CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Gold Coast, Chicago Loop, Evanston

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Lincoln Park: Soup for a cause? Yes please! Bruce Sherman, executive chef of North Pond, is leading “Soup for Solidarity”. Coming together with 20 other chefs in the Chicago area, the proceeds will go to three nonprofit organizations: The Immigrant Workers’ Project, The Southwest Organizing Project, and Centro Romero. The Solidarity Soup website states: “We commit to standing with immigrant communities in the fight to protect their dignity and human rights; their presence among us makes us stronger.” With a minimum donation of $50 by March 1, you will receive 2 pints of soup created by two different chefs. Distribution is on March 7, at soon to be announced locations in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and downtown. Make your donation here.

Lakeview: Dollop Coffee, located at 824 W. Belmont Ave., will close its doors this upcoming Sunday. This location was renovated about a year ago, to focus on employee training. Owner Dan Weiss has expressed his deep sadness about the closing in a Facebook post. Designed to be a central training location, he tried closing in the afternoons to allow for training, but it just wasn’t working well for business. The new training location is 55 W. Monroe, in the Loop. Weiss says, “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone in Lakeview who has supported this gem over the years…It’s been a great ride.” Find out more about Dollop and its 10 other locations here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park:  A long awaited new restaurant had its soft opening in Wicker Park on Wednesday evening. Rhyme Or Reason is a 70s inspired gastro pub and live music venue. With their stage, the owners Le’Qoinne Rice and Zafer Genc hope to feature neighborhood bands on a weekly basis. The DJ booth will be solely vinyl records. Located at 1938 W. Division St., the inside seats 174 and the outdoor patio seats 75. After peeking at the menu, I’m particularly intrigued by the Crab Rangoon Dip and the Duck Tacos: confit duck, hoisin lime sauce, chili brussels sprouts slaw, and fried duck skins on blue corn tortillas. Check out other mouthwatering items here.

River North: Au Cheval, a West Loop restaurant, boasts one of the best hamburgers in the city. Now, a more casual extension, Small Cheval, will open later this year in River North at 150 N. Riverside Plaza. The new office tower will also include Hannah’s Bretzel, Starbucks, and other restaurants. Scheduled to open in the next 6 to 8 months, this is an anticipated opening of a beloved Chicago restaurant. Whet your appetite by visiting Au Cheval at 800 W. Randolph St.. Expect to wait, as it’s a very popular spot.

Chicago Loop: A new bed and breakfast is scheduled for a June opening at 1134 W. Washington Blvd. Shawn Uldrige and Kimberly Lowery are thrilled to open The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast in the 100-year old building. The B&B will have 11 rooms, as well as The Press Room wine bar and a location of the West Loop’s Solo Salon. Rooms range from $179 to $309 a night. Uldridge and Lowery hope to use the space for wedding parties and corporate clients who would book the entire space.

Evanston: The Evanston Environmental Association (EEA) and the City of Evanston will present the second evening of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on February 24 at 7 pm. Held at the Evanston Ecology Center, the festival offers a line-up of the best in environmental and adventure short films. EEA members get $5 off their ticket and $2 off their guest tickets. Find more information here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO