Did City Racial Discrimination Cause the Shutdown of a Chicagoland Restaurant?

— The city of Blue Island shut down Island Bar & Grill in March after a shooting outside the restaurant in March. But its owner — and “a dozen” protestors — believe that the real reason the city shut it down is because of its majority African American clientele in the mostly white and hispanic suburb, CBS2 reports. The restaurant, which opened in 2012 and doubles a nightlife spot with live music and slot machines, remains open while ownership appeals the ruling ahead of a hearing scheduled for later in June.

— A former customer at Carnivale claims she contracted salmonella last year at the longtime West Loop restaurant and nightlife destination, according to a lawsuit reported by Cook County Record which was filed in Cook County Circuit Court 10 months after the alleged incident. A Carnivale spokesperson responded with a statement saying “Fulton Catering Corporation takes the quality of its food very seriously. The alleged incident occurred nearly a year ago and the restaurant has routinely passed numerous health and safety inspections before and since that time. We serve thousands of people weekly and are unaware of other claims of illness from our food.” The lawyer representing the plaintiff has not responded to request for comment.

— The Chicago White Sox are getting into the popup game, albeit without the superstar chefs that the Cubs are employing. Change-Up Kitchen features food from a rotating selection of local restaurants at a food cart near section 113 during weekend games at Sox Park. The popups continue tonight with Bill’s Grills and finish on September 9 with Haire’s Fried Shrimp.

— Craft beer bar pioneer and live music destination Quenchers’ last night in business will be tomorrow, June 16. It’s closing after nearly four decades in business to become a doctor’s office after ownership sold the space at 2401 N. Western Avenue.

— Mini Mott, the burger-centric spinoff of Mott Street, is slated to open in Logan Square “in a few weeks,” ownership writes. They’re also teasing intriguing non-burger dishes the restaurant will serve: sweet and savory taiyaki cones. The items, served in portable fish-shaped pastry cones, will include brunchy versions of the Korean childhood street food favorite that’s a nod to McGriddles such as the “Chive & Bacon Scramble Mott Griddle”; as well as dessert and boozy options utilizing the restaurant’s soft serve machine. Check out a photo of the “Osmanthus Sweet Cream” cone (osmanthus flower steeped in cream with flavor notes of buttery peach and apricot) below.

Mini Mott [Official Photo]

— And finally, congratulations to two Chicago restaurant icons which celebrate milestone birthdays. Mon Ami Gabi, Lettuce Entertain You’s longtime French bistro in Lincoln Park, turns 20 later this month and will celebrate with multiple events and giveaways starting next week. And Piccolo Sogno, the Eater 38 Italian mainstay in River West, turns 10 in July and will offer deals all next month.