What’s New

The 2022 MLB season will officially toss its first pitch on Thursday afternoon after a labor stoppage threatened the season completely. A little arguing here, a little bickering there, and a couple weeks of a fast-tracked Spring Training and we’re finally here. And since the league and players association spent all offseason up in arms about money, let’s take a dive into a report about what a standard day at the ballpark will cost the fans around the league, but more specifically the ones attending a game at Wrigley Field this season.

You can find the full breakdown and infographics of the report here courtesy of time2play.

In February 2022, they surveyed 1,110 baseball fans, 50 percent male and 50 percent female, from across the United States to ask them about their budget and comfortability when it comes to attending the ballpark for a 2022 MLB game. They also analyzed data on each MLB stadium from 2019 and 2021 (2020 not included for obvious reasons), to compare the costs and pricing differences across baseball in 5 categories: general tickets, beer, hot dogs, parking, and souvenirs.

After all of that, here’s what they found in general terms:

“For those making plans to go to the ballpark, the average budget per person is $106 with 45% of people willing to spend $0-99 per person for a ticket, food, beer, parking, and souvenirs. It’s no surprise 79% of people want most of the money to go toward their tickets/seating and the average budget for a ticket is $75.

When it comes to quenching their thirst, 46% of people are willing to spend $5.99-$9.99 for a beer. Overall, 32% of people say food and alcohol costs impact their decision on whether to attend a game or not.”

The 2022 Chicago Cubs are an enigma. Are they good? Are they not? Are they at least moving in the right direction? No one knows, but at least they have a DH now. One thing we do know is that Wrigley Field is the most expensive ballpark experience in the entire league. If you want to head to Wrigley Field, have two beers and a hot dog, and pay for parking you’re going to drop at least $110 ($111.15, to be specific). Per Fangraphs, the Cubs are projected to finish 75-87 this season and tie the Cincinnati Reds for third in the NL Central. Imagine dropping a Ben Franklin plus some to watch a team 12 games under .500. But that’s Wrigley for you.

Nonetheless, folks are fine with this. It’s always been a thing, even when the team is piss poor and I am a culprit of this too. A few rumblings have been going around social media this week about how the get-in price for the Cubs home opener vs the Milwaukee Brewers is astonishingly low. Tickets can be had for price tags in the teens right now for Thursday’s bad weather opener. It’s true, but those prices will regress towards their true mean as the weather warms up, actual baseball is played and fans slowly get in the baseball mindset. Long story short, no one really cares about Bleacher Bummin’ when it’s 43 degrees out. Come August those ticket prices will match the temperature and we’ll be mad again.

Cubs Opening Day tickets available on StubHub at, um, reduced prices. 😬 pic.twitter.com/1K7b6VnCIa

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) April 5, 2022

86 percent of those surveyed said they feel comfortable going to a baseball game in 2022 and that 65 percent of those individuals plan on attending at least 2-5 games during the 2022 season. By that, at Wrigley Field, the average person could spend a total of $555.75 for five baseball games, 10 beers, five hot dogs, and parking for the entire thing. Good deal? We’re not sure.

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Big news, movie buffs! The Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is returning for its 38th season beginning April 21st through May 1st. The festival’s growth has been impressive, starting with 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 film fanatics today! With over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. screened, CLFF is a great way to experience the Latino culture, right here here in Chicago. Check out this year’s most anticipated films. 

1991

While the Army and the guerrillas were waging a violent war in the mountains leading to the extermination of hundreds of indigenous communities, a different kind of war broke out in the big city. On the one side, indigenous kids who found, in breakdancing and hip hop, a way to express themselves; on the other, upper-middle-class teens like Daniel, who chase these breakers down with baseball bats.

Blood-Red Ox

Lebanese American journalist Amir and his boyfriend Amat visit a town in Bolivia that is being threatened by an oil company. Amat suddenly starts to see visions of a blood-red ox; as Amir tries to save him from these paranoid attacks, he begins to wonder if he is also losing his mind.

Blue Heart

In this bleak, chaotic world, a photojournalist, and his teenage son befriend a mysterious woman who is in search of her identity. Shot guerrilla-style for ten years, Coyula (Memories of Overdevelopment) continues his exploration of alternative realities and dualities with this story about loss, yearning, and uncertainty.

Loop

In this society each human being repeats the same action over and over again, in this society each human being repeats the same action over and over again, in this society each human being repeats the same action over and over again…

Dos Estaciones

Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition Special Jury Award for Best Actress for Teresa Sánchez at this year’s Sundance Festival, González’s fiction feature debut takes place in his native Atotonilco, Jalisco, where foreign corporations and climate change threaten to wipe away the last vestiges of a homegrown, artisanal industry. Dos Estaciones quietly and subtly explores issues of gender identity and fluidity in a mostly conservative community.

Me & the Beasts

Starting a solo career turns out to be tougher than Andrés Bravo expected, especially now that many of his friends are leaving the country in search of better opportunities. But just as he is starting to despair, two mysterious beings dressed in yellow from head to toes decide to give him a helping hand.

Please Hold

In the near future, Mateo is wrongfully incarcerated due to a computer glitch. Realizing he has no means of recourse in the fully automated and fully privatized prison system, he fierously  attempts to reach a real human being who can set things right.

Split Ends

Struggling to understand her grandmother’s dementia, Isa chops her long locks and immediately regrets it. Her obsession with her hair begins to suffocate her as she struggles with the fear of her family’s beauty standards and her complicated feelings of grief.

Yellow Sunglasses

Thirty-year-old Julia has a one-night stand with Darío, an attractive waiter, who introduces her to Ignacio, an employee at a photocopy store who is trying to be cast in a play. Together they will live an intense connection through which Julia will deal with her frustrations of not knowing if she will manage to be who she dreamed of being when she was young.

Featured Image Credit: Blood-Red Ox/blackvelvetmovies

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Four Chicago restaurants have been named to the latest edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide star rankings for the first time. In total 23 Chicago restaurants landed on the 2022 list, which is one less than last year, but newcomers Claudia (Bucktown), Kasama (Ukranian Village), Esmé (Lincoln Park), and Galit (Lincoln Park) cement their name amongst the coveted roster of Chicago culinary greats. Take a look at the full Chicago Guide below with quick hits and thoughts from UM Staff.

Of note, the 2022 edition of the list is a more accurate representation of the current culinary landscape in Chicago. Covid-19 impacted there being a list at all in 2020 and the 2021 list was not new, it was merely a representation of who was on the list pre-pandemic. With new entries and a few drop offs, the 2022 list is Chicago’s culinary scene right now.

Alinea is the only three-star restaurant in Chicago for 2022. They’ve held onto their three stars every year since 2011 and leave no doubt what the ultimate culinary journey looks like in Chicago. The Alinea Group added another star to their resume with West Loop’s Next.

West Loop’s Ever and South Loop’s Bar and the Dining Room at Moody Tongue in the South Loop made their debuts with two stars in 2021 and retained those credentials in 2022. Moody Tongue effectively replaced Band of Bohemia as the city’s only brewpub to be recognized on the coveted list.

Perhaps the trendy it-restaurant of right now is Kasama in East Ukrainian Village. Since it opened early in the pandemic it’s been a massive hit and was named to Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurants of 2021. It’s star is not only deserved, but almost expected given the rapidly growing hype surrounding this west side infant owned and operated by the spousal duo of Chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores. As for other newcomers Galit, Esmé, and Claudia, here’s what the official Michelin Guide had to say:

Galit: “Chef, Zach Engel, brings his experience to bear on this personal brand of modern Middle Eastern cuisine. His prix-fixe allows diners to make their own selections from a range of options, but sharing is key to cover the most ground…”

Esmé: “…lays bare lofty ambitions at this airy atelier. The minimalist, well-lit space evokes an art gallery, complete with a high-concept tasting that’s aimed at blurring the boundaries between art and dining, with an eye towards community…”

Claudia: “…Claudia is über cool and contemporary. Modern art adorns its walls and midnight-blue velvet covers the booths. Tables are ideally situated to face the kitchen, where the synchronized team prepares an intensely creative prix-fixe…”

Three Stars
Alinea | Lincoln Park |

Two Stars
Ever | West Town
Oriole | West Loop
Moody Tongue | South Loop
Smyth | West Loop

One Star
Boka | Lincoln Park
Claudia | Bucktown
El Ideas | Pilsen
Elizabeth | Lincoln Square
Elske | West Loop
Esmé | Lincoln Park
Galit | Lincoln Park
Goosefoot | Lincoln Square
Kasama | East Ukrainian Village
Mako | West Loop
Next | West Loop
North Pond | Lincoln Park
Omakase Yume | West Loop
Porto | East Ukrainian Village
Schwa | Wicker Park
Sepia | West Loop
Temporis | Noble Square
Topolobampo | River North

Dropped Off Due to Closure
Acadia | South Loop
Entente | Lakeview
Parachute | Avondale
Spiaggia | Gold Coast
Yugen | West Loop

Featured Image Credit: Alinea

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Whether it’s a late-night snack or a lunchtime feast, the burrito is one of the most delicious and versatile food items you can order and eat. Pile it high with beans and veggies, or stuff it full of steak for the more carnivorous eater— any way you make them, good burritos are delightful pockets of flavor and fuel that faithfully serve the needs of Chicagoans’ palates and stomachs. You can find the best burrito near you at these spots in Chicago.

L’Patron

3749 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Head to Logan Square to try one of L’Patron’s nine (nine!) different kinds of burritos. Take your pick of a handful of meat selections (including beef tongue), opt for the poblano rajas, or ask about the vegetarian special for the day.

Image Credit: Burrito Beach

Burrito Beach offers a truly customizable burrito-making experience where guests can choose from a vast selection of meat and fillings with options like Asada Chicken, Baja Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Cabo Shrimp, and even Beyond, 100% plant-based meat filling. From there diners have the option to load up burritos with a variety of veggie and Mexican-inspired fillings such as award-winning guacamole, salsas, and sauces.

Taqueria El Asadero

2213 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618

If you’re looking for best burritos near you in Chicago, this family-run taqueria boasts great steak on its Facebook page. The restaurant offers fresh and delicious carne asada burritos. Add on a horchata and tuck into an amazing meal.

Read More: The Best Restaurants to Try This Weekend in Waukegan, IL

Taqueria Traspasada

3144 N California Ave, Chicago IL 60618

811 N Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60657

This burrito spot has blessed us with not one, but two locations (Avondale and West Town) where hungry Chicagoans can partake of the classics—like a Pollo Burrito— or try something new, like the Sesos Burrito (beef brain).

Del Toro

2133 S Halsted St, Chicago IL

Tequila bar and restaurant Del Toro works to ensure that diners not only taste an impressive selection of margaritas, but also that they balance all of that tequila with a hearty and delicious burrito— one filled with chorizo, fish, chicken, or any number of other possibilities.

Tony’s Burrito Méx

1957 W Belmont Ave, Chicago IL 60657

The burritos at Tony’s not only offer a wide selection of meats and other toppings, but more than one size of burrito is available— opt for a small, 10-inch tortilla, or a large, 12-inch tortilla.

La Pasadita

1140 N Ashland Ave, Chicago IL 60622

A dedicated purveyor of burritos near you in Chicago since 1976, La Pasadita makes your burrito-eating experience as customizable as possible. You can create your own burrito with any number of meats, go the vegetarian route, try the “super burrito,” or even break out a fork for the tidy burrito bowl.

Read More: 8 Excellent Polish Restaurants to Visit in Chicago

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Cool, creamy, and delicious, there is no dessert quite like gelato. Dating back to the Middle Ages of 16th-century Italy, gelato has stood the test of time. With summer fast approaching, you may be getting ready to let cold desserts back in your weeknight rotation (or maybe they never left), so why not stop by these awesome gelato places in Chicago right down your neighborhood? With fun flavors, unique serving styles, and a classic background, gelato is the perfect treat to kick off the best season in Chicago in the best way possible: with dessert. 

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

It shouldn’t come as a shock to find BomboBar is at the top of our list. This West Loop staple came to popularity through their gelato, shakes, bombolinis, injectable Bombos, and more. With gelato flavors like cookie monster dough (my personal favorite), cinnamon toast crunch brownie, and campfire s’mores, you’re sure to find a flavor of this luscious treat that pleases the whole crowd. Bonus? If you’re bringing your furry friend for a walk down Green Street, BomboBar offers a pet-friendly menu with treats curated just for them. 

1843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

If you never thought you could mix art, cute animals, and gelato, you obviously haven’t been to Eli’s Ark. In the heart of Wicker Park, this spot brings a bit of fun to each scoop by creating animal art on each serving of their mouthwatering gelato. Opened in 2018, Eli’s Ark owner Elisa Nguyen said she took inspiration from animal-based shows she was watching with her son (source), and this inspired her to create the perfect family-friendly spot to indulge in a delicious menu of flavors that changes daily. Adults and kids alike can indulge their inner animal-lover by getting multiple scoops of gelato styled like a dog, bunny, and even a unicorn. 

859 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

2662 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

1012 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

With three locations across Chicago, Black Dog Gelato is simply a must-try. Here, you’ll find classic flavors like pistachio and strawberry, but also eccentric flavors we’re sure you haven’t had like olive oil and lemon passionfruit. Owner Jessie Oloroso started Black Dog Chicago originally in Ukrainian Village, and has since opened two more locations in the West Loop and Logan Square, making her delicious confections even more easily accessible across the city. Want to get the best flavors delivered right to you? Join Black Dog’s pint club to get monthly access to their best featured, dairy-free, and featured flavors! 

615 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

It may seem impossible to transport your taste buds to Italy in the middle of River North, but with a stop at Café Crèmerie, that is completely possible. Recently reopened from the chaos that was 2020, Café Crèmerie focuses on serving specialty coffees, wine, Italian treats, and of course a handful of flavors of artisanal gelato. Remove yourself from the bustle of River North at Café Crèmerie, relax in the atmosphere, and indulge in one of their many different gelato flavors.

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Among the lively crowds and festivities of Navy Pier, you’ll find FRÍO Gelato. This gelato spot was started by two cousins and best friends, Sebastián Koziura and Enrique Schcolnik, and focuses on the Argentine style of gelato, so you can be sure the sweet treats will be smooth, creamy, and made with only the freshest natural ingredients. With an emphasis on being allergen-friendly, all the flavors served at FRÍO are gluten and nut-free. Looking to take your gelato to the next level? Turn it into an alfajor (Argentine cookie) sandwich! 

1925 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

We tried to think of just one word to describe Sugar Junkie, but were caught up on “bright, colorful, delicious, high-energy” and so many more. Located in Lincoln Park, Sugar Junkie brings a pop of entertainment to every scoop of their delectable gelato. From vanilla to rainbow cake batter to key lime, Sugar Junkie can curb your sweet cravings. Not only do they serve a classic scoop or two, but you can also find fun toppings like sprinkles and cotton candy, as well as treats specifically for your pup! 

Featured Image Credit: Café Crèmerie

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Unlike their south side neighbor’s outfield situation, the Chicago Cubs have things pretty squared away ahead of the 2022 MLB season. That is, of course, if newly acquired outfielder Clint Frazier can keep himself healthy and on the field this year.

Who Is Clint Frazier?

Clint Frazier is a 27-year old outfielder who has spent the majority of his five years in the big leagues with the New York Yankees. As the former fifth overall pick in the 2013 draft, the expectations were high for Frazier pretty early on in his career. And when you play baseball in the Big Apple, well, those expectations only get even higher. Unfortunately for Frazier, injuries have hindered much of his performance and success so far in the MLB. It’s no question that he’ll be looking to turn things around with the Chicago Cubs.

What injuries has Frazier had exactly? Concussions. And not just one. Clint Frazier has dealt with multiple head injuries since 2018, with the latest happening during 2021 Spring Training. That one ultimately knocked him out for the majority of the season, but he’s in a much better place currently. Just ask him!

How’s Frazier Today?

“I’m good right now,” is what Frazier told NBC Sports Chicago in a recent interview.

It’s an answer we certainly love hearing after the intense treatment that Frazier underwent following his release from the Yankees. 

In video interviews, Clint Frazier talked a lot about his symptoms from the concussions, and what it was like dealing with them on and off the field. Frazier put it best with a few simple words, “Baseball’s already hard, but it made it extremely hard.” Now, unlike Frazier, we aren’t constantly having things thrown at us at 80-90+ mph. So we’ll have to take his word for it.

Defining Frazier’s Success In Chicago

For Clint Frazier to have a successful season in 2022 with the Cubs, he’ll need to do one thing: stay healthy. If that means missing games here and there, starting the season off at a slower pace, or even gearing things up in the Minors, so be it.

The talent for Frazier is there already. It’s a reason the Yankees stuck with him through multiple seasons of setbacks and recovery. It’s also the reason he’s on the Chicago Cubs today.

With Clint Frazier staying healthy, he’ll stay on the field, and for a player like him, well, the performance will just come naturally. He’s already calling 2022 the biggest year of his career. And when you take his one-year deal with the Cubs into consideration, he’s absolutely right. This is the year for Frazier.

We’ll have to wait and see how everything plays out, but good health should mean good things for both Clint Frazier and the Chicago Cubs organization. If he can stay on the field with no issues, we have no reason not to believe that he’ll be extended quickly and stay with the Cubs long term. Fingers crossed!

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We know spring is brunch season, but easter just makes it all the more special! With the weather finally warming up, we are definitely ready to get together! Whether you celebrate Easter or just need a special occasion for a unique limited-time brunch, we’ve got you covered with the biggest list of Easter Brunch in Chicago this year!

1100 W. Thorndale Chicago, IL 60660

Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar will host an Easter brunch on Sunday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The brunch will feature live entertainment from the Tom Lowery Trio, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the patio and inside. Easter specials will include a Bunny Hop Latte, cereal lattes like a Honey Nut Cheerios Latte, Fruity Pebbles Latte, and Golden Grahams Latte, and Easter Egg Truffle Deviled Eggs. Reservations are recommended and can be made via Tock.

5553 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

To pair with brunch, guests can enjoy a $10 Bloody Mary with house-made mix and choice of a garden veggie-infused vodka or smoked jalapeno and garlic-infused vodka. Uvae will also serve $8 Mimosas with a choice of pear and ginger, blood orange and cinnamon, or smoked honey and apple. Reservations are strongly recommended by booking with Resy.

916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

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Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito is headed to 10-day IL with an abdominal injury, manager Tony La Russa said Saturday.

Giolito is expected to miss his next two starts, according to La Russa, after leaving his season-opening start on Friday because of abdominal tightness on his left side.

Giolito struck out six while pitching four innings of one-hit ball in Detroit.

“I’m concerned because he felt something,” La Russa said after the game.

Giolito departed with a 3-0 lead, but the Tigers rallied for a wild 5-4 win.

The White Sox have been hit hard by injuries. Third baseman Yoan Moncada (strained right oblique) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Thursday along with pitchers Ryan Burr (strained right shoulder strain), Joe Kelly (right biceps nerve injury), Lance Lynn (right knee surgery) and Garrett Crochet (left elbow surgery) and outfielder Yermin Mercedes (fractured left wrist).

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The NBA regular season’s final weekend is here, and all we know is 48 hours of chaos lie ahead.

Thanks to a jumbled seeding picture in both conferences, only a handful of seeds are decided. Here’s a quick rundown of all of it, beginning with the crowded top of the Eastern Conference standings.

MORE: NBA standings | Weekend schedule | How the play-in works

Who will finish 2-3-4 in the East?

The Miami Heat clinched the top seed in the East playoffs Thursday night. However, the three teams behind them — the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers — can still finish in just about any order.

After beating the Detroit Pistons Friday night, the Bucks are in control of their own destiny. A win Sunday over the Cleveland Cavaliers — more on them below — or a loss by the Celtics in Memphis against the Grizzlies would guarantee Milwaukee gets the second seed.

2 Related

A loss to Cleveland, however, would open the door for the Celtics to get No. 2 with a victory over Memphis. That combination would see Boston earn the second seed based off the fifth tiebreaker: having a better record than Milwaukee against fellow East playoff teams.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, needs to win both of its remaining games — against Indiana on Saturday and Detroit on Sunday — and Milwaukee or Boston to lose one of its remaining games to finish higher than fourth.

The 76ers can’t, however, finish higher than third, as they lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with Milwaukee (which won the season series) and now can only tie them in wins. Philadelphia also loses the tiebreaker to Boston, (which has a better division record).

The Toronto Raptors clinched the fifth seed with a win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night, meaning the Chicago Bulls will have the sixth seed. The need to be fully vaccinated to play in Toronto could impact the 76ers. (Matisse Thybulle, who has not publicly commented on whether he is vaccinated against COVID-19 — was listed as “ineligible to play” in Thursday’s loss there.)

East play-in madness

Trae Young’s Hawks and Kevin Durant’s Nets could end up in a number of spots after the season’s final two days. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The East’s play-in tournament race has as much excitement as the battle among the conference’s top teams — especially given the star-studded Brooklyn Nets find themselves in it. After Brooklyn’s victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, the Nets are in the driver’s seat for seventh, which they’ll clinch with a win Sunday over Indiana. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will be eighth if they beat the Bucks on Sunday at home.

If either team loses, it will open the door for either Atlanta or Charlotte to get eighth. Atlanta travels to Houston on Sunday, while Charlotte hosts the Washington Wizards.

Here’s where things get wild:

Brooklyn owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Atlanta, Charlotte owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Brooklyn and Atlanta has the tiebreaker on Charlotte, all by virtue of a better division record. Cleveland loses the tiebreaker against all three other teams.

If Brooklyn and Cleveland both lose, and Atlanta and Charlotte both win — creating a four-way tie — it will be Brooklyn seventh, Atlanta eighth, Charlotte ninth and Cleveland 10th.

If Brooklyn wins, Cleveland loses and Atlanta and Charlotte both win, creating a three-way tie for eighth, it will be the same order.

If Cleveland wins, Brooklyn loses and both Atlanta and Charlotte win, it will be Cleveland seventh, Brooklyn eighth, Atlanta ninth and Charlotte 10th.

The fight for seeding out West

In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors are one game up on the Dallas Mavericks for third place with two games remaining. Since Dallas holds the tiebreaker over the Warriors thanks to winning the season series, Golden State will have to stay ahead of Dallas to remain in third.

Compete for $40,000 throughout the NBA postseason! Make Your Picks

The Warriors can ensure that by winning their final two games. Otherwise, Golden State will need Dallas to lose Sunday against San Antonio.

It’s an equally tight battle for fifth and sixth, with the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets tied with matching 48-33 records heading into the final day of the season. With Utah having swept the season series, however, the Jazz will be the fifth seed if they beat Portland Sunday, or if Denver loses to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Nuggets, meanwhile, would need both a Utah loss and a win over the Lakers to finish fifth.

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in ninth and need just one win in their final two games — or one San Antonio Spurs loss in their final two — in order to secure finishing ninth and getting to host the first play-in game.

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