SAVORY news: A new pizzeria, a Goddess move and Ravinia's market

Here's the news for Nov. 24, 2024

Drop me a line (hot news, tips, etc.) at future3733@yahoo.com.

Note: No reproduction of this column is permitted under any circumstances without the express prior written permission from this columnist. 

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—Pop life: Please don’t forget that I have another column called Pop-Eds. My latest article covers my thoughts on the Cape Fear TV series, Morning Joe hosts and eel smuggling. Check it out at Andrew449.substack.com. 

—Art-felt: The Cornelia Arts Building—one of the largest all-artist studio buildings on Chicago's North Side—will hold an “Open Studios” on Friday, Dec. 6 (6-10 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec. 7 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.).

More than 100 artists work in the building, located at 1800 W. Cornelia Ave. This would be a great chance to find out what they do and purchase holiday gifts.

Now, on to culinary items…

—Pizza on Earth: Boka Restaurant Group announced Zarella, a neighborhood pizzeria and taverna located on the bustling corner of Grand and Wells in the heart of River North. It will open next year.

Pizzas at Zarella. Photo courtesy of Boka Restaurant Group

Chef partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira, Swift & Son’s Tavern) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop) have come together to craft a menu featuring a mix of tavern-style and artisan pizzas as well as entrées, small bites, fresh salads and an ever-rotating roster of Italian specialties. The pizzas will be available in a range of flavors, like Spicy Vodka with Calabrian Chili and Mozzarella; Carbonara with Pancetta, Pecorino and Egg; and Italian Sausage with Giardiniera, Oregano and Mozzarella. Each pizza will also be available with a gluten-friendly crust. 

Designed in collaboration with Anna Filatov, the two-level restaurant will feature a main bar, a mahogany-clad dining room, and a lower-level taverna perfect for cocktails and private events.

—To market we go: The inaugural season of the indoor winter Ravinia farmers’ market will soon begin.

Ravinia Farmers Market, in partnership with Wayfarer Theaters, invites the community to experience its weekly celebration of fresh local foods and artisan products in downtown Highland Park. The Ravinia Farmers Market will take place on Dec. 14 and 15 and Dec. 21 and 22 (all at 10 a.m.-2 p.m.), at Wayfarer Theaters in the lobby and adjacent retail space, followed by markets every Saturday from Jan. 11 through April 26 (10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m) in the retail space. 

For a full list of vendors and for more event information (including vendor registration), visit RaviniaFarmersMarket.com. 

Omakase Room by Kanemaru's mini salmon roe bowl Photo by Huge Galdones

—Group together: The Group Hospitality—the NYC-based entity responsible for the River North spots Olio E Piu and La Grande Boucherie—has now opened Omakase Room by Kanemaru in the same area, at 40 W. Hubbard St. It’s also the hospitality organization’s third omakase spot, behind NYC’s Omakase Room by Mitsu and Omakase Room by Shin.