Derby specials, 'Savor Asia,' a Greek experience and Mango Pickle returns

SAVORY news for the week of April 27, 2025

On your marks, get ready, get set—and go! SAVOR with Andrew has a lot for you this week (per usual).

Photo by Jeff Griffith on Unsplash

—The goose is loose: The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a bobblehead of the Wrigley Goose.

During the Chicago Cubs’ home-opening weekend series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, a Canadian goose made itself at home with the rest of the bleacher bums when it settled in a planter box in center field, which resulted in a section of bleacher seats to be blocked off. The limited-edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

—Flying high: Job seekers and entrepreneurs can learn about contracting and employment opportunities at O’Hare and Midway International Airports when the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) hosts the Fourth Annual Airport Expo and Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd.

To learn more or register as either a job seeker or vendor, visit flychicago.com/airportexpo. Job-seekers should bring business cards, resumes and prepared pitches.

—GIVEAWAY!: We’re having another giveaway—this time for another Friends box set, or for one of the Chicago-set show Shameless!

All you have to do to qualify is to be a paying subscriber (for less than $5/month) to either SAVOR for Andrew (future3733.substack.com) or Pop-Eds (Andrew449.substack.com). The deadline is Friday, May 2. Good luck!

And now on to culinary items…

—Go West: West Chicago Taverna has opened its doors at 956 N. Neltnor Blvd., Suite 320, in West Chicago.

West Chicago Taverna dishes. Photo courtesy of West Chicago Taverna

The restaurant is the brainchild of West Chicago natives Oleg Manole and Michael Ninicu, who have long dreamed of creating a space that reflects the spirit of their hometown. To bring their vision to life, Manole and Ninicu partnered with Chef Michael Lachowicz, the acclaimed chef and owner behind the George Trois Group (Aboyer, George Trois, Fondita Miguel). The menu mixes the familiar (hummus, grilled Faroe Island salmon and Greek spanakopita) with dishes like chicken and caramelized apple mousse.

—Remixing it up: For you fast-casual fans, Epic Burger’s Lincoln Park, Northbrook and Skokie locations are allowing guests to personalize their sauces with HEINZ REMIX machines.

A touch screen lets people pick a base (Heinz Ketchup, mayo, BBQ Sauce or ranch dressing), choose up to two flavor boosters (jalapeño, buffalo, smoky chipotle or roasted garlic), select an intensity and blend the ingredients/heat. Enjoy!

—It’s Greek to me: Avli Restaurant Group, in partnership with the award-winning Athens-based hospitality organization The Nice & Easy Group, will host the inaugural Chicago Hellenic Chef’s Experience, taking place on Thursday, May 1, at Avli on The Park, 180 N. Field Blvd.