Chicago Food Trucks Would Double Parking Time Under New Mayoral Plan

New mayoral plan would double food truck parking time

Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed a plan to the City Council Wednesday that would allow Chicago food trucks to park in a legal space for four hours, which is twice the current limit, the Sun-Times reported. The city and restaurant industry lobbyists have long had an oppositional relationship with food trucks. In 2016, a Cook County judge ruled that the city’s stringent restrictions on trucks were legal. Now, however, the Illinois Restaurant Association is expressing support for the new plan, noting the difficult task of setting up, selling, and closing a truck under the current two-hour rule.

Randolph Row’s Jaipur launches bar service with Indian-inspired cocktails

Popular Indian restaurant Jaipur, recently reopened on Randolph Street, is launching bar service after snagging a liquor license this week, according to a rep. Patrons can try Indian, American, and French beers along with wine, available by the glass or bottle. Cocktail selections include the “Jaipur Jamun” (Mango habanero vodka, Jamun juice, lime) and the restaurant’s take on an old fashioned, “Hibiskus Puraana Zamaana” (Old Forester bourbon, hibiscus ginger syrup, cardamom). The full bar menu is available below.

Soup & Bread returns in January to raise funds for food pantries

Community organization Soup & Bread will restart its free weekly meal program for its 12th year at venerable dive bar and music venue the Hideout, featuring soups from chefs, writers, artists, and home cooks, as well as loaves from Publican Quality Bread. Organizers encourage financial donations to support neighborhood food pantries in Chicago and beyond, and have raised approximately $90,000 for food pantries over the past 11 years. The project runs from 5:50 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday nights from January 8 through April 1 at 1354 W. Wabansia Avenue.

Home brewers compete for tank space at annual Stout & Chili event

Chicago-based home brewing organization C.H.A.O.S. Brew Club will hold its ninth annual Stout & Chili Night on January 25 featuring wintry beers like stouts and porters to pair with a hot, spicy chili banquet. Participants can vote for their preferred chili options and pick a favorite beer from six Chaos brewers. Logan Square multi-brewery taproom Pilot Project Brewing will brew the winner’s beer. The club will announce more guest taps in the coming weeks via Facebook, and would-be drinkers can buy a $35 trial membership to join the festivities at 2417 W. Hubbard Street.

Notorious South Side bar Brewbakers for sale for nearly $1 million

And finally, notorious late-night Beverly bar Brewbakers and its building are for sale for nearly $1 million, Block Club first reported. As the only bar in the 19th Ward licensed to operate into the wee hours of the morning, Brewbakers developed an acrimonious relationship with neighbors and local officials. Brewbakers owner Peter Bradarich recently changed the bar’s closing times to 12 a.m. on Sunday through Wednesday and 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday at 10350 S. Western Avenue.