—Kills and chills: The controversial Serial Killer: The Exhibition has opened in Chicago at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, 2428 W. 15th St. It’s scheduled to run through January 2027.
More than 2,100 authentic artifacts will be presented across 40 rooms spanning more than 26,000 square feet, bringing together original letters, legal records, psychiatric reports, personal belongings, artwork and case-related materials connected to approximately 150 serial killers. Among the Chicago edition’s features are three original paintings by John Wayne Gacy personally given to his attorney, Karen Conti; Jeffrey Dahmer’s actual eyeglasses; and crime-scene reconstructions. The tour concludes with a memorial to all of the killers’ victims.
I actually visited the exhibition. To find my thoughts on it, visit my other Substack, Pop-Eds.
—It’s an honor: The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) is set to honor actor/singer Anthony Ramos, legendary composer Ángel “Cucco” Peña and actress Justina Machado with the National Ceiba Award at this year’s Raices Gala, taking place Sept. 10 at Rockwell on the River (3057 N. Rockwell St.) at 6-10 p.m.
The award recognizes outstanding commitment to the preservation and promotion of Puerto Rican arts and culture. Past honorees include Ricky Martin, Liza Colón-Zayas, Rita Moreno, Jimmy Smits and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
And now, on to culinary items…
—GIVEAWAY!: The next prize giveaway is here—and it’s a pair of H2O Audio TRI 2 Multi-Sport Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones (retail value: $149)! The headphones represent a breakthrough in audio technology, offering enhanced sound quality and an improved ergonomic design. Originally engineered for endurance athletes, they deliver a superior listening experience, whether you’re on land or in water.
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 to be a paying subscriber has been extended to Wed., Sept. 9. Good luck!
—You butter believe it: I know it’s a few steps from Chicagoland but I still thought I’d let you know that Paris has its first boutique that’s exclusively devoted to butter, per the AP.
Le Butter Shop—a short distance from the Eiffel Tower—has 30 varieties from small family producers in Brittany, the Loire Valley and northern France. Items range from the classics to sweet items like vanilla and strawberry butter.
—Let’s talk about six: For those of you looking to indulge, there’s a standout item at the Lincoln Park spot Summer House Santa Monica—possibly during Labor Day weekend (including Monday).
The spot has a six-layer chocolate-chip cookie cake that can satisfy any craving. In addition, keep in mind that Summer House will have an end-of-summer crab dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:30-9 p.m. There will be Maryland oysters; a full Chesapeake blue crab feast with shrimp, corn, and potatoes; and welcome cocktail, beer and rosé.
—Moving on: This past January, a void in the Chicago dining scene was created with the sudden passing of Chef Steven Fiore Chiappetti (1967-2026). He was the vice president of food and beverage for Dreamweaver Hotels and the culinary force behind the dining experiences at Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection and theWit Chicago, A Hilton Hotel.
On Sept. 2, there was a media event at Hotel EMC2’s The Albert that officially introduced Dreamweaver’s next chapter, headlined by Chef David Danielson. Danielson—who has worked with Chiappetti—has more than three decades of experience, including overseeing culinary operations for the Kentucky Derby; having executive leadership roles at Rockefeller Center, the UN Plaza Hotel and Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton, among other spots; and consulting and leadership work tied to globally recognized events including the Super Bowl, Olympic Games, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, PGA championships (including the 2026 Masters), the Grammys and Lollapalooza.
As for The Albert, it continues the tradition of serving Italian dishes. Dinner items include fonduta (with smoked gouda); antipasti such as artichoke and mussels; steak dishes such as The Albert Cut (a 38-ounce tomahawk steak with crisp potatoes and carrots); and the four-cheese ravioli—a dish that made The Albert one of my top five experiences a couple years ago.
—✨✨REVIEW: For those who mourned when Old Town Pour House left Chicago after 13 years in the Old Town area, you can take comfort in the fact that a new one opened last month in the Loop, at 122 N. LaSalle St.
However there’s one thing to keep in mind: It’s almost impossible for me to review Old Town Pour House without including at least one other restaurant.
Bottleneck Management owns the restaurant as well as others including Sweetwater Tavern + Grille—which I reviewed not too long ago. So there are commonalities with these spots, for better or for worse.
