San Francisco Treat Philz Coffee Sets Opening Date for Second Chicago Location

Philz Coffee prepares to open in Hyde Park

After opening its first Chicago location in June in Wicker Park, San Francisco-based Philz Coffee has announced a September 1 debut for its Hyde Park shop, 1425 E. 53rd Street. This is the chain’s second Chicago location, and management is also planning a shop near Lincoln/Halsted/Fullerton in Lincoln Park. Philz is known for its made-to-order coffee drinks, and has become a favorite among tech bros in Silicon Valley.

Comedian Ali Wang asks Chicagoans where to find the best Asian food

Ali Wong, a stand-up comedian and actress (Always Be My Maybe), is in town for shows Friday and Saturday at Chicago Theatre. She’s Asian American, and asked her fans via Instagram for Chicago restaurant suggests: “Where should I eat?! Please no fancy places where you pay $3,000 for a rosemary buffalo fart. Looking for good Asian food.” Let’s hope she didn’t mean just “authentic” Asian food. Parachute chef Beverly Kim (who repped the White Sox on an ABC Good Morning America segment on baseball ballpark food on Thursday with Art Smith) suggested she visit Chicago’s only Michelin-starred Korean restaurant. Landbirds, Tank Noodle, and Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings headlined the tips. However, less inspired fan suggestions included Au Cheval, Lou Malnati’s, and Portillo’s.

Alinea chef Grant Achatz guest judges on MasterChef

Grant Achatz broke out Alinea’s signature edible helium balloons on Wednesday’s episode of MasterChef on Fox. The winner earned a dinner for two at Achatz’s famed three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Lincoln Park. The Tribune summarized the episode.

Three popular Chicago restaurants celebrate anniversaries

And finally, August isn’t just about waving goodbye to summer, as three Chicago restaurants are celebrating milestones. Pastoral — Lakeview’s haven for wine, cheese, and sandwiches — is celebrating turning 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday with a special offering from Black Dog Gelato, made with L’Amuse Signature Gouda from the Netherlands, that goes well with Mawby Sparkling Rosé Cuvee on tap. Funkenhausen in West Town, the German-meets-Southern spot, is celebrating its first “Hamiversary” with a special five-course family-style $100-ticket dinner on Sunday with wine pairings, Kölsch service, and an oompah band. Finally, Bucktown bar Tricycle also celebrates turning one with events all week, culminating at 6 p.m. on Saturday with a tapping of 2014 Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout Vanilla Rye.