Weekly Planner: Big Star's Patio Cookout, Brunch at Formento's and Manny's Sandwich Swap
There’s a new brunch spot on the block in the West Loop, and it’s bringing prosciutto Benedict. Lending an Italian accent to the American weekend tradition, Formento’s is the latest entry in the brunch-packed neighborhood, with a tempting menu curated by chef Todd Stein. Available on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the menu features the likes of lemon ricotta pancakes, a mortadella and egg sandwich, an antipasti omelet and a giant cinnamon roll. For something more lunch-forward, try the bucatini carbonara or Nonna’s meatballs. Brunch is available on Formento’s patio as well, which also happens to be dog-friendly.
Summer Fridays at Pizzeria Bebu
Pizza is the best excuse for cutting out of work early and getting a jump on the weekend. Pizzeria Bebu, the beloved and buzzy Lincoln Park pizzeria, is hopping on the summer Fridays bandwagon with a seasonal weekly happy hour that sings of summer. From 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. every Friday this season, the restaurant offers $30 bottles of John Ryan Wines’ Take Me Home Rosé with any pizza purchase. It’s the perfect way to toast to summer, especially on a leisurely Friday afternoon.
Patio Cookout at Big Star
Summer time calls for a good old fashioned cookout, and Big Star is here to satisfy our cravings in a big way. The “Girls and Grills” patio cookout takes place July 22 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., featuring a lineup of top-tier female chef talents from throughout the city. The lineup includes Big Star’s own Julie Warpinski, Nico Osteria’s Leigh Omilinsky, Split-Rail’s Zoe Schor, Baker Miller’s Megan Miller, Owen & Engine’s Bo Fowler and The Whistler’s Julieta Campos. Ticket info is still to come, but save the date for this al fresco bash, which is set to feature savory snacks and sweets aplenty.
Manny’s Deli and The Ruin Daily Do a Sandwich Swap
Classic meets contemporary as two Jefferson Street sandwich-slingers combine forces for a good old fashioned recipe swap. Between July 9 and July 20, The Ruin Daily and Manny’s Deli are trading some sandwich recipes and spicing up their menus. During the two-week spree, The Ruin Daily will feature Manny’s famous Reuben on its menu, while the South Loop institution serves The Ruin Daily’s turkey pesto sandwich with confit tomatoes, pesto ranch and Italian baguette.