A Milwaukee bar uses malört to unite Cubs and Brewers fans
Maybe this is retaliation for Alinea Group’s opening of a supper club and its $44 fish fry (folks are mad), but Chicago’s little sibling to the North is holding a festival to celebrate Jeppson’s Malört. Malört is the famously bitter liquor that’s become a point of pride for Chicagoans. So it’s perplexing why a Milwaukee bar would appropriate this custom. According to the Milwaukee Record, the city’s first-annual Malört Festival will take place on July 27 at Ray’s Growler Gallery with malört slushies and more. The event coincides with the Chicago Cubs visit to Miller Park to play the Milwaukee Brewers, The organizers are “creating a safe space for Chicago and Milwaukee baseball fans to tailgate like old drinking buddies.” Jeppson’s Malört, now owned by CH Distillery, is sponsoring the event which is the brainchild of its Milwaukee Malört ambassador Matthew Roy. CH Distillery owner Tremaine Atkinson approved and texted that it “sounds like a hell of a good time.”
Ann Sather is safe despite $10 million building sale
Alderman (44th Ward) Tom Tunney has sold the building that houses Lakeview landmark Ann Sather Restaurant. The sale will net Tunney about $10 million, reported Crain’s. Tunney, the former chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association, told Crain’s that he’s also agreed to a 10-year lease to keep the restaurant running. After the agreement expires, the building’s new owners would be free to redevelop the structure. Ann Sather has been around since 1945 and known for Swedish food and its colossal cinnamon rolls. The chain also has locations in Edgewater and Boystown. Tunney has owned the restaurant for almost 40 years since purchasing the business from the original owner, Ann Sather.
Yes, the building was sold, but we aren't going anywhere -- we have a ten-year lease. As Tom told the Chicago...
Posted by Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering on Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Giordano’s announces a Detroit deep-dish downer
Apparently, Detroit is too square cut for Giordano’s, as the Chicago stuffed pizza chain has closed its Motown restaurant after less than two years. Eater Detroit reported the franchise owner decided to pull the plug. Coincidentally, the closure comes a day after former Bulls guard Derrick Rose signed with the Detroit Pistons. Rose, a Chicago native, was an investor and spokesperson for the chain. Maybe D-Rose will grow fond of Detroit’s style of square-cut pies.
Belmont Snack Shop isn’t going anywhere
Despite social media chatter, Belmont Snack Shop appears to be safe from impending danger, according to an employee who vehemently denied any suggestion of a closure. The Avondale staple, open 24-hours at 3407 W. Belmont Avenue, predates the 1970 opening of the CTA Blue Line stop at Belmont. It’s best known for classic Southern diner fare, cheap prices, and breakfast served all day.