CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, River North, Edgewater, Oak Park

Bucktown and Wicker Park: The food scene in Wicker Park continues to expand with the addition of new sushi restaurant Sushi Taku. Located at 1904 W. Division St., the restaurant opens on Wednesday. The menu is extensive, offering 22 signature rolls. Owner Tom Li has billed the Fire Dragon roll and Spicy Crispy Tuna Roll as two of his favorites. The tuna roll is topped with Ponzu sauce, a “sour, sweet, and citrusy vinaigrette”. Until they receive their liquor license, Sushi Taku will be BYOB. Hours are 11:30 am to 10 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 am to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 am to 10 pm on Sundays.

Lakeview: If you can’t jet off to Paris this summer, don’t worry! A new Parisian restaurant is coming to the Lakeview neighborhood. Maison Marcel will open at 3114 N. Broadway early this summer. The menu will include organic, gluten-free, healthy French-American dishes, as well as juices, smoothies, and pastries. Owner Xavier De Yparraguirre named the restaurant after his grandfather, Marcel, who made his living in Parisian food markets. It will seat 80 people inside and 20 people on their outdoor patio space.

Lincoln Park: After a four-mount long renovation, Gemini is returning to Lincoln Park, still at 2075 N. Lincoln Ave. The renovations began with an interior overhaul. They created a new, centrally located, marble-topped, U-shaped bar. The bar came with cocktail innovations as well. Pauly Graves, restaurant partner and bar manager, will be serving a new cocktail called the San Pancho: Sanalipas mezcal, Milagro, crushed pineapple, lime, and habañero bitters. The average dinner tab is $50, including drinks. However, for a cheaper option, you can grab a burger and beer for about $20.

River North: Pritzker Park has long been a subject of contention amongst its neighbors. Central District police officers are set on improving the park’s reputation, located at 310 S. State St. On April 29, from 10 am to 2 pm, there will be food trucks and yoga for park visitors. Cheesie’s Pub  and Grub, Piko Street Kitchen, and Beaver’s Coffee and Donuts will be serving up their delicious food. South Loop studio Tejas Yoga will lead their classes free of charge.

Edgewater: The Peterson Garden Project is hosting its annual edible plant sale this weekend in the Edgewater neighborhood. The event will be hosted in the former Broadway Bank building, an ornate landmark that is rarely open to the public. Located at 5948 N. Broadway, the sale will take place from 10 am to 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Crops for sale include cauliflower, broccoli, salad greens, brussels sprouts, edible flowers, and herbs. Seeds, soil, plants, books, tools, compost, and fertilizer will also be sold. Find out more here!

Oak Park: Looking for a new runner’s club? Oak Park has got you covered. The Oak Park Runners Club is one of the oldest and most active organizations in the Chicago area. This Sunday, join the OPRC for the Good Life Race 5K at Oak Park River Forest High School (201 North Scoville Ave). Events include a women’s 5K, men’s 5K, a 5K Fitness Walk, a one-mile Youth Race (ages 5-12), and a Junior Dash (5 and under). Find more information about the race and OPRC here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO