New Nike Commercial Recasts Iconic Billy Goat Tavern as Hot Dog Spot Called ‘Frank’s’

Nike recasts Chicago’s famous Billy Goat Tavern in a new commercial

Nike selected Chicago’s legendary Billy Goat Tavern (“Cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger, no Pepsi … Coke”) as the set for its new Chicago-style “Sports Changes Everything” commercial, but fans and regulars may be surprised to discover that restaurant featured in the 60-second ad is a fictional hot dog spot called “Frank’s.” The Billy Goat team knew of Nike’s plans for the make-believe eatery, according to the Tribune. The commercial also highlights a long list of professional Chicago athletes and high school student-athletes from across the city. The sports gear and apparel giant is running a temporary basketball court in the LuLu’s Hot Dogs parking lot at 1000 S. Leavitt Street until Monday. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., patrons can expect dance parties, pickup games, food specials, shoe trials, and more.

D.C.-based Lao culinary trailblazer to hold two-day pop-up at Lost Lake

Laotian food pioneer Bobby Pradachith of Washington D.C. restaurant Hanumanh and beverage director Al Thompson will take over acclaimed Chicago tiki bar Lost Lake for a two-day pop-up called “Lost Lake’s Strangers in Paradise” on November 5 and 6. Hanumanh is named for a Hindu and Buddhist monkey god, a character noted for both courage and mischief. On the first night, diners can expect a five-course dinner (tickets available here) with two seatings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The second evening will feature a limited food and drink menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. — no reservations necessary.

Wicker Park’s new corner store with pho and chicken rice opens next week

Highly anticipated Wicker Park restaurant and shop Phodega will open November 8 at 1547 N. Ashland Avenue, according to co-owner Nate Hoops. The new spot will offer chicken pho and beef pho, Hainanese chicken rice, a selection of Asian snacks and candy, as well as drinks such as fruit smoothies, boba teas, and popular Japanese soda Ramune. Staff will also sell typical bodega essentials such as lighters, paper towels, rolling papers, and more.

Alinea and Rhine Hall Distillery release formerly exclusive coffee liqueur

And finally, the Kinzie Corridor fruit brandy purveyor and world famous restaurant Alinea have released the fruits of their partnership: a coffee liqueur made with a fruit brandy base (mostly barrel-aged pineapple brandy), coffee and vanilla beans, representatives wrote in a news release. The liquor was previously available exclusively at Alinea and its sister bar, the Aviary, but now drinkers can try it at Rhine Hall’s tasting room or purchase bottles from many retailers including Binny’s and Edgewater specialty shop Independent Spirits for $25-30 (375 ml) or $45-50 (750 ml).