Foodseum, Block Thirty Seven Becomes a Food Mecca

Big things sometimes have small beginnings. Such is the case for Block Thirty Seven, the glistening urban mall in the heart of the Loop that spent years mired in construction purgatory before it finally (and ever so slowly) made its debut. Though it’s been open for some years now, the enormous space never really maximized its potential, filling only a fraction of its retail space and letting the bulk of it lay in limbo, awaiting new tenants. Well, Block Thirty Seven’s time has finally come, as the next few months promise to big bring new attractions to the mall. Conveniently, both of these attractions happen to revolve entirely around food. 

 

Foodseum
Photo courtesy of Foodseum

First up is Foodseum, Chicago’s first food museum. While the organization searches for a permanent home, with plans to open in 2017, it’s setting up temporary shop on the second floor of Block Thirty Seven later this month. It’s run through December, operating with the museum’s first exhibit centered around hot dogs. As one of Chicago’s most iconic foods, the hot dog makes for an apt curatorial debut, along with other encased meats from around the world. Unlike any other museum, the Foodseum promises to engage a wider range of senses, including smell and taste. It’s an interactive foray for foodies far and wide. “Hot Dogs and Encased Meat of the World” runs from September 19 through December 20. 

What’s being billed as the Latin version of Eataly is taking shape on the third floor of Block Thirty Seven, and it’s one of the most anticipated dining openings of the year. Courtesy of Richard Sandoval, a world renowned chef who calls D.C. his home base, is working on his largest endeavor anywhere with Latinicity. The 22,000 square foot food hall looks to open in October, bringing a whole slew of new dining attractions to the Loop. Included will be 12 food and beverage stalls, a full-service tapas restaurant, a wine bar, event spaces, and a main hall reminiscent of a Spanish streetscape, with vendors designed to look like street carts. Expect a melange of Spanish and Latin wines, Latin beers, and spirits that run the gamut from tequila and rum to pisco and more. Dining options include tortas, ceviche, grilled meats, pastries, groceries, salads, and beyond. There will also be a retail area chock full of Sandoval’s cookbooks and cookware. This is gonna be big.

- Matt Kirouac

Top