The Chicago French Market Adds Four New Vendors

— Get ready for four new vendors and more items from three existing vendors at longtime West Loop food hall the Chicago French Market. Blue Spot Sushi and Joker’s Cajun Kitchen are newly-open, while Saigon Sisters’ Bang Chop Thai Kitchen and Jianbing Chinese street food are coming in October, according to a news release. B.I. Tea and Dim Sum, The French Lunchbox, and Wood Fire Counter have expanded their menus too. Reps haven’t responded to an inquiry about which stalls the new spots are replacing, although Lillie’s Q is noticeably absent from the French Market’s vendor lineup online.

— The family behind Blommer Chocolate Co. are exploring selling the iconic Chicago factory and supplier that often fills the West Loop area with chocolately smells, according to a Bloomberg report. CEO Peter Blommer told the publication in a statement that “We are continuously looking at a variety of options that can accelerate our growth strategy.” Stay tuned.

— Acclaimed Lincoln Park/Lakeview restaurant mfk will be featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” — even though it’s not a diner, drive-in or dive — according to a news release and Block Club. The episode will premiere at 8 p.m. on September 7 on Food Network.

— 35-year-old Edgewater staple La Fonda Latino Grill will shutter on September 23 at 5350 N. Broadway Street, Edgeville Buzz reports. As previously reported, Pizzeria Aroma will take over the space.

— The owners of hot West Loop Indian restaurant Tikkawala have nixed its casual lunch service starting today to focus on “cultivating new and unique dishes to add to the dinner menu,” they announced on social media. Its new hours are 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

— As part of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund which is distributing $8.8 million in grants to South and West Side businesses, Home Run Inn Pizza is getting $1.59 million to expand and update its Little Village restaurant, the Tribune reports.

— And finally, the director and producer of the adorable Pixar dumpling-baby short “Bao” will hold an adults-only talk with snacks and alcoholic beverages at the Museum of Science and Industry on September 21, Block Club first reported. More information and $40 tickets are available here.