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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng, Justin Kaufmann and Carrie Shepherd.

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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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Mayor Brandon Johnson introduces plan to combat homelessness

The proposed legislation would affect properties over $1 million.

Politics

Chicago's WLS-AM to double down on conservative format

"They told me that they intend to be the most conservative radio station in America," former host Big John Howell tells Axios.

News

Owners of unclaimed property could get up to $5,000 from Illinois

Overlooked safe deposit boxes, unpaid life insurance benefits, old bank accounts and unused rebate cards could mean extra cash.

Modern farmhouses dominate Chicago's suburbs

Modern farmhouses dethroned McMansions as the suburban dream home.

Real Estate

Honey Butter Fried Chicken owners' Best Day Ever in Chicago

Farmers markets, Lula Cafe, and the Cubs.

Food and Drink

This summer, two of Chicago&#x27;s grooviest chefs and most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staff-friendly restaurateurs" data-vars-click-url="https://interactive.wttw.com/playlist/2023/06/12/honey-butter-fried-chicken-ten-years" data-vars-content-id="7f7ade58-762b-4abc-8605-57a0ace1d37f" data-vars-headline="Honey Butter Fried Chicken owners&#x27; Best Day Ever in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://interactive.wttw.com/playlist/2023/06/12/honey-butter-fried-chicken-ten-years" target="_blank">staff-friendly restaurateurs</a> celebrated the 10th anniversary of their beloved Avondale eatery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Honey Butter Fried Chicken" data-vars-click-url="https://www.honeybutter.com/" data-vars-content-id="7f7ade58-762b-4abc-8605-57a0ace1d37f" data-vars-headline="Honey Butter Fried Chicken owners&#x27; Best Day Ever in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.honeybutter.com/" target="_blank">Honey Butter Fried Chicken</a>.Driving the news: Co-owners Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp threw special events and announced they&#x27;re opening a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="branch in Glencoe this fall" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.eater.com/2023/6/12/23758012/honey-butter-fried-chicken-glencoe-suburbs-new-location-north-shore-chicago" data-vars-content-id="7f7ade58-762b-4abc-8605-57a0ace1d37f" data-vars-headline="Honey Butter Fried Chicken owners&#x27; Best Day Ever in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.eater.com/2023/6/12/23758012/honey-butter-fried-chicken-glencoe-suburbs-new-location-north-shore-chicago" target="_blank">branch in Glencoe this fall</a>.

Allez Cafe's breakfast sandwich is among Chicago's best

Heavenly hash browns, and a steamed egg patty.

There&#x27;s another egg sandwich in town. And this one doesn&#x27;t come with an hourlong wait in line. (More on that in an upcoming newsletter.)The details: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Allez Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/allez.cafe/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="31baf833-cf71-45af-8955-5bf6c095cf45" data-vars-headline="Allez Cafe&#x27;s breakfast sandwich is among Chicago&#x27;s best" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/allez.cafe/?hl=en" target="_blank">Allez Cafe</a> in Bucktown is the companion to Ambrosia Foods, an &quot;elegant catering&quot; spot from a former Alinea and Blackbird chef Jason Melamed.<ul><li>You can&#x27;t miss the bubble-gum pink storefront at Western and Lyndale.</li></ul>The best bite: The breakfast sandwich ($10) is served on a squishy potato roll with a crisp block of hash browns and a McDonald&#x27;s-esque steamed egg patty. The melted Gouda is balanced with a sweet jalapeño jam.<ul><li>I get it without the bacon, but breakfast sammie diehards will probably want to leave it on.</li></ul>🍩 1 more thing: Don&#x27;t skip the Earl Grey cruller ($6.50), with a cronut-style base and creamy frosting flecked with (edible) violet petals. Delicious.<figure><img alt="donut " height="1464" id="f99877ed-04d6-4b54-bce9-1af01c8e7223" src="https://images.axios.com/VjA1sgfFas_jzFIc4EY9w1GTkKs=/2023/09/15/1694810830783.jpg" width="2000"/><figcaption>I think about this cruller often. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios</figcaption></figure>

Where to eat for Black Restaurant Week in Chicago

Black-owned restaurants in and around Chicago are getting an extra spotlight through Sept. 24 as part of national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://blackrestaurantweeks.com/midwest-black-restaurant-week/" data-vars-content-id="14586065-c425-492f-9ee1-43be0bf8cd17" data-vars-headline="Where to eat for Black Restaurant Week in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blackrestaurantweeks.com/midwest-black-restaurant-week/" target="_blank">Black Restaurant Week</a>.Why it matters: Minority-owned eateries were hit especially hard during the height of the pandemic, and they weren&#x27;t getting the same financial support as their white counterparts, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eater reported in 2020" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/4/22/21212651/coronavirus-relief-funds-not-reaching-minorities-chicago-restaurants-bars" data-vars-content-id="14586065-c425-492f-9ee1-43be0bf8cd17" data-vars-headline="Where to eat for Black Restaurant Week in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/4/22/21212651/coronavirus-relief-funds-not-reaching-minorities-chicago-restaurants-bars" target="_blank">Eater reported in 2020</a>.

New pumpkin spice products to try at Aldi

Cheerios, chips and ... pumpkin spice ice cream?

It&#x27;s early September, which means retailers are showering everything in sight with magic pumpkin spice powder, especially at Batavia-based Aldi stores.Why it matters: Pumpkin spice foods can inspire disgust or delight. To help you find more of the latter, we tried a bunch to tell you which are truly spice-worthy.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Cheerios</h2>Monica&#x27;s verdict: Nice PS fragrance when I opened the bag and not overly sweet, but a weak finish. ($3.49)Rating: 🎃🎃 (out of 5)<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Chips</h2><figure><img alt="sweet potato chips " height="2325" id="cfb18d65-1043-49c2-ba69-4026dd8b3135" src="https://images.axios.com/rLoQmz8ZKz1rMw0p4oD6aG_0Szc=/2023/09/11/1694456713924.jpg" width="3485"/><figcaption>Sweet potato and cinnamon chips. Photo: Monica Eng</figcaption></figure>Monica&#x27;s verdict: While pumpkin spice isn&#x27;t on the label, these sweet potato chips with warm spicing feel and taste like PS wannabes.<ul><li>Tasty and crunchy but could use more of a certain autumnal spice. ($2.69)</li></ul>Rating: 🎃🎃🎃<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Almonds</h2><figure><img alt="almonds" height="2256" id="85abb5d6-150b-4ff0-92e2-713c30309edc" src="https://images.axios.com/yK9WMeIi6TRbzZ-HvbO7yisUqmU=/2023/09/11/1694456765547.jpg" width="3337"/><figcaption>Pumpkin spiced almonds from Aldi. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Monica&#x27;s verdict: Wow! I love the bold PS flavor paired with a light candied sweetness on these toasted nuts. ($5.79)Rating: 🎃🎃🎃🎃<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Oreos</h2><figure><img alt="" height="2614" id="26557434-e601-489d-a4c7-b1b3719128e5" src="https://images.axios.com/RJlHOF122IZJ2Dbx5HDhlOfLS1o=/2023/09/11/1694457038770.jpg" width="3985"/><figcaption>Various pumpkin spice products at Aldi this week. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios </figcaption></figure>Carrie&#x27;s verdict: Creamy and not artificial tasting, surprisingly. The cookie part was underwhelming, but who reaches for an Oreo because of the cookie? ($4.58)Rating: 🎃🎃🎃🎃 <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Applesauce</h2>Carrie&#x27;s verdict: First things first. I don&#x27;t like the consistency of applesauce. I&#x27;d rather just have an apple. This is not pumpkin spice, just pumpkin, but it basically tastes like applesauce with a weird aftertaste. ($1.95) Rating: 🎃<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Ice cream</h2><figure><img alt="ice cream " height="1418" id="03a3cb81-a852-4ecb-8d20-bbf7e7c45872" src="https://images.axios.com/xR0aHQHJIxHTqqmY8A_j-2oWRfY=/2023/09/11/1694457167757.jpg" width="2000"/><figcaption>Pumpkin spice ice cream from Aldi. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios</figcaption></figure>Carrie&#x27;s verdict: I love pumpkin ice cream, but this one forces the spice factor, which doesn&#x27;t deliver. Lose the spice! ($1.99) Rating: 🎃🎃The intrigue: Mysteriously we couldn&#x27;t find Aldi&#x27;s promised pumpkin-spiced wine and yogurt at our local stores.<ul><li>Aldi officials have not responded to multiple Axios requests for comment on this and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing store shortages" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/07/27/chicago-aldi-shoppers-finding-bare-shelves-empty-freezers-at-north-side-stores/" data-vars-content-id="a8af0cc2-37d9-41bf-8216-456f5580be1c" data-vars-headline="New pumpkin spice products to try at Aldi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/07/27/chicago-aldi-shoppers-finding-bare-shelves-empty-freezers-at-north-side-stores/" target="_blank">ongoing store shortages</a>.</li><li>Staffers, however, tells us that the problem, caused by a computer system changeover, should be sorted out in the next week or so.</li></ul>

Tips to score great deals and reduce food waste in Chicago

I use the Too Good To Go app to find cheap bags of excess food from restaurants, bakeries, even gas stations.

Since the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Too Good to Go app" data-vars-click-url="https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us" data-vars-content-id="47bdd8b6-3d9f-4bd7-87e6-6dc3d61e7034" data-vars-headline="Tips to score great deals and reduce food waste in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us" target="_blank">Too Good to Go app</a> came to Chicago in 2021, I&#x27;ve been a regular scavenger for cheap bags of excess food from restaurants, bakeries, even gas stations. How it works: The offerings change daily, even hourly, and feature places offering &quot;surprise&quot; bags of whatever they&#x27;re trying to get rid of that day. You can sort by distance and select favorites.

4 things to check out at this year's Taste of Chicago

New foods, delicious drinks and plenty of opportunities to dance.

Things to Do

When Taste of Chicago was scooted from July to September to accommodate the NASCAR race, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some grumbled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/03/09/chicago-nascar-race-taste-chicago-softball" data-vars-content-id="c49e007c-cd9c-441f-9598-d73f8b124cfc" data-vars-headline="4 things to check out at this year&#x27;s Taste of Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/03/09/chicago-nascar-race-taste-chicago-softball" target="_self">some grumbled</a> about changing traditions.Why it matters: Love it or hate it, Taste represents the one food festival that attempts to reflect the whole city — and it attracts thousands of tourists annually.

People walk under a blue banner that reads "Taste of Chicago"

6 delicious new dishes at Soldier Field

Would you eat a 1.5-pound hot dog? That and five other fun foods debut at Soldier Field this year.

Soldier Field is debuting some eye-catching and excessive new dishes ahead of the big Bears-Packers game this Sunday.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;re breaking down some of the tastiest we tried during a recent sampling at the stadium.

Chicago's Russian Tea Time turns 30

Fragrant tea, plump varenyky and rich beef stroganoff.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Russian Tea Time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.russianteatime.com/about-us" data-vars-content-id="22bf6499-30e4-46f1-b688-5993cd2654ec" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s Russian Tea Time turns 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.russianteatime.com/about-us" target="_blank">Russian Tea Time</a> opened in 1993, it was under the name Russian Tea Room, which drew complaints from a certain New York fine dining restaurant.<ul><li>Decades later, the Chicago restaurant is facing controversy over a different R word in its name.</li></ul>

Hidden gems for lunch in downtown Chicago

Tucked in the back of a jewelry store, a cafe serves up delicious falafel sandwiches.

Downtown restaurants were hit hard by the pandemic, with many lunchtime staples closing, but some of the Loop&#x27;s hidden gems survived.<ul><li>We&#x27;re highlight three fun ones to impress your friends.</li></ul>

Some Chicago restaurants explain their surcharges and more

Some surcharges are replacing tips, others are covering employee health care.

Frustration with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant surcharges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/11/restaurant-surcharges-chicago" data-vars-content-id="5d32f8c4-23bd-47bf-9d94-b86b45b4467c" data-vars-headline="Some Chicago restaurants explain their surcharges and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/08/11/restaurant-surcharges-chicago" target="_self">restaurant surcharges</a> — and the lack of transparency around how and why they&#x27;re used — is rising in Chicago.Why it matters: These extra fees are becoming increasingly common as a way for Chicago restaurants to support staff or offset rising costs, but there&#x27;s little standardization when it comes to the amount or the language around them.

an illustration of a 100 dollar bill on a fork

Food and Drink 🍽