CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, South Loop, Edgewater, Oak Park

Lincoln Park: Another new restaurant opened in Lincoln Park on Tuesday. ASAP Poke is a delivery-only, digital restaurant. Tim Hockett, one of the chefs, says “The idea for this concept came about as we were sourcing some of the best quality fish for our restaurants, and we thought it would be great to be able to share this product with our guests in a more convenient, affordable way.” ASAP offers four signature poke bowls, as well as the opportunity for customers to create their own. They begin with a base of sushi rice, brown rice, quinoa, tabbouli, or greens. They then add either tuna, salmon, hamachi, or gingered beets. Finally, they can choose up to six more ingredients, including soy beans, cucumber, watermelon radish, seaweed, avocado, pickled ginger, tobiko, and more. Finally, they can top their bowls with a variety of sauces. ASAP Poke is open for delivery from 11 am to 9 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays and 11:30 am to 9:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays. The address is listed as 2300 N. Lincoln Park West.

Lakeview: Brown Bag Seafood Company opened its third location in the city this weekend at 3400 N. Lincoln Ave. The menu offers a range of low-priced seafood, with dishes coming in under $15. Customers select a protein and how it is served: sandwich, salad, tacos, or a powerbox: a quinoa and wild rice blend over chopped spinach. Meals start at $8.99 for non-fish proteins (chicken, mushrooms, etc.) and $9.99 for fish dishes. Sides, including tots and coleslaw, are $2.50 each and soups range from $4-7. The priciest item on the menu is the lobster roll, coming in at $24. Check out the full menu here!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: If you’re a dog lover, you are going to flip over this event! West Town is featuring a dog parade on July 29. The Smith Park Advisory Council wants people to “strut their community-wide pet pride”. The route is 1.1 miles long, beginning at 1800 W. Rice St. and ending at 650 N. Campbell Ave. in Smith Park. The parade starts at 10 am and will conclude with family and pet-friendly activities. Dog owners should check in by 9 am on the day of the parade. All dogs must have vaccination and veterinarian information and a city of Chicago registration number to participate. Participation is free! Email westtowndogparade@gmail.com to sign up!

South Loop: Famed South Loop restaurant Manny’s Deli will celebrate its 75th anniversary this month. Located at the corner of Roosevelt Road and Jefferson Street, the iconic deli has served presidents and other important figures since 1942. Manny’s is known for its pastrami and corned beef, based on the owner’s family recipes. Manny’s is still family run, just like it was in the 1940s. However, to keep up with the quickly growing neighborhood, they have done some renovations. As part of a $1 million dollar project last year, Manny’s added a new deli counter and salad bar. The restaurant also expanded its hours, staying open later for dinner and on Sundays. Manny’s 75th Anniversary Party will be held July 31 at 5:30 pm. Tickets start at $150 each and can be bought here.

Edgewater: Midnight Mac and Cheeserie is offering the ultimate in food challenges. Located at 6981 N. Sheridan, this hot mac and cheese spot challenges customers to finish five pounds of their house macaroni and cheese in one hour. Winners will be featured on the wall of fame, win a t-shirt, and of course, bragging rights. If you don’t finish within the hour, you’ll have to pay the $35 cost of the mac and cheese. The challenge begins Friday, which is also National Mac and Cheese Day. There will also be free samples in the dining room! Get your cheese on!

Oak Park: The Oak Park Conservatory features Uncorked on the fourth Friday of every summer month. Dates are July 28, August 25, and September 22 and the event runs from 6 to 8 pm. Uncorked has local vendors, music, wine, craft beer, and appetizers! Admission includes two drink tickets and one food token. Guests must be 21 and over. Tickets are $14 in advance for FOPCON members, $16 in advance for the general public, and $18 at the door. Find more information about this summer event here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO