Pilsen New American Restaurant Monnie Burke’s to Close After Less Than Two Years

Pilsen’s new American restaurant Monnie Burke’s to close this month

Pilsen’s new American restaurant Monnie Burke’s, which is featured on Eater Chicago’s essential patios map and garnered three stars from Phil Vettel, will close for reconcepting January 20, ownership announced yesterday in a Facebook post. “When we opened in 2018, our first investment was in the community of Pilsen,” they wrote. “We look forward to continuing that commitment as we prepare to reimagine our space and open a new concept here on 18th Street in the coming months.” Co-owner Anan Abu-Taleb’s company also operates Lincoln Park and Hyde Park’s Pizza Capri and Maya Del Sol in Oak Park, the Tribune reported.

Colbert sketch drags Portillo’s into Chicago’s legal reefer madness

Chicago’s legal reefer madness has wafted its way onto the late night talk show circuit, thanks to a sketch on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert that marries two hot Chicago topics: Portillo’s and pot. The segment rebranded the venerable hot dog chain as “Pottillo’s,” offering delicacies including a “pot dog” with fries for 99 cents and a $2.99 gyro “pre-roll,” the Trib reported, marking the second mention of Portillo’s on the Northwestern grad and Second City alum’s talk show. “We’re once again thrilled he thought of us for last night’s bit,” said Portillo’s senior marketing VP Nick Scarpino. “As for his most recent skit - well, it’s a good thing Portillo’s is open late.” Check out the clip below.

License Committee approves food truck parking time extension

The City Council’s License Committee has approved Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to double parking time for Chicago food trucks, extending allotted hours from two to four, according to the Sun-Times. Subject to final approval at a City Council meeting next week, the ordinance would transition vendors from temporary to permanent two-year mobile merchant licenses. The Illinois Restaurant Association, which had previously opposed food truck legislation, has expressed support for the mayor’s plan.

Hard liquor will soon be for sale at Wrigleyville’s Gallagher Way

Chicagoans will soon be able to buy hard liquor at Gallagher Way, the expansive plaza outside Wrigley Field, thanks to a proposal from Alderman Tom Tunney (Ward 44) that the very busy City Council’s License Committee unanimously approved Wednesday, CBS Chicago reported. Liquor pours will be limited to 3 ounces per hard plastic cup, while wine drinkers get 6.3 ounces and beer pours are 16 ounces. The Cubs reportedly pushed Tunney to open the plaza to the ticket-free public on game and concert dates, but the alderman declined.

Lollapalooza and former food festival chief departs company

And finally, Charlie Jones, co-owner of the company behind Lollapalooza and public face of the music festival, has amicably left the company, Crain’s reported. Jones was also behind the 2015 Chicago Food and Wine Festival featuring culinary stars such as Stephanie Izard and Graham Elliot, which lasted only one year. Lolla organizers and Chicago Park District officials said Jones’s departure won’t affect next summer’s festival.