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Reporters Stephanie Zimmerman and Tom Schuba work at Origo Labs in Jefferson Park — a cannabis testing laboratory from the state’s list of registered labs. | Brian Ernst/Sun-Times

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be foggy with a high near 42 degrees and a chance of showers. Tonight will see showers and thunderstorms with a low of around 43 degrees and winds as high as 40 mph. Tomorrow will be cloudy with a high near 42 degrees and a chance of rain and snow.

Top story

What’s in Illinois’ legal weed? Sometimes contaminants, Sun-Times testing finds

What’s in that joint you picked up at your local legal weed shop? In some cases, contaminants like mold and yeast at levels that exceed state safety standards.

That’s what lab tests commissioned by the Chicago Sun-Times found.

And that was for “pre-rolls” for which the marijuana in them had passed muster in state-mandated tests done for growers.

It’s been nearly two years and $1.9 billion in sales since recreational marijuana was legalized in Illinois. And the state has some of the strictest testing standards for cannabis in the nation.

Yet consumers still can’t be certain that the heavily taxed legal weed they buy from state-licensed dispensaries is free from excessive levels of contaminants such as mold, yeast and bacteria, the Sun-Times found.

And, in two of the 10 samples tested, the weed’s potency was found to be far less than advertised — meaning consumers wouldn’t be getting the high they paid for.

The Sun-Times commissioned an independent, state-registered laboratory to test a sampling of one of the most popular recreational marijuana products — pre-rolled joints. That testing found that eight of nine pre-rolled marijuana joints purchased by Sun-Times reporters from Chicago-area dispensaries contained levels of mold, yeast or various types of bacteria that didn’t meet Illinois’ standards for acceptable levels of such contaminants.

That’s even though the weed in those pre-rolled joints had been given a clean bill of health after harvest in state-required testing done for cultivators.

Though the test results were from a small sampling, they mirror the findings of testing that’s been done in other states that found moldy weed for sale to consumers.

Stephanie Zimmermann and Tom Schuba have more in their investigative report here.

More news you need

Last spring, Illinois dispensary workers and consumers noticed there was mold in a popular brand of pre-rolled marijuana joints. But the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation never told the public — it didn’t warn consumers they might have bought tainted weed.

Cook County officials are sending an early warning that next year’s second-installment property tax bills will be seriously delayed — with a potential due date later than taxpayers have seen in a decade. As our Mark Brown explains in his column, the delay could cause headaches for school districts and other taxing bodies that rely on the initial Aug. 1 deadline to meet their financial obligations.

Chicago Police Supt. David Brown promised a beefed-up police presence downtown, telling reporters today, “There will be more of everything.” The announcement follows last weekend’s chaos, when two children were shot as hundreds of youths roamed in and around Millenium Park.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration is close to a settlement with Anjanette Young, the victim of a botched police raid. The Finance Committee agenda for its meeting Monday includes a settlement with Young but doesn’t say how much it is worth.

After 18 months of darkened theaters due to pandemic shutdowns, veteran Broadway actor Adam Pascal says he’s happy to be back on the road as part of the touring production of “Pretty Woman — The Musical.” Pascal, performing the role of businessman Edward Lewis, will hit the stage with the rest of the cast and crew starting Tuesday for a six-day stint at CIBC Theatre.

A bright one

Local artist Matt Muse hosting hair care benefit drive, concert for Chicagoans

Community empowerment is the engine that drives the work and activism of local artist Matt Muse, whether it’s through promoting self-love and self-care or advocating for organizations aiding people in pivotal moments in their lives.

After the release of his 2019 EP “Love & Nappyness,” Muse and his management team — including friend and collaborator Tara Carsner — launched a community service initiative bearing the same name, with a focus on collecting natural hair care and skin care products for Chicagoans in need.

Muse and a small band of volunteers place drive boxes in various locations throughout the city, before putting a call-out online for donations of sealed and unused natural hair care, skin care and personal hygiene products.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Local hip-hop artist Matt Muse sits in Grant Park yesterday. Muse is celebrating the third year of his “Love & Nappyness” hair and skin care drive with a benefit concert at the Metro next Friday.

After a monthlong drive — this year’s started Nov. 16 — Muse and company pick up the donations and distribute them to Love & Nappyness Hair Cair Drive’s two beneficiaries. The first organization, St. Leonard’s Ministries, provides housing in addition to job and health resources for formerly incarcerated people re-entering society. The second, Ignite, works with youth experiencing homelessness and helps them on the path to stable housing.

Next Friday, the drive will be capped with a concert at Metro celebrating the Love & Nappyness efforts, with a portion of the proceeds going to the beneficiaries.

Dubbed “The Long Hair Don’t Care Show,” the benefit concert will include a performance from Muse in addition to his close friends Jamila Woods and theMIND, along with other local standouts senite and Hatesonny.

I’ve got the full story on Muse’s drive and upcoming show in my interview with him here.

From the press box

With Sunday’s game against Green Bay approaching, Patrick Finley asks: Can the Bears protect Justin Fields’ ribs against the Packers.

The Sky’s pursuit of back-to-back titles has a starting date: May 6 when they open the all-time-high 36-game season at home against the Los Angeles Sparks at 7 p.m.
Marc-Andre Fleury earned his 500th win last night as the Blackhawks shut out the Canadiens. Montreal fans chanted Fleury’s name in the waning seconds of his historic 30-save night, even as the Blackhawks closed out a 2-0 win over.

Your daily question ?

What was the best song of 2021?

Email us (please include your first name and where you live) and we might include your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: How would you describe the Bears-Packers rivalry to someone who isn’t a sports fan?

Here’s what some of you said…

“Imagine a cobra and a mongoose. Both mortal enemies, naturally. Both equally deadly and needs to catch its enemy off guard to destroy — similar to what the Bears will do to Green Bay Sunday! Green Bay will be off their guard!” — Ed Lins

“I hate the Packers and I don’t talk to Packers fans until after the season.” — Paul Genske

“Wile E. Coyote vs. Roadrunner. I will let you guess which team is always getting blown up, run over, shot by a cannon or launched into outer space.” — Barry White

“It’s like John Gustafson and Max Goldman from “Grumpy Old Men.” They don’t know why they hate each other, but they do.” — Chris Arnold

“Like a rivalry between a bug and a windshield.” — Shawn Duggan

Thanks for reading the Chicago Afternoon Edition. Got a story you think we missed? Email us here.

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Local hip-hop artist Matt Muse sits in Grant Park on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. Muse is celebrating the third year of his “Love & Nappyness” hair and skin care drive with a benefit concert at the Metro Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

The Chicago hip hop artist is celebrating the third year of the drive with a benefit concert Dec. 17 featuring a lineup that includes fellow local staples Jamila Woods and theMIND.

Community empowerment is the engine that drives the work and activism of local artist Matt Muse, whether it’s through promoting self-love and self-care or advocating for organizations aiding people in pivotal moments in their lives.

The South Side-born and based rapper and educator has become a staple of the Chicago music scene throughout the past five years with a body of work that touches on themes like love, loss, the joys and struggles of Chicagoans, socioeconomic inequities and confronting anti-Blackness with radical self-love — all deftly expressed in fiercely personal and poetic bars.

After the release of his 2019 EP “Love & Nappyness,” Muse and his management team — including friend and collaborator Tara Carsner — launched a community service initiative bearing the same name, with a focus on collecting natural hair care and skin care products for Chicagoans in need.

Muse and a small band of volunteers place drive boxes in various locations throughout the city, before putting a call-out online for donations of sealed and unused natural hair care, skin care and personal hygiene products.

After a monthlong drive — this year’s started Nov. 16 — Muse and company pick up the donations and distribute them to Love & Nappyness Hair Cair Drive’s two beneficiaries. The first organization, St. Leonard’s Ministries, provides housing in addition to job and health resources for formerly incarcerated people re-entering society. The second, Ignite, works with youth experiencing homelessness and helps them on the path to stable housing.

The idea for the drive was born out of Muse’s own natural hair journey, as referenced on his “Love & Nappyness” EP as well as his 2018 release, “Nappy Talk.”

“All of this started — those two projects started — because I started growing my hair and I found self-love through the growth of my hair,” Muse said during a recent interview. “If embracing my natural self, learning about my hair, growing with my hair was the thing that taught me and helped me grow, I hope that highlighting it for these people and for others can do the same. Can you be — can you find — your fullest and your best self through embracing your natural self as well?”

Now in its third year, the drive has been collecting donations via six drop-off locations: The Silver Room (1506 E. 53rd St.), Christian Fields Style Bar (6550 S. Cottage Grove Ave.), YO:U (1026 N. Milwaukee Ave.), Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery (1714 W. Division St.), Groomology Barber and Beauty (18236 Kedzie Ave.), and Build Coffee (6100 S. Blackstone Ave).

When he reflects on the impact of St. Leonard’s Ministries and Ignite, Muse said he thinks of members of his family who have faced incarceration or been victim to gun violence and how their lives could have been different had they had more resources and support.

“What if he would have went to a place like St. Leonard’s? Or, if he had more hands-on care in his life when he was getting out of prison to steer him on the right path?” Muse asked in reference to one family member. “What would that have done for him? And would that have ultimately affected how his life ended?”

In addition to product donations, Muse wanted to raise money for St. Leonard’s and Ignite in hopes the two organizations can continue their holistic missions. On Dec. 17, the drive will be capped with a concert at Metro celebrating the Love & Nappyness efforts, with a portion of the proceeds going to St. Leonard’s and Ignite.

“Products are dope, but I also want to contribute to the work of these orgs,” said Muse, expressing his desire to have the show generate even more community involvement with St. Leonard’s and Ignite.

Dubbed “The Long Hair Don’t Care Show,” the benefit concert will include a performance from Muse in addition to his close friends Jamila Woods and theMIND, along with other local standouts senite and Hatesonny.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Jamila Woods performs at the Blue Stage at Pitchfork music festival at Union Park in 2021.

Calling Woods “one of my favorite artists in the world,” Muse said her work inspired him to embrace his natural hair journey and promote it.

With theMIND, Muse said the vocalist has released some of Muse’s favorite music throughout the last few years, including his collaboration with fellow Chicago emcee Mick Jenkins on “Dehydration,” which Muse dubbed “probably my favorite hip hop song ever.” TheMIND also appears on Muse’s latest single “Rapport,” released in October.

“I am excited about being able to be on stage and actually do a full set, have people there and push something that I’m passionate about,” Muse said of the Metro gig. “When you’re doing shows for other people — and opening for people — it’s cool, but when you’re able to plan your own thing and also perform at it, it’s a blessing.”

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Snowball fights, snowmen, skiing, and sledding—there are so many things to love about the snow. We might grumpily mutter “bah humbug” when the temps drop, but there’s a magic to snow that brings us to a winter wonderland. Chicago’s skyline makes for a great snowglobe, but if you’re looking for more of a hike, try some of the best snow hikes around Chicago. Also, once you’re done trekking through the snow, stop by a hot tea spot to warm up!

1521 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Northerly Island is a 119-acre natural area and park along Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The park isn’t exactly an island per say, but more of a man-made peninsula. 

Right on Museum Campus, Northerly Island is easy to access and a close option for city dwellers who want to go on a mini hike within downtown. The park has prairie grasslands, a 5-acre pond, strolling paths, and rolling hills with a view of the city skyline. The island offers free Polar Adventure Days during the winter, where you can see Husky teams sled, encounter birds of prey, make nature-inspired winter crafts, and even explore the park on snowshoes if there’s snow. 

4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532

The Morton Arboretum is a public botanical garden and research center that spans 1,700 acres in the western suburb of Lisle. With 16 miles of hiking trails, there’s a lot to explore at the Arboretum. Hike or snowshoe through the grounds and don’t forget to visit some of the Arboretum’s popular spots, like its award-winning Children’s Garden and Maze Garden.

Admission is free for members and infants under 2, or $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $11 for children ages 2-17. Wednesdays offer discounted fees.

https://www.instagram.com/lubes23/p/CLGUyoPARb2/?utm_medium=copy_link

2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348

Less than a two hour-drive from Chicago, Starved Rock is a popular hiking spot for city folk. It’s a no-brainer to visit Starved Rock if you’re looking to explore nature in the winter. There are 13 miles of trails and 18 canyons to trek through. 

Winter visits to the park give you the opportunity to see majestic bald eagles and breathtaking frozen waterfalls. Starved Rock Lodge offers guided winter hikes throughout the season at $15/person.

2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348

Just a few miles south of Starved Rock is Matthiessen State Park, so you can easily do a double feature if you’re up for it. There are canyons, streams, prairie, and forest in the park as well as five miles of marked hiking trails. 

If you also want to indulge in some cross-country skiing, the park has six miles of ski trails with ski rentals available weekends from December through March.

2343 S River St, Batavia, IL 60510

Explore more than 40 acres of lush forest and wildlife habitat along the Fox River. The Red Oak Nature Center is where you can have fun and learn all about the wonders of nature. With five hiking trails, an observation deck overlooking the river, boardwalk, cave, and more, there’s a lot to enjoy at Red Oak.

Red Oak offers snowshoe rentals at $5/pair from December through March if there is more than three inches of snow on the ground. Therefore, they definitely have some of the best snow hikes around Chicago that’s perfect for a family outing.

6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072

Glacial Park has over 3,400 acres of ground to cover, five miles of trails, and a diverse mix of prairie, wetlands, and glacial kames. 

The glacial kames, which are what you immediately see as hills, were formed when glaciers melted long ago, leaving behind sand and gravel deposits in depressions that settled as mounds. Thousands of years later with soil gradually covering them, grass growing, and erosion, the kames gave Glacial Park a hilly landscape in otherwise flat land.

As the gem of McHenry County, the park is visited by more than 64,000 guests annually for hiking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Hikes at the park are categorized as fairly easy with the best views along the Deerpath Loop Trail. Rent snowshoes for $10/pair once five inches of snow or more hit the ground.

14548 Beaver Dam Ln, Royal Lakes, IL 62685

Beaver Dam State Park offers approximately eight miles of hiking trails all around the 59-acre Beaver Dam Lake. Hiking the area gives you a great view of all the park has to offer. There are upland and bottomland woods, farmland, open fields, and a marsh to discover on your routes.

When there’s enough snow coverage, cross-country skiing and sledding are permitted. Ice fishing and skating are also allowed when conditions are right.

515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856

With seven different trails at varying difficulties and distances, Allentown Park is perfect for all levels of hikers and has some of the best snow hikes around Chicago. The Brown Trail is the longest trail in the park at 2.6 miles along the Sangamon River.

Along the trails, you’ll find various sculptures, structures, and gardens, like the Fu Dog Garden featuring 19th and 20th century lapis-lazuli-blue ceramic Fu Dogs.

Featured Image Credit: Illinois Dept of Natural Resources

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What’s a holiday without some of the best holiday-themed winter cocktails in Chicago, right? It’s cold outside, and nothing beats a spiked hot chocolate or a classic hot toddy. Therefore, we’ve asked around and gathered what we think are the best holiday cocktails in Chicago this year. Cinnamon, chocolate, Jell-O, cider… so many options, I guess we’ll have to try them one by one!

3335 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Located in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, the Six-Time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner is offering the ultimate “Whiskey Hot Cider” to pair with menu items and keep you warm and cozy.

Whiskey Hot Cider – tullamore dew irish whiskey, klug farm unfiltered apple cider, cinnamon bark, orange peel

Image Credit: The Press Room

1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, The Press Room is the ultimate speakeasy serving sophisticated but familiar food, friendly wines and classic cocktails. This winter, diners can sip on their housemade Hot Cider while listening to live music or enjoying date night. Looking to make cocktails at home? The Press Room is now selling their Gluhwein for pick-up orders on Tock.

Sold in a 32 oz crowler for $30.00, this is the perfect at-home cocktail!

Hot Cider – Bourbon & Calvados, cranberry bitters, lemon expression and michigan cider mulled with allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, peppercorn, sea salt and orange

Gluhwein – Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Allspice, Orange

845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

El Che Steakhouse and Bar is stepping up their game with brand new holiday cocktails this year, in addition to their iconic winter Spritz, which is definitely one of our favorites. So bring a friend, so you can check out both!

Winner Winner After Dinner – Averna Amaro, Yellow Chartreuse, Coffe and Hand Whipped Cream
La Fuerza Vermu Spritz – with housemade tonic syrup, soda and fresh rosemary

3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

The Hannukah bar pop-up at The Greystone Tavern is nothing but holiday cocktails! Our favorite is the Gelt Martini, with Dorda Double Chocolate, 28 Mile Vodka, Tippy Cow Chocolate Shake in a martini glass rimmed with gold sugar or powdered sugar and a gelt coin garnish.

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the menu!

Image Credit: The Rambler Kitchen and Tap

Rambler

4128 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Have you heard? Rambler is turning into Misfit Christmas this holiday season. Dedicated to recalling old memories and honoring a childhood classic, Misfit Christmas’s drink menu is equally iconic and nostalgic, transporting you into the holiday decorations you remember from the old days.

Silver and Gold – NOLET’S Silver Gin, Mionetto Prosecco and white cranberry juice with a cranberry and rosemary garnish
Image Credit: Rewired Pizza & Cafe

1100 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

To help guests warm up and stay festive this holiday season, Rewired offers a Yulelog Fire Much with smoked peppermint chocolate sauce, espresso, and milk. It’s topped with crushed peppermint and toasted marshmallow. Guests can enjoy a non-alcohol version of the drink, or add their favorite alcohol like Journeyman Coffee Liqueur for an up-charge.

Farm Bar

1300 W Wellington Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Who doesn’t love Farm Bar? They literally have one of the best seasonal menus all the time. However, have you checked out their seasonal cocktail menu? Because we’re loving it — from the smart word plays to the delicious taste!

Rum Rum Reindeer – Chicago Spirits Rum, House Made Cranberry & Lemongrass Syrup, Lime, Mint, and Soda Water
Sleigh All Day – Florence Field Gin, Pimento Dram, House Mulled Wine
Son of a Nutcracker – RhineHall Apple Brandy, Praline Syrup, Hot Cocoa, House Whipped Cream

400 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, The Smith is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal and hot beverage before heading to holiday festivities. New to the menu this winter, diners can sip on:

Hot Toddy –  bourbon / tawny port / lemon / bitter orange / honey / cinnamon

Spiked Hot Chocolate  – bourbon / hazelnut / chocolate liqueur / coconut / whipped cream

Hot Apple Cider –  add bourbon or spiced rum (add bourbon or spiced rum +$8)

145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60602

Located in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, The Dearborn is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and specialty cocktails before walking over to the Christkindlmarket or Maggie Daley Park to ice skate. New to the menu, diners can sip on Gluhwein or a Boozy Hot Chocolate.

Gluhwein – mulled red wine, brandy, ruby port, lemon, orange, allspice, cinnamon, clove, star anise, golden raisins, dried apricots

Chef Julianna’s Hot Chocolate – steamed to order, homemade marshmallows {add a dram shot of Rumchata 1oz} +5

221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Digging the Christmas vibe? Come check out the seasonal drink menu at FireLake — specifically, the Grinch cocktails! You can also build your own wine flight by choosing any 4 wines from their extensive list of reds, whites, and bubbles.

Mexican Campfire – Los Vecinos Mezcal, agave, Aztec chocolate bitters, smoke
The Grinch Sour – Tito’s, midori, triple sec, coconut cream, lime, soda (serves two)
After Hours in Whoville – Evan Williams bourbon, blue curacao, apple cider, holiday syrup, lemon, champagne (serves two)

2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

All month long, the bar will transform its main room to replicate Hogwarts at Christmastime, with several photo opportunities with iconic characters and scenes from the popular series, such as the Great Hall, decked out in all of its festive glory, with wreaths, garland, candles, and snow. The pop up will feature thematic, seasonal drinks such as Dementor’s Kiss, Polyjuice Potion, Rowena’s Diadem, shots of Voldemalort, and more!

Houndstooth Saloon

3369 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Did you check out our list of holiday pop-ups happening around the town? Then you know Houndstooth Saloon is doing some awesome things thing this year with, of course, some of the best holiday cocktails! The lively Wrigleyville country bar has transformed into a holiday wonderland with wall-to-wall décor inspired by the film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, so come check it out!

Aunt Bethany’s Jell-O Mold Fishbowl – Absolut Watermelon, green Jell-O, and Aunt Bethany’s cat food
Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog – housemade with brandy

Featured Image Credit: The Dearborn

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When I started at UrbanMatter, one of my primary goals was to reach our community through content. OK cool, so what does that mean? I’m of the belief that engaging content can move mountains. And I wanted to provide those types of things for Chicagoans. The types of stories rooted in the everyday happenings of their city all while also highlighting the people, tastes, sounds, and organizations that are making very real differences in the 312. This is important to me, and substantial to others.

That’s one of the main reasons we made it an effort to partner with Chicago House Athletic Club as the brand’s first-ever partnership with a professional sports team. It was through Chicago House Athletic Club that I was introduced to Dr. Sebastian Ko from Weiss Memorial Hospital in the Uptown neighborhood on the North Side.

Dr. Ko is the lead team Physician for CHAC and an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the Chicago Center of Orthopedics at Weiss. He’s built an impressive and decorated career in orthopedics here in Chicago, as well as in Canada, where he’s from. We’re not talking high school level athletes either. Dr. Ko has spent time treating elite-level athletes as a member of the medical team for the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, and considering he’s a former NCAA Division 1 tennis player himself, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to get top athletes back in playing shape after an injury.

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Have you heard? There is a new holy ground for all meat lovers in Chicago. Indeed, we’re talking about Lardon, located at 2200 N California Ave, one of the latest addition to the Logan Square dining scene. Featuring freshly sourced, cured, and sliced meat, Lardon quickly gained its ground among the many restaurants in Logan Square with the undefeatable texture, flavor, and quality of their meat products.

Partnering with local farmers and utilizing whole animals instead of prepackaged meat, Lardon will impress your tastebuds with simple yet perfect food items. Ridding the unnecessary fanciness of the modern dining scene, the restaurant reconnects us with our food and prompts us to rethink our relationship with the ingredients being consumed.

Whole-Animal Processing

Unlike any other meat-centered restaurants around, Lardon strictly uses the entire animal in their process. Through careful sourcing and dedicated communication, the restaurant has established a relationship with a local farmer who raises a particular type of pig each month and delivers them to the team as a whole.

“Being able to control what goes into the curing room and the consistency of the source is the first and foremost reason why we go with whole animals. It’s hard to tell the health of an animal looking at the meat out of a bag. All come as a side of pork and I can see the bruises or broken bones or how they were handled. It allows us a really fantastic control in quality and we can address that at the time of getting the animal,” Chef Thompson explained to us.

Additionally, utilizing whole animals is also the secret to why you will get the best deal on the highest quality meat only at Lardon. That’s because using a full animal reduces the amount of work needed to be done, and therefore reducing the cost the restaurant faces. In return, they are able to offer delicious items at a price affordable to ordinary diners like you and we.

Rejuvenating Chicago History

Inspired by old-school butcher shops, salumerias, and cafes across the globe, Lardon is breathing new life into Chicago’s meat processing history. From Civil War all the way through the 1920s, Chicago was the nation’s meat processing hub, known as the Hot Butcher of the World.

“I really like to expand people’s knowledge of a disappearing craft. The more people learn and add to their vocabulary, the more it increases the diner’s IQ. If I can educate people and not just feed them, it just makes my job easier as a chef. It makes the dining scene and the food culture scene better as a whole. Chicago’s great because there are all these educated and interested diners here,” said Chef Thompson.

Meanwhile, the restaurant is located in a historic building. The two-year restoration project preserved the majority of the original structure and decor, including the brick walls and the wooden joints. On the other hand, the restored honeycomb tiled floor pays tribute bygone era in classic Chicago design. Then, take into account the rustic interior, the light-filled space, the large meat slicer behind the counter… Step into Lardon is like stepping through time, and eating at Lardon is witnessing an old craft passed down from chef to chef reviving and evolving in a modern world with your tastebuds.

Image Credit: UrbanMatter Chicago

Featured Menu Items

We asked Chef Chris Thompson what he would recommend if he were a diner at Lardon, and here are the recommendations coming from the man himself!

Coppa (Chef’s Favorite!): a beautiful expression of spice. The subtle taste focuses on the full flavor of high-quality pork, allowing the ingredient to be the star it deserves to be.
Finocchiona: The licorice characteristics you get from the wild fennel are the biggest surprise with the Finocchiona. Pairing with big juicy red wines of the salami, the Finocchiona is a dance between lightness and richness, texture and flavor, and will completely sweep your tastebuds off their feet.
‘Nduja: Instead of using bits of fat and bits of lean from the pig, Lardon’s ‘Nduja is made using entirely out of pork belly. The team let mother nature do the ratio instead of setting one themselves. The dish also uses unique house spices made from peppers team Lardon grounds down right there in the restaurant. Chef Thompson first came across these pepper during his days in California, then went all the way to Italy to seek it out.
Saucission de Campagne: The recipe came from a 1970s meat curing book, a French cookbook translated to English in the 70s. Then, Chef Thompson adjusted the recipe and this is the first time he’s making the Saucission de Campagne at Lardon. Instead of relying on wine and garlic, Lardon’s version toned down the acidity by removing wine completely from the recipe, while relying on the fermentation alone for a milder, yet still distinguishable acidity.
Image Credit: UrbanMatter Chicago

The Best Time to Visit is… Work Time!

We’ve talked so much about Lardon’s process, so, you’ve probably guessed what the best time to visit is. But we have to say it out loud — come during work time, that is, when the team is actively prepping the meat and the spices! Lardon features a brilliant glass wall, which allows you to witness how the meat hangs, fermentates, and dries as time go by.

“It’s not just gross chunks of meat lying on the butcher’s table,” said Chef Thompson. And as we witness the process with our own eyes, we’ve got to say: you’re missing out if you don’t see the process live.

Every Wednesday at noon, the restaurant receives 400 lbs of meat. Then, the team begins to tie coppas and hang everything in the curing rooms. And Thursdays are when the team season, grind and stuff and load the proofing cabinets for the fermentation of the salami and do the final spice rubs on the coppas. Therefore, come in on an afternoon or evening, sit down, order a board, and really take your time at Lardon. If you have any questions, ask away! Becasue the team will gladly demystify their process for you.

Did You Say… DIY Charcuterie Board?

So, if you haven’t had the delight to try some of Lardon’s best cuts, you will have the perfect chance this holiday season.

This year, lardon is offering two different boards for parties: one board that serves 4-6 people, and a larger board designed to serve 8+ people. First time assembling a charcuterie board? No worries because Chef Chris Thompson has prepared a sweet little video guide to help you wow your guests.

Even if you’ve never been into charcuterie up till now, don’t deny yourself the possibility. Like Chef Thompson said: “lend yourself to the experience and trust your server and let them guide you through the wines and the meat selections. Sometimes the wine leads, but sometimes the meat leads. There’s no wrong answer and it’s sometimes picking things that go along with each other.”

Pre-sale tickets are now available on Tock. Orders can be placed and will be ready for pick up weekly.

Featured Image Credit: UrbanMatter Chicago

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Considered Houston’s beach playground, Galveston is located right in their backyard, less than an hour away. This sun and fun-filled destination on the Texas coast creates the perfect getaway to hang out with friends. If you’re planning to depart from the Galveston port for a cruise, be sure to spend a few days before or after your cruise exploring this historic city.

The jewel of Galveston is the Strand, a National Historic District which is filled with cool shops, trendy restaurants, galleries, and museums, all within a few blocks of the port terminal. Be sure to check out the Pier 21 Theatre for a film about the Great Storm in 1900 that devastated the island. There’s also a film about Pirate Jean Lafitte who made Galveston his home.

Where to Stay

Indulgent surroundings await you at the Tremont House. Photo courtesy of Tremont House.

The Luxurious Tremont House

Located in in the heart of The Strand, the historic Tremont House offers luxury accommodations with 14’ high ceilings, hardwood floors, and custom-crafted furnishings with comfy mattresses and bedding.  You’ll be awed by the 1920 Art Deco design combined with Victorian charm and lovely antiques from a bygone era located throughout the hotel. Get a perfect view of the lobby from the dramatic 4-story atrium.

Get together at the Toujouse Lobby Bar and try one of their Prohibition Era cocktails like a New York Sour or the Bees Knees.

Toujouse Bar at Tremont House. Photo courtesy of Tremont House.

Then head for the skies at the only rooftop bar in Galveston. Warm to the firepits, great cocktails and delicious snacks as you admire the views of the harbor. Try the Charcuterie Plate with Texas Cheeses and wash it all down with a Pomegranate Mojito.

Rooftop Bar at Tremont House. Photo courtesy of Tremont House.

Welcome to The Grand Galvez Resort & Spa

Grand Galvez Resort & Spa. Photo courtesy of Hotel Galvez.

The only historic hotel on the beach, Hotel Galvez has recently been renamed the Grand Galvez Resort & Spa and it is grand, indeed. With more than 200 rooms and suites, the Grand Galvez offers free WI-Fi, high def TV and plush bedding. Dining at the Grand Galvez is an authentic Galveston experience. The Grand Galvez Bar & Grill serves up the best Gulf Coast seafood from Galveston’s Pier 19 as well a savory gumbo, Messy Nachos and roasted cauliflower tacos. Check out this dining hot spot as you overlook the changing tides of the Gulf.

Steak Salad at the Grand Galvez Bar & Grill. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Where to Dine

Considered Galveston’s most unique dining experience, Rudy & Paco serves up an extensive menu, highlighted by fresh grilled seafood and steak with a South America twist.  Located right next door to the Grand 1894 Opera House, it’s perfect for “dinner and a show.”

Bone in Ribeye Steak at Rudy & Paco’s. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Take a step back in time to Star Drugs, a Galveston classic, which opened in 1886. For a hearty breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch. In between bites, check out all the unique, fun and nostalgic gifts.  Cool soda fountain, too.

Star Drugs is the oldest drugstore in Texas and with a soda fountain, too. Photo by Mira Temkin

Why would a fabulous café have a name like Mosquito? This local favorite, Mosquito Café, is named after the local shrimp boats that look like mosquitos when out in the water. But don’t let the name stop you for enjoying their hearty menu items like Mosquito Benedict, a house baked savory scone covered with sautéed shrimp and more or the Crabby Mosquito, the same made with crab.

Delicious fare awaits you at Mosquito Cafe. Photo by Mosquito Cafe.

Serving guests for more than 100 years, Gaido’s on the water is a Galveston classic, known for fresh seafood and their famous pecan pie. Try their Deluxe Shellfish Tower or Crab Stuffed Shrimp.

Enjoy a slice of their famous pecan pie. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Meet the Penguins at Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens offers a day-long exploration with an Aquarium, Tropical Rainforest and Discovery Museum as well as the awesome 3D and 4D movies. In season, you can hop aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel boat for a relaxing ride on Galveston Bay. Inside the Rainforest you’ll get up close and personal with monkeys, macaws and other endangered species. Get a behind-the-scenes tour with the penquins and watch them paint with water. There is so much to discover, your best bet is a Value Pass, which gives you access to multiple venues. Moodygardens.org

Visit the Galveston Railroad Museum

See their unique collection of restored railroad cars at the Galveston Railroad Museum where you can even stay overnight in a train!

New Interactive Exhibit at Historic Texas Seaport Museum

Just reopened with a 2.5 million upgrade is the new Ship to Shore exhibit which allows visitors to experience what it was like to arrive in Galveston in the 1880 with authentic stories and documents. Use your digital membership card that follows the journey. The Tall Ship Elissa is also in port.

Concerts and More at the Grand 1894 Opera House

This is official Opera House of Texas, but look for a full schedule of dance, theatre, music and more in this historic theatre. Pirate Lafitte also introduced coffee to Galveston, so I pirated my own package of Galveston Island Coffee – bold and flavorful. For more information about Galveston Island, visit Galveston.com.

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Jonathan Toews tipped a puck past Jake Allen for his first goal Thursday. | AP Photos

For the first time since August 2020, Toews scored a goal for the Hawks on Thursday, releasing months of pressure.

MONTREAL — The weight of 16 months, 25 games and 45 shots finally lifted off Jonathan Toews’ shoulders Thursday with one deflection of the puck.

For the first time since Aug. 18, 2020, in the Edmonton playoff bubble, Toews finally scored a goal. Positioned next to Canadiens goalie Jake Allen, the Blackhawks captain tipped in a Seth Jones shot-pass on the power play at 13:48 of the second period, giving the Hawks a lead they’d never relinquish in an eventual 2-0 win.

He celebrated by raising his stick and then arm-hugging Patrick Kane, two things he’d done many times before over the course of 390 career regular- and post-season goals. But this one was slightly more significant.

“It felt good,” Toews said. “It’s definitely a weird thing to have the whole team probably wanting to jump on the ice to celebrate with you. That’s not a good sign.”

Almost every Toews media appearance this fall has been dominated by questions about — and a lack of answers for — his goal drought, which inched past his previous career long (13 games) all the way back on Nov. 7. He’d called himself “not satisfied,” “not happy” and basically every other synonym for “frustrated” in the dictionary.

The heaviness with which it was weighing on his confidence was understandable. For a while, as miraculous goalie saves followed post hits followed goals negated upon review, all conspiring together to keep him off the scoreboard, he appeared cursed to never score — even though he was generating plenty of chances.

He entered Thursday with 45 shots on goal, the most among all NHL forwards without a goal. Jets forward Blake Wheeler (with 43) was the only other player remotely close.

AP Photos
Jonathan Toews has celebrated many goals with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, but this particular celebration meant a bit more than usual.

Toews had been trying admirably to keep the drought off his mind and to keep contributing in other areas. He’d done so, to an extent: he leads the Hawks by a mile with a 57.0% faceoff win percentage, and he ranks fourth in even-strength shot-attempt ratio (50.5) and seventh in even-strength scoring-chance ratio (48.4%). But a sliver of his cerebrum was always aware of that zero in the ‘G’ column.

“I don’t think you can ever go out and think of the end result,” he said. “You’ve got to be in the play and stay present with whatever’s going on… You can’t really think of scoring goals. You’ve just got to play hockey. [But] getting that first one definitely helps focus on that process.”

And outside of games, that sliver focused on the goal drought was more like an entire lobe. He tried to imagine wrist shots and slap shots, intentional deflections and own-goals, wraparounds and rebounds and every other method of scoring.

The way it finally happened — a deflection from one foot away — was hardly highlight-reel material. He didn’t mind that, though.

“I’ve just been trying to get the feel and visualize getting the puck on my stick [and] on the net,” he said. “You have to see yourself scoring goals a lot of different ways, especially when they’re not going in, to try to get over that hump. I’ll take them however I can at this point.”

When he returned to the bench, he shook his shoulders to throw off the figurative monkey at last; he later quipped he had “three or four guys clawing the monkey off” for him.

Running the search query for most shots without a goal on Friday returns a list with no Toews in sight — just two Hawks teammates, Philipp Kurashev (32 shots without a goal) and Ryan Carpenter (28 without a goal), now in fourth and fifth.

It’s a reminder just how much the Hawks still need to improve offensively. But at least the rest of the team now has proof that it’s possible.

“Everybody felt relief that he scored,” interim coach Derek King said.

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The Monkees featured Peter Tork (from left), Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith. | (C) Everett Collection / Rex Feat

Nesmith died peacefully in his sleep Friday morning, according to a family statement.

Michael Nesmith, the singer-songwriter and guitarist of the 1960s-70s pop group the Monkees, has died. He was 78.

According to a family statement published by Rolling Stone on Friday, Nesmith “passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes. … We thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.”

Nesmith was one of four young musician-singers brought together in 1965 specifically to create the Monkees, a pop-rock group, for a TV sitcom of the same name. The group featured drummer Micky Dolenz, keyboardist-bassist Peter Tork, and lead singer Davy Jones. Jones passed away in 2019, Jones in 2012.

The avant garde series, created by Bob Raefelson and Bert Schneider, followed the day-to-day doings of a struggling band who lived together in an oceanfront California apartment while trying to make it big in the music business. The half-hour episodes featured the foursome embroiled in preposterous situations that resolved amid music videoesque escapades featuring their original songs performed and played by the four stars. The show ran from 1966 to 1968 but yielded a cult following of fans and sold-out concerts (a la Beatles) across the globe.

For the Monkees, Nesmith famously penned “Mary, Mary,” “Listen to the Band” and “The Girl I Knew Somewhere.” One of Nesmith’s biggest songwriting credits outside the Monkees was “Different Drum” recorded most famously by Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys in 1967.

After the Monkees’ official breakup in 1970 (following the departure of Tork and Nesmith a few years earlier), the four musicians pursued solo careers with Jones perhaps enjoying the biggest success. Reunion tours featuring various groupings of Jones, Tork and Dolenz, followed in subsequent years, with Nesmith preferring to opt out. He joined Tork and Dolenz for a tour in 2012 in the wake of Jones’ passing.

Most recently, Nesmith and Dolenz reunited for a Monkees Farewell Tour, which brought them to the Rosemont Theatre in November. (See video below) The tour played its final date on Nov. 14 in Los Angeles.

Born Robert Michael Nesmith in 1942 in Houston, Texas, Nesmith enlisted in the Air Force when he was 18, where he trained as an aircraft mechanic, according to his Wikipedia biography. Following his discharge, he moved to Los Angeles where he would craft his career in music.

According to his memoir, in 1979, Nesmith began production on a weekly comedy/music video TV program titled PopClips, which aired for two years on Nickelodeon. “Audio records are played on radio, so a video record should be played on video — on television,” he wrote. The show (sans Nesmith, who moved on to other projects) helped launch MTV in 1981.

Interestingly, Nesmith wasn’t the only one in his family to achieve widespread success. His mom, Bette Nesmith Graham, a typist and commercial artist in the 1950s and ’60s, was the inventor of Mistake, a white correction fluid that would be renamed Liquid Paper. It ultimately became a multi-million-dollar company for her family and the “best friend” to typewriter enthusiasts around the world for decades.

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The city is finalizing a settlement with Anjanette Young over a police raid of her home in 2019. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file

The Finance Committee agenda for its meeting Monday includes a settlement with Young but doesn’t say how much it is worth.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration is close enough to a settlement with the victim of a botched police raid to put it on the agenda for Monday’s Finance Committee meeting, but nobody is saying how much money Anjanette Young will receive.

Four settlements are listed on the Finance Committee agenda. Three of them include the amount of money proposed for the plaintiff. The only exception is Anjanette Young v. City of Chicago.

During closed-door briefings on Thursday, alderpersons were told there would likely be a “second briefing” on Sunday afternoon or early Monday to outline the terms of the settlement with Young.

Young’s attorney Keenan Saulter could not be reached for comment. The mayor’s office released a statement: “It is our expectation that on Monday, the Finance Committee will be presented with a proposed settlement for consideration regarding Ms. Young. Out of deference to that process, we will not be commenting further.”

Young, a social worker, was in her Near West Side home in one evening in February 2019 when several Chicago police officers came in, announcing a raid. Young was undressed and getting ready for bed at the time, and she was forced to remain naked in front of the officers for 40 minutes as the ordeal unfolded.

In June, Alderpersons Ray Lopez (15th) and Jeanette Taylor (20th) used a parliamentary maneuver to delay Lightfoot’s appointment of Celia Meza as corporation counsel in protest of the Law Department’s treatment of Young. Meza filed a motion to dismiss Young’s lawsuit against the city after Young rejected what her attorneys viewed as a “low-ball” offer to settle for $1 million.

Taylor and Lopez were also miffed that Lightfoot’s allies had refused to hold a hearing on an ordinance championed by African American female alderpersons, which included more sweeping search warrant reforms than a general order proposed by Lightfoot and Police Supt. David Brown.

The confirmation delay prompted a bizarre confrontation that saw Lightfoot recess the City Council meeting and march to the back of the Council chambers, where she had an angry confrontation with Taylor while pointing a finger in Taylor’s face.

On Friday, Taylor argued that no amount of money would be enough to compensate Young for “what she ultimately has lost” because of the way she was treated by the Chicago police officers.

“Her dignity and her pride — her trust in the people who are supposed to serve and protect. Her [resulting] distrust for [people in] government who dragged this along,” Taylor said.

Likewise, Taylor said the year-end settlement with Young will not erase the political “stain” for Lightfoot.

“The fact that she lied back and forth says a lot. She wasn’t honest. And this [settlement] took too long. And some of the things people have had to do to get this attention didn’t have to happen,” Taylor said.

Lopez, one of Lightfoot’s most outspoken City Council critics, argued that the mayor has political motives for racing to settle with Young before year’s end.

“This is a black mark on her reputation. It’s a black mark on her leadership — particularly running against Rahm Emanuel and decrying his quote-unquote cover up of Laquan McDonald and then, in turn, having her own cover up just six months after taking office,” Lopez said.

“She wants this to go away as quickly as possible.”

Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), the former Chicago Police officer now chairing the Committee on Public Safety, denied the settlement “has anything to do with” Lightfoot preparing to seek a second term.

“It has everything to do with righting a wrong and making sure that Ms. Anjanette Young is made whole to some degree,” said Taliaferro, one of Lightfoot’s closest Council allies.

Lightfoot has been under fire for her changing story about what she knew and when she knew it about the botched raid that saw a crying Anjanette Young telling officers more than 40 times that they had the wrong house as they made her stand there naked.

She has met with Young and personally apologized for having been “denied her basic dignity as a human being.”

The mayor initially insisted she knew nothing about the raid until WBBM-TV (Channel 2) aired the video in December 2020.

But after reviewing internal emails, the mayor admitted she learned about the raid in November 2019 when a top aide warned Lightfoot about a “pretty bad wrongful raid” by Chicago police.

“I have a lot of questions about this one,” she wrote at the time to top aides.

The mayor emphatically denied knowing anything about her Law Department’s efforts to block CBS2 from airing bodycam video of the raid. To underscore the point, she forced the resignation of Corporation Counsel Mark Flessner, a longtime friend who served with Lightfoot in the U.S. attorney’s office.

Last month, now-retired Inspector General Joe Ferguson said Lightfoot’s decision to hire an outside law firm to investigate the raid and use attorney-client privilege to conceal details of that parallel investigation hampered the inspector general’s internal investigation.

Before ending his 12-year run as Chicago’s top watchdog, Ferguson delivered a 163-page report on the raid. He was unable to recommend disciplinary action against any city employees.

“You can’t make a responsible determination about disciplinary findings when you know, in fact, that there is evidence other than what you’re able to collect yourself,” Ferguson told the Sun-Times.

Ferguson characterized the Lightfoot administration’s handling of the Young video as a “remarkable, troubling closing of a circle.”

“It brings us back where we were five or six years ago and where her career got its jump-start. Yet the city is engaged in similar activity — and in this instance, with respect to a living victim,” he said.

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