Chicago Restaurant Week runs March 25-April 10

It’s time for Chicago’s annual foodie frenzy. Yes, that special time of year, where you get to treat your taste buds like royalty during the 15th annual culinary celebration that is Chicago Restaurant Week, which runs March 25-April 10. That’s a total of 17 days of dining deals to delight even the pickiest of palates.

This year’s version of Chicago Restaurant Week features hundreds of the Chicago area’s top restaurants offering multi-course, prix-fixe meals are $25 for brunch or lunch, and $39 and/or $55 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery fees). New this year is the flexibility to experience this event through dine-in or takeout/delivery options.

Dry-aged steaks, hearty American comfort food, modern Japanese creations, traditional Italian recipes, Spanish tapas, French delicacies or Thai spices — the world is at your fork at hundreds of downtown hotspots and cozy neighborhood favorites.

In the past, upwards of close to a million people have participated, so don’t delay in making your reservations. For more information on the restaurants taking part and menu options, visit ChooseChicago.com

Save the date: The Taste of Park Ridge July is 14-16



Mark your calendars and get excited, because the dates have been set for the annual Taste of Park Ridge in Uptown, celebrating a great collection of local food, music and community Thursday-Saturday, July 14-16, 2022. For more information on live entertainment and vendors, visit TasteOfParkRidge.com

Chicago Botanic Garden offers new price structure

The Chicago Botanic Garden has a new pricing structure that includes an admission fee (usually $9.95 for adults and $7.95 for kids aged 3-12), a reduced parking fee, and 52 free admission days for Illinois residents. Check out their per-person admission tickets in advance for the best pricing, where you can choose the optimal fit for your budget and schedule. Admission fee includes the most popular spring and summer attractions like Butterflies & Blooms, Grand Tram Tour and Model Railroad Garden.

Pre-registration for non-members is required on free days (up to two months in advance), and parking fees apply. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. ChicagoBotanic.org

Taco Melly goes virtual

Taco Melly, the fast-casual taco shop on Fairview in Uptown Park Ridge, made the decision to shift to a virtual kitchen in February due to a demand for their carryout and delivery services.

The entire menu — filled with tasty tacos, burritos, bowls and empanadas (try the short rib), as well as expertly crafted palomas and margaritas — is now exclusively available for carryout and delivery Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4-9 p.m.

Pickup orders will be available at their sister restaurant, Pennyville Station (114 Main Street), and ordering is available by phone 847-720-4288 or online via Toast, Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats. TacoMelly.com

Great deals around town


Unlimited mimosas bloody Marys at Zia’s Social

Enjoy $15 unlimited mimosas and bloody Marys during weekend brunch at the new Zia’s Social. Their fantastic brunch runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
 Click here for our Good Eats cover story on Zia’s Social from the winter issue.

The new Zia’s Social is located at 6158 N. Northwest Highway in Norwood Park. Weekend reservations are recommended. 773-775-0808. ZiasSocial.com



3-3-3-3 happy hour special at Tavern on the Point

Tavern on the Point’s weekday happy hour from 2-5 p.m. is a solid way to kickstart the evening with the “3-3-3-3 special,” which includes $3 seltzers, well drinks, domestic bottles and domestic drafts.

And a bonus: Their unique rooftop is covered by a heated tent for winter/spring. 6724 N. Northwest Highway in Edison Park. TavernOnThePoint.com

Goldfish Swim School’s discounted memberships are back



Goldfish Swim School is bringing back their blue and orange memberships, and as longtime members, we can vouch for the personal attention and feedback our son gets during his weekly class. Check out their six-month and one-year memberships that feature a variety of perks (waived membership fees, drop-in lessons), freebies (goggles, towel, family swims) and savings ($200-$400 annually) to get a headstart on a safer summer.

Goldfish Swim School is located at 678 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge. (224) 585-3981. GoldfishSwimSchool.com/Park-Ridge/