Iconic Wicker Park Space to Turn Over Again After Latest Closure

Angry Pig Tavern, the latest restaurant in the Trenchermen space, has closed

Wicker Park’s iconic former Trenchermen and Spring space is dormant again as its latest tenant, Angry Pig Tavern, announced its closure this week. Owner Mark Hemmer operated the casual restaurant and bar in the historic North Avenue Bathhouse space for nearly a-year-and-half, opening Angry Pig Tavern in April 2018, less than three months after his seven-year-old spot Bridge House Tavern was pushed out of its downtown riverside space to become Lettuce Entertain You’s Pizzeria Portofino and RPM on the Water. Hemmer posted an emotional goodbye announcement in Angry Pig’s windows, on its social media accounts and website, writing in part that “my children are growing up without their daddy. It’s time to switch gears and be there for my family.” Stay tuned to see what comes to the space next.

Rick Bayless gets personal in a new interview

Rick Bayless dug deep into his psyche, family history, turbulent childhood, and more in Chicago magazine interview. Among the legendary Mexican chef’s reveals are that criticism crushes him and his family is full of raging alcoholics and suicides. Check out the full interview here.

“Chicago’s largest corn maze” with multiple bars to reopen soon

Last year’s very popular fall-themed pop-up is coming back for seconds. Jack’s Pumpkin Nights, which features “Chicago’s largest corn maze,” multiple bars, lots of pumpkins and more, will reopen for a second year at 1467 N. Elston Avenue on October 4. Tickets and more information are available on its website.

Now “Friends”-themed marshmallows have come to Chicago

And finally, the wave of 90s pop-culture nostalgia at Chicago restaurants and bars continues, this time with a tribute to the TV sitcom Friends. In honor of the show’s 25th anniversary, Rogers Park creative marshmallow and dessert spot XO Marshmallow announced in a news release that it now offers six different flavors that are based on the show’s main characters, including a wedding cake-flavored marshmallow for Ross because “divorce seems to be his thing,” and a pizza-flavored marshmallow for Joey because “the only thing more ‘Joey’ than his infamous pick-up line is his never-ending love of pizza.” They’re packaged in guys’ and girls’ boxes of 12.