CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, River North, Lincoln Square, Evanston

Lincoln Park: Chicago’s list of Michelin-endorsed Bib Gourmand restaurants was released last week and neither Lincoln Park nor Old Town made the cut. This year, 54 Chicago restaurants were honored. The Bib Gourmands recognizes more budget conscious restaurants, typically offering a two-course meal and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less. Two area restaurants were previously featured as Bib Gourmand restaurants: Balena (1633 N. Halsted) and Riccardo Trattoria (2119 N. Clark). The 2018 Michelin Guide to Chicago will be released next Friday. Trattoria owner Riccardo Michi is holding out hope that his restaurant will be given a Michelin star.

Lakeview: Another Target is coming to Lakeview, just three months after the opening of the first neighborhood Target at Clark and Belmont. The new store will be located at 3300 N. Ashland Ave. The store will have a soft opening, beginning at 7 am on Wednesday, October 25. The grand opening is at 8 am Sunday, October 29, with reusable bag giveaways for the first 1,000 guests. This small-format store takes into account the surrounding neighborhood and has tailored its inventory to suit the needs of the area. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 10 pm, Saturdays from 8 am to 11 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: The Acro-Cats are returning to their hometown this weekend! Samantha Martin, ringleader of the feline circus troupe, returns to Chicago at the Vittum Theatre for a weekend of performances. The show features tightrope walking cats, a cat riding a skateboard, and a cat rock band “Tuna and the Rock Cats”. Founded in Chicago in 2005, the show tours nine months out of the year. It’s been featured on National Geographic, Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the Animal Planet. The group features formerly stray or orphaned cats and aims to promote the benefits of adoption and cat training. Shows are Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 pm. Buy tickets online!

River North: Gibsons is opening a new restaurant on the Chicago River. Gibsons Italia, located at 233 N. Canal St., is set to open this coming Monday. Right next to the River Point Tower, the four level restaurant boasts stunning views of the city, a rooftop bar with a retractable roof, and plenty of wine. Gibsons Italia includes a ground floor bar and a second floor dining room, in addition to the rooftop. Gibsons Rush Street steakhouse is currently the top-grossing restaurant in the city, with more than $20 million in sales each year. Find more information about this exciting new Italian venture on their Facebook page.

Lincoln Square: Learn more about the history of Albany Park during a special one-day event on October 28. The “Taste & Tours” event will feature a walking tour, food tours, and a bookbinding workshop. Nighthawk Coffee Bar & Tavern is event headquarters from 10 am to 3 pm (4744 N. Kimball Ave.) The walking tour begins at 11 am and is led by Patti Swanson of Chicago for Chicagoans. The tour ends at Marie’s Pizza (4127 N. Lawrence Ave.) at 1 pm. The tour is free, however a reservation is required. Chef Jairo Lopez of Tortuga’s Latin Kitchen will lead the food tour, with a sampling of signature dishes at each restaurant stop. The tour begins at 3 pm at El Siglo XX (3622 W. Lawrence Ave.) and finishes at Tortuga’s at 5:30 pm (3224 W. Lawrence Ave.). Tickets for the food tour are $20 and in short supply, so get yours today! Note: no vegetarian options available. Sign up for the walking or food tour here and find more information about this exciting event.

Evanston: Join artist Eve Alfille for a talk at the Evanston History Center. She will share stories of her experience over the 30 years her gallery has been open and tell about the inspiration behind many of the works being displayed currently. The current exhibition is called “The Finishing Touch: Evanston Accesorized!” and features a chronological survey of Eve’s fine art jewelry pieces. The exhibition can be viewed through December. The talk will be held on Thursday October 27 at 7 pm, with a reception beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door or free to Evanston History Center members. Reservations are recommended: email

jthompson@evanstonhistorycenter.org or visit the website. To find more information about the Eve Alfille Gallery and Studio, check out the website here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO