Win a $300 ‘Menorah Bubbler’ at Rooftop Bar Utopian Tailgate’s Hanukkah Pop-Up

Utopian Tailgate Hanukkah pop-up offers a chance to win $300 “menorah bubbler”

Wrigleyville might as well be one giant Christmas pop-up bar this year, but Old Town’s psychedelic rooftop bar above the famous Second City comedy club puts a timely spin on the Jewish festival of lights with a new event, Chronikkah - Festival of Light ‘Em Up. Patrons can win Utopian Tailgate “party packs” and even a $300 “menorah bubbler” by purchasing Hanukkah gelt, or chocolate coins wrapped in foil, to play modern dreidel game Spinagogue — the biggest pot at the end of the night takes the prize. It starts Sunday — the first night of Hanukkah — and runs through Monday, December 30, excluding December 24 and 25 when the bar is closed. Proceeds from all gelt sales will go to cancer support non-profit Gilda’s Club, named for the late Jewish Second City star Gilda Radner.

“World’s largest” strip club operator buys Dick’s Last Resort

Infamous Chicago River-adjacent restaurant and bar Dick’s Last Resort, known for surly service and crude accoutrement, has new ownership: Las Vegas-based Deja vu Services, Inc., which claims to be the largest strip club operator in the world, confirmed last week that it purchased the restaurant, according to Loop North News. In 2017, Deja vu reached a $6.5 million settlement on a national class-action lawsuit filed by more than 28,000 dancers, who alleged the company violated federal and state labor laws. The company doesn’t plan to make any changes to the Chicago Dick’s, one of 13 in the U.S.

Chicago Restaurant Week participants released

Chicago Restaurant Week will return for its 13th year from January 24 through February 9 with 400 participating food and drink establishments in the city and suburbs, including 80 new spots, according to a representative. Diners can try Carlos Gaytán’s new River North Mexican restaurant Tzuco, West Town sushi icon Arami, Gold Coast wine wonderland Cooper’s Hawk Esquire Chicago, and much more at special prices. The week kicks off with “First Bites Bash” on January 23 hosted by Thai and Danielle Dang (HaiSous, Ca Phe Da) and a full list of participating restaurants and tickets for the opening event are available online.

Parson’s to pop up at the Chicago Athletic Association

Fried chicken and boozy slushy haven Parson’s Chicken & Fish will host an indoor patio pop-up in Chicago Athletic Association’s Tank space (formerly a hotel pool), with food including hush puppies, chicken sandwiches and nuggets (regular, hot, or demon-style) and fish sandwiches. There will be plenty of drinks, too, such as negroni slushies, hot Jim Beam-spiked cider, and Parson’s new pickle soda, paired with a festive vibe fostered by ping pong games, karaoke, and more events. The pop-up debuts January 7 and runs through February 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Sunday at 12 S. Michigan Avenue.

Stan’s Donuts debuts nationwide shipping

And finally, popular doughnut chain Stan’s Donuts now offers nationwide shipping via food delivery company Goldbelly, according to a news release. Fans can ship doughnuts by the dozen for $59 (including shipping) anywhere in the U.S., and offerings include vegan and “gluten-less” options. Stan’s currently operates 12 city and suburban locations.