Weekly Planner: Gauguin-inspired Specials, Brunch Returns to Chop Shop, New Lunch at Bittersweet and More

Gauguin-inspired Burger and Cocktail at Seven Lions

In honor of the new Paul Gauguin Artist as Alchemist exhibit opening at the Art Institute of Chicago, the conveniently located Seven Lions is rolling out an inspired burger and cocktail special to run the duration of the programming, starting June 25. Courtesy of chef Patrick Russ, the burger and cocktail both borrowed inspiration from Gauguin’s exploration of Tahiti, resulting in tropical creations called the Gauguin Burger and the Noa Noa Cocktail. The burger blends the artist’s French roots with his penchant for Tahitian culture, featuring a beef patty topped with housemade country pate, pork belly, crispy plantains, grilled pineapple and coconut-cabbage slaw. The cocktail is equally beachy, blending dark rum, Tahitian vanilla-infused vodka, fruit juice and a flower garnish in a Hurricane glass. Menu items will be available June 25 through September 10. 

New Lunch Menu at Bittersweet

After almost 25 years spent serving the same lunch menu, Lakeview’s Bittersweet Pastry & Cafe is changing things up. The iconic cafe has rolled out a new lunch menu with five staple sandwiches, plus two specials each day. The lineup includes grilled ham, fig and Gruyere; grilled turkey and bacon; smoked salmon; roast beef; and grilled cheese with tomato. To boot, all are served on Bittersweet’s fresh, house-baked bread. 

 

Chop Shop
Chop Shop

Brunch Returns to Chop Shop

In other midday news, Chop Shop has brought back brunch. Served at the bar, on the second floor and on the rooftop patio every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the new weekend menu features an array of breakfast-y standbys, plus plenty of meaty wares from Chop Shop’s butcher counter. Get hungry for prosciutto and melon plates, bacon cheddar biscuits, sausage frittatas, lobster Benedict with polenta cakes and crab hollandaise and steak and eggs with 4-oz. hanger steak, chimichurri, country potatoes and sunny-side eggs.  

Fire and Ice Fridays at Geja’s Cafe

Although mostly renowned as a wintry haven for cozy fondue and clandestine vibes, Geja’s Cafe is here to remind you that the Lincoln Park institution is a summer hot spot as well. For further proof, check out Geja’s for their new Fire and Ice Fridays. Taking place on the restaurant’s patio on Friday evenings, the “ice” comes courtesy of Moet & Chandon’s Ice Imperial, newly added to the wine list for the summer. From 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., guests can indulge in a glass for just $10 all summer long. In addition to fondue, the “fire” is also a reference to the fireplace on Geja’s patio. 

Weeknight Specials at Headquarters Beercade

Ensuring that guests have fun every night of the week this summer, Headquarters Beercade has introduced a lineup of specials sure to delight patrons with food, booze and entertainment. Here’s the rundown:

Industry Mondays: any members of the hospitality industry receive 50% off tabs and $10 shots of 1942 Don Julio when they show their business cards. 

Can You Dig It Tuesdays: It’s all about the canned beers on Tuesdays. This means $4 cans of craft beers including Bells Oberon, Founders Centennial, Oskar Blues Old Chub, New Belgium Voodoo Ranger, Baderbrau Gun Smoke, Around the Bend Puffing Billy, Sierra Nevada Otra Vez, Surly #Merica, Tocayo Hominy White Ale and  Anthem Pear Cider.

Savage Bingo Wednesdays: For those who like a little interactive entertainment, come by on Wednesdays for some comedy and competition. Savage Bingo is a free event starting at 8:30 p.m., hosted Second City’s Mark Huniu, Brandon Scott and Keegan Hones. Bingo winners have the chance to win prizes every week, including $200 cash, sports and concert tickets, electronics and more.

Thirsty Thursday cocktail flights: Headquarters is now offering flights of their best cocktails, including Assault & Pepper, HQ Zima, and Sex-A-Peel; three 3 oz. pours are available for $9.

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