Restaurant News: BadHappy Is Back, BellyQ 2nd Anniversary Deals
By Lisa White in Food on Aug 21, 2014 9:30PM
The Good, The Bad and The Happy Poutine/Photo: Chicagoist
- We were pretty bummed when BadHappy Poutine shut their doors in January, leaving behind a cheese curd and birthday cake hole in our heart. Thankfully the poutine gods have shined down on us, and BadHappy is back with a pop up restaurant called BadHappy Loft Project. Every Saturday and Sunday for the next eight weeks, diners can enjoy four poutine tastings and one beverage for $30 at a West Loop loft location. You can purchase tickets here for this Saturday and here for this Sunday. For future dates to buy, check their website. Zagat reports they are also planning an upscale dinner series called Mai Bon, which will feature more elevated versions of the Canadian snack classic. If the pop-up is successful, a storefront (and possibly multiple locations) and a food truck may not be far behind. We welcome BadHappy back with open, gravy soaked arms. [Zagat Chicago]
- Although we enjoyed the more high end luxurious feel of Henri (and their delicious escargot), we understood the decision Billy Lawless and his team made to reconcept the space as an Italian spot. Maybe the Mag Mile just wasn’t ready for high end French fare. The reconcepted space, known as Acanto, opened this week. Thankfully the beautiful bar from Henri remains, although the space feels more comfortable and laid back now- full of warm brick red tones and leather booths against the wall. The menu is full of comfort as well, with a well curated selection of cheeses, pasta, small and large plates as well as an extensive wine menu with over 300 selections to choose from. We took a peek at the menu, and we look forward to trying their sepia and octopus with fig, radish, fresno chili, balsamic and olive oil as well as their duck egg spaghetti with creamy pork sugo, caramelized pearl onions and rapini. [Eater, Eater]
- To celebrate their second anniversary, BellyQ is offering a great deal if you head in early on the weekday. On Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. all their food items are 50 percent off for parties of six or less. This offer is only good through the end of August, so make plans now to leave the office a bit before closing time and go enjoy some delicious post-work grub from Bill Kim and crew. [Chicago Tribune]
- Mercadito and their Tacos for Strength program, a year-long campaign offering a signature taco from chefs from around the country each month to help fight child hunger, is already a delicious and worthy cause. But we’re extra excited this month since Chef Sean Brock is the featured guest during August. We’re fans of Brock’s Southern cooking style and his dedication to educating and showcasing Southern cuisine, both in the food community and at his restaurant Husk in Charleston, South Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee. Brock’s creation is a Southern chicken and peach taco with charred chicken, peaches, mojo marinade and smoked pasilla puree. Head to Mercadito this month and grab four for $17.50. [Tasting Table]
- Have you ever wondered what it takes to maintain some of the best service and hospitality in the food industry? Michael Muser, the general manager at Grace, pulled back the curtain for Food & Wine and gave a little insight into the in depth and thoughtful work that goes into catering to fine dining customers. [Food & Wine]