Is Au Cheval’s Empire Builder Planning a New Wicker Park Restaurant?

Empire Builder Brendan Sodikoff is reportedly planning a new Wicker Park spot

The man behind Au Cheval and many other solid gold hits in Chicago and New York City is reportedly working on a new spot near the Wicker Park/Bucktown border. According to Crain’s, the city recently gave Brendan Sodikoff permission to rezone a property at 1661 N. Milwaukee Avenue — nearly across the street from the original Small Cheval — in order to build a new restaurant with a retractable roof. Sodikoff has not yet responded to inquiries for more information, so stay tuned. The empire builder is seemingly always working on new projects, which currently include two West Loop spots, a new restaurant in River North’s Radio Anago space, and a massive complex on the Chicago River.

‘Original’ location of longtime pizza chain Home Run Inn to soon reopen

Longtime local pizza chain Home Run Inn not only opened a new Bronzeville restaurant last month with pour-your-own beer — it also plans to soon reopen a new version of its original location in Little Village, according to the Sun-Times and a news release. The location, 4254 W. 31st Street, is next door to the original 1947 building and is slated to open on October 28 with 250 seats and 42 taps. Check out a photo of the original location followed by a rendering of the new one below.

Home Run Inn [Official Photo]

Home Run Inn [Official Rendering]

Watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ at the Old Town Ale House

Popular ABC late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” sent sidekick Guillermo on a cross-country road trip and earlier this week it filmed a segment at essential bar Old Town Ale House. Guillermo was gifted with a painting hanging on its legendary wall, he chatted with Bears safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Bearman was there, and beer was consumed, of course. Check out the clip below.

One of the city’s toughest reservations is now available for brunch

And finally, Chicago eaters now have more opportunities to get into one of the city’s new hottest restaurants. Pizzeria Portofino, Lettuce Entertain You’s Italian Riviera-inspired hotspot on the Chicago Riverwalk, is now open for weekend brunch between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu highlights include brunch pizzas, Italian cornettos, and an “Italian sunrise” cocktail with Campari and whipped orange juice.