Chicago Lost Two Iconic Restaurant Owners and More Intel

— The co-founder of one of Lincoln Square’s neighborhood pillars, Cafe Selmarie, has sadly passed away. Jean Marie Uzdawanis, who launched the longtime eatery in 1983 at 4729 N. Lincoln Avenue, died Sunday at 63 of ovarian cancer, the Sun-Times reported. The restaurant’s Facebook page wrote that “we are beyond devastated to have lost this vibrant, generous, loving being who helped create our wonderful restaurant and a ‘home’ for our many employees and customers.”

— Sadly, another owner of a Chicago neighborhood pillar has also passed away. Mike Green, who owned longtime Roscoe Village bar The Village Tap, has died, according to posts from family, friends, and colleagues. The bar, which has garnered multiple national accolades for its beer garden and more, has been open since 1990 at 2055 W. Roscoe St.

— The repeal of Cook County’s controversial “pop tax” is one major step closer after the Finance Committee of the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted 15-1 yesterday to ditch the tax on sweetened beverages by Dec. 1, according to multiple reports. The full board — which comprises the same voters as yesterday — will vote on the repeal today. The board could replace it with a partial tax to help offset its $200 million-a-year revenue.

— The city council will also vote today on a proposed ordinance that could ban new bar liquor licenses in most of River North, DNAinfo reports. Hotels, restaurants, music venues, and other businesses that wouldn’t make most of their money from alcohol wouldn’t be affected.

— Ex-NFL superstar-turned-TV pitchman Peyton Manning ate at Prime & Provisions on Monday night surprisingly with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Manning’s father Archie, a rep says. Check out a photo of the trio and two staffers below.

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— Shake Shack is again available for delivery in Chicago — until October 22. The uber-popular NY-based burger and concrete specialists now delivers via Caviar, a rep says, after it briefly delivered in Chicago in September too.

— And finally, nominations are now open until October 22 for the annual Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence. Head here to nominate favorites for the various categories, which now include best bar for the first time. The winners for Chicago’s top restaurant awards will be announced at an event on January 14.