Restaurant News: Sodikoff's Empire Continues To Expand; Wild Blossom Meadery Growing

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Feb 7, 2014 10:45PM

- Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery in Beverly has been one of my favorite spots in Chicago for years and now the company is planning to expand its operations. Owner Greg Fischer plans to convert an abandoned building at 91st and Hermitage into an 8,000 square foot space to make winery, mead, beer and tend bees for homey. That area of the city is historically dry but Fischer convinced residents he isn't opening a package goods store and said he plans on only selling what he makes there as well as coupling the facility with a restaurant. [DNAInfo Chicago]

- Brendan Sodikoff—the Michael Bay of Chicago's restaurant scene—continues to expand his empire. Sodikoff's Hogsalt Hospitality Group applied for a liquor license at the former Café Con Leche space in Wicker Park, which will become the pizzeria Roxie's Roadside Refresher. The new endeavor will focus on pizzas by the slice. [Crain's]

- Say goodbye to Storefront Company. The Wicker Park restaurant originally was believed to be taking a winter break but owner Steve Harris said it's been extended to a permanent vacation. [Eater Chicago]

- Looking to brave the winter chill for a bowl of chili? Zagat's Sarah Freeman rounded up nine bowls worthy of donning layers, most of them at "see and be seen" places such as Howell's & Hood, Little Goat, Hub 51 and Bub City. There's even the requisite vegetarian option from Chicago Diner for the non-omnivores. A solid list overall but we'll still take Lindy's over any of them. [Zagat Chicago]