New Gold Coast Lounge Hopes to Serve Chicago’s Largest Scotch Selection

— When the folks behind Gemini hopefully open their fancy Gold Coast restaurant Walton Street Kitchen & Bar later this summer, they also will open a “library-inspired” space named The Lounge where they’ll hope to serve Chicago’s largest selection of Scotch. The subterranean spot at the corner of State and Walton streets run by beverage director John Douglass will seat just 18 people and serve large-format cocktails, booze-free cocktails, “special” wine selections, and more, according to a news release.

— In more bar news, the Chicago Athletic Association this week opened a popup bar collaboration with the Art Institute. “Dear Carmencita” is based on the museum’s “John Singer Sargent and Chicago’s Gilded Age” exhibition and serves five cocktails by Paul McGee. It’s open from 5 p.m. until midnight on Thursdays through Saturdays until August 5.

— Former Eater 38 restaurant Bohemian House has finally hired an executive chef. Czech Republic native Roman Hadrbolec is now running the kitchen at the River North restaurant where he has added lighter dishes to the menu which still features its staple schnitzel and spaetzle, the Tribune reports. The restaurant had been without an executive chef since Rob Sidor left in May 2017.

— Ownership of the Weber Grill mini-chain next month will open what they describe as “the first dedicated grilling school in Chicagoland” as well as another Weber Grill Academy at the Schaumburg location at 1010 N. Meacham Road.

— And finally, ownership of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse are working on a book that reveals many of the celebrity stories and other tidbits from the legendary Gold Coast spot. “An Oral History of the Gibsons Restaurant Group” is slated to be released next year in conjunction with Gibsons’ 30th anniversary and the Tribune has more details.