Chicago’s Lost Lake Named Best Cocktail Bar in America

— Lost Lake picked up a major national honor over the weekend in New Orleans at the Tales of the Cocktail. The Logan Square tiki bar won Best American Cocktail Bar in the conference’s 12th Annual Spirited Awards. Lost Lake co-owner Shelby Allison lauded her staff and pointed out its diversity as a strength “Yes, we care deeply about the craft and creativity of our beverage program, we have a gorgeous bar and delicious food and good music — but the people are what make Lost Lake the best cocktail bar in America,” Allison wrote in a statement.

— The attorney for Chicago bartender Adam Seger denied the allegations against his client and released a statement reacting to Seger’s arrest in New Orleans. Seger was charged with rape in connection to a 2015 allegation: “The accusations against me are untrue and have no merit. It is my hope that all my colleagues will refrain from judgment until all the fact are settled.” Seger’s next scheduled court date is August 15. He was fired from his job with iPic Entertainment.

— Last week, developer Sterling Bay presented its $5 billion plan for Lincoln Yards, a project that stretches along Elston Avenue from North Avenue through the former Finkl Steel plant. That’s left existing businesses like the Hideout Inn — the dive bar with a performing space — feeling threatened. The owners of Hideout and Ada Street told various media outlets that they intend to stay put. Ada Street’s owners, DMK Restaurants, have long committed to staying. They also own Fort Willow and Werewolf Coffee and its corporate offices are nearby. Sterling Bay’s owners are also behind Four Corners (Benchmark, Federales, Brickhouse). A new development from Sterling Bay could create chances for new Four Corners restaurants and bars.

— The restaurant world is mourning the death of LA Times critic Jonathan Gold, the only food critic who’s won a Pulitzer Prize. The 57 year old died of cancer on Saturday. Gold, with his signature overalls, was a regular presence visiting Chicago for the James Beard Awards. His parents were from Chicago and his daughter went to University of Chicago. As City of Gold, the documentary about him, was being released in 2016, Gold spoke with the Tribune about where to eat in Chicago.

— More sad news to report as Joe Perrino, the CEO of Home Run Inn, died on Thursday. He helped shaped the restaurant chain which also sold a line of frozen pizzas to supermarkets. He was 64.