Is a Distillery Boom Coming to Illinois?

New state law allows Illinois distilleries to offer beer and wine and open multiple locations

Could distilleries in Illinois approach the popularity of brewpubs and brewery tasting rooms? Spirit-makers now have an opening to try, as a new state law allows distilleries to offer beer and wine, open multiple locations, and sell double the amount of booze on premises as they used to be able to, Crain’s reports. The previous law restricted distilleries in Illinois to selling 2,500 gallons of its own spirits at just one location. The new law could result in a boom in distillery pubs in the state, as well as take away more business from neighborhood bars. Those bars already face more competition from the increase in breweries with taprooms.

Bon Appetit’s best new restaurant nominees include three Chicago spots

Awards season is here as Bon Appetit magazine announces the 50 nominees for its best new restaurants in 2019. Three Chicago spots are among them: Jeong in West Town, Kumiko in the West Loop, and Middle Brow Bungalow in Logan Square. Marisol and Tempesta Market were nominees in 2018 and neither went on to be among the final 10, so there’s no guarantee that any of this year’s local nominees will either.

Chicago’s French Market to soon get a wine bar

A new wine bar is coming to the Chicago’s French Market in the West Loop courtesy of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. Ownership is expanding its current cheese and sandwich shop in the food hall to add a 10-seat bar and tables with eight more seats where customers can order wines by the glass, flights, cheese and charcuterie plates, and more food items, the Tribune reports. Look for it to open in mid-to-late September.

Pastoral [Official Photo]

Iconic Garrett Popcorn Shops offering cheap anniversary deal this week

And finally, Chicago icon Garrett Popcorn Shops is offering 70-cent bags of Garrett Mix this week in honor of the ever-popular local chain’s 70th anniversary. The deal is valid between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in its shops through Friday. And on September 18 the chain will throw a party at Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Avenue and give away free Garrett Mix bags and swag.