Wicker Park’s Taus Authentic Closes to Reconcept and More Intel

— More than two-and-a-half years after opening in Wicker Park, acclaimed longtime chef Michael Taus has closed Taus Authentic on Division Street. But Taus says the closure is temporary — as a sign on the door that was first noticed by DNAinfo says it’s “for remodeling and reconcept” — and he reinforced that message in a text, saying “more to follow.” Taus, who came up at Charlie Trotter’s before running his own acclaimed restaurant Zealous in River North before closing that in 2012, opened Taus Authentic in the former Prasino space at 1846 W. Division St. in February 2015.

— The chef/owner of new-ish Bucktown barbecue restaurant Whistle Pig was arrested and charged with murder on Friday afternoon following the death of his brother in his suburban Forest Park home, according to multiple reports. Nestor Soto was held on $250,000 bail on Saturday, the Tribune reports, and that “numerous supporters” believe he is innocent. He’s due back in court this week. Soto opened the restaurant in July in the former Honey One BBQ space at 2241 N. Western Ave. DNAinfo reports it’s still open, and although its Facebook page has vanished, its website remains live.

— John Hogan and Tony Mantuano of River Roast (judges’) and Martial Noguier of Bistronomic (people’s choice) won Hamburger Hop on Friday night, the annual kickoff competition to Chicago Gourmet.

— Goose Island Brewery and taproom at 1800 W. Fulton Market was evacuated Sunday afternoon and closed the remainder of the day following a “peroxide-based acid” spill, ABC7 reports. It’s closed until Thursday per its regular schedule.

— And finally, although NBA star and Chicago native Dwayne Wade appears to be exiting the Bulls after reportedly agreeing to a contract buyout over the weekend, people will be able to eat like him at home when his private chef releases a cookbook tomorrow. Eating Well to Win: Inspired Living Through Inspired Cooking by Richard Ingraham, who was a “Chopped” contender and has worked with other athletes, is available on Amazon.