SAVORY news (June 9, 2024)

An executive passes away, restaurants open—and next offers a $565 dinner

—In memoriam: Bita Buenrostro—a senior executive with a local restaurant corporation that managed three local restaurants, including the Gold Coast spot Dublin’s Bar & Grill, and a woman who ran for Chicago alderperson—passed away on May 21.

Bita Buenrostro. Campaign photo from 2015 courtesy of Buenrostro

I had the pleasure of knowing Buenrostro and interviewed her for Windy City Times in 2015 during one of her political campaigns. She was straightforward, determined—and exceedingly kind. Something I hadn’t known about her was that she arrived in Chicago at age 19 with $30 in her pocket and a full scholarship to North Park University. Buenrostro—who spoke five languages—graduated with a degree in political science.

A visitation and funeral Mass were held May 30 at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Buenrostro’s memory to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

—It’s here: Partners Glenn Deutsch, Eric Fosse and Audrey Fosse of Mino’s Italian in Winnetka, along with Executive Chef Matt Williams, have officially opened the doors to Chicago’s newest supper club, Charlie Martin’s, 735 N. Clark St.