Chicago Street Food Icon Portillo’s Is Officially Coming to the Northwest Side

The Northwest Side is officially getting the city’s third Portillo’s

Eaters in Avondale and Irving Park should get plenty of chocolate cake shakes and Chicago-style hot dogs late this year. That’s because Portillo’s Northwest Side location is moving forward on Addison and Kimball streets, according to a news release and multiple reports. The restaurant, which will be the third Portillo’s in the city limits, was proposed back in October and will feature more than 280 seats, a large parking lot, two drive-thru lanes, and a “Chicago in the Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression and the New Deal” design theme. City locations currently exist in River North and the South Loop in addition to many in the suburbs and other states.

A groundbreaking local cocktail conference will come back in May

Chicago Style, the city’s first women-run cocktail conference, is coming back for a second year at the Ace Hotel Chicago from May 6-9. Founded by Shelby Allison (Lost Lake), Sharon Bronstein (Fords Gin) and Caitlin Laman (beverage consultant), the four-day event features the Speed Rack National Championships, Bar Fight Club, and many panels and seminars. Expect the full schedule and ticket sales to be announced on March 1 on its website.

Rahm delivered doughnuts to city workers this morning

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, thankful to city workers for keeping the city running during the polar vortex, delivered Firecakes doughnuts to Chicago’s street and sanitation employees this morning. He posted a video on Twitter here.

Taste of Chicago seeks diverse food vendors

As if Friday’s relatively balmy positive temperatures aren’t a sign, it’s time to think about summer festivals in Chicago. The granddaddy of them all, Taste of Chicago, is trying to diversify its food vendor lineup. Food vendor applications are due on Wednesday, February 20 and restaurant owners can apply online to be either a five-day participant, a one- or two-day pop-up, or a food truck. The requirements, including an insurance checklist, are listed on the website. Taste of Chicago starts July 10. The city is holding an informational workshop on February 7 at the Chicago Cultural Center, and people can register for the event here.

Baconfest reveals the lineup for its 11th annual event

The vendor lineup is out for this year’s Baconfest, which is coming back for an 11th year on April 5 and 6 at UIC Forum. New restaurants this year include Good Measure, Steingold’s, Swill Inn and more, in addition to many returning participants. The full lineup and tickets are available on its website.

Peek inside Grant Achatz’s recently sold Bucktown home

And finally, Eaters who are curious about Grant Achatz’s house can now take a peek inside. The world famous Alinea chef recently sold his home in Bucktown for $1.3 million; the Tribune and Crain’s have more details and photos.