Social on Oct. 15 and 16 on Humboldt Boulevard. Click here for more info on the street fest that will only cost a $5 suggested donation.

—Chinatown’s popular Qing Xiang Dumpling is closing for more than a month for renovations, Time Out Chicago reports.

—And finally, the heartwarming paleta man fundraiser is now the most-funded GoFundMe campaign in Illinois ever, DNAinfo reports.