Weekly Planner: Brunch at Publican Anker, Midday Dining at Animale, Sunday Lasagna at Roots Handmade Pizza and More
Brunch at Publican Anker
Brunch-wise at least, 2017 is already shaping up to be a banner year, what with the introduction of brunch service at Wicker Park’s hottest new restaurant, Publican Anker. Courtesy of One Off Hospitality Group, executive chef Cosmo Goss and chef de cuisine AJ Walker, the menu offers up some wholly unique items not typically seen on brunch menus. This includes roasted red pepper scrambles with feta and toast, grilled half lobsters and ricotta toast with mackerel and soft-boiled eggs, to name a few. Brunch is now served on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Midday Dining at Animale
While one restaurant rolls out brunch, another adds lunch. Bucktown’s beloved Animale has added weekday daytime service to its repertoire, featuring an array of panini, pastas, burgers and other afternoon grub, all with an inventive Italian accent. It’s the same kind of fare popular at dinner, with an emphasis on off-cuts of meat and dishes like cacio e pepe and tartufo burgers. Additionally, Animale has added a bevy of daily specials and promos as well, including BYOB Mondays, all-you-can-eat pasta on Tuesdays, burger bargains on Wednesdays and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar on weekends. The restaurant’s new hours are noon until 10:00 p.m. daily.
Founders Tapping at Fountainhead
Another beer event to tack on to your calendar comes courtesy of Fountainhead. The popular Ravenswood restaurant and bar is putting the spotlight on Founders Brewing Co. on Groundhog Day, February 2, from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. During this time, they’ll be featuring a massive roster of Founders beers, available via a vertical of drafts. Beers include the 2013 Old Curmudgeon Old Ale, 2014 Backwoods Bastard BA Scotch Ale, KBS: Kentucky Bourbon Stout, Lizard of Koz BA Imperial Stout and the official release of Frootwood Maple Syrup Bourbon BA Cherry Ale.
Between Bites
The food-centric storytelling series is back for another round, with a lineup of local food writers, chefs and personalities sharing personal essays relating to a particular theme. On February 6, that theme is “Guilty Pleasures,” and it takes place at the California Clipper, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Readers for the occasion are Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn, John Manion of La Sirena Clandestina and El Che Bar, Chris LaMorte of Urban Daddy, food and props stylist Johanna Lowe and freelance food and drink writer Maggie Hennessy. In addition to a night of stories, the event entails heavy appetizers, sparkling wine, regular wines and desserts. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.
Sunday Lasagna Specials at Roots Handmade Pizza
Lastly, everybody loves a homey Sunday supper special, and few things personify that notion quite like a comforting plate of lasagna. Roots Handmade Pizza is getting homey with its new Sunday dinner lasagna specials. The dish is quite a beauty too, layered with housemade pasta sheets, Parmesan bechamel, a combination of whipped cheeses and your choice of sauce. The lasagna costs $15 per serving.