Latest news with #VioletHour
Eater
06-06-2025
- Business
- Eater
Chicago's Influential Violet Hour Is Closed Until Further Notice
For the past three weeks, the Violet Hour has remained dormant in Wicker Park, with ownership saying the cocktail bar was in dire need of plumbing repairs. Originally, the owners planned on reopening last week, but now the 18-year-old cocktail bar will stay closed 'until further notice,' missing the onslaught of culinary tourists in town next weekend for the 35th annual James Beard Awards. Ownership from One Off Hospitality Group, the restaurant company behind the Publican and Big Star, says they're in negotiations with the building's landlord, attempting to reach common ground over those repairs. A rep declined to say how much that would cost, only saying 'substantial' fixes are needed. Floors would need to be ripped up, and the ground dug out. The bar's furniture remains intact at 1520 N. Damen Avenue. Public records showed the owner listed as Magic Carpet LLC, which leads to Newcastle Investors. A press release shows Newcastle acquired the property in 2023. 'We're working hard to resume service and will continue to share updates as they become available, so please keep an eye on our social media pages for the latest news,' a Violet Hour statement reads. 'Thank you for your continued support — we can't wait to welcome you back, if and when the time is right.' Violet Hour's importance extends a few layers deep. The bar's debut ushered in the age of the mixologist with sophisticated cocktails using not-so-easy-to-find ingredients. And a multitude of different types of ice. But its influence extended across the country. Chicagoans enjoyed martinis and Manhattans, but Violet Hour's bartenders showed them new drinks, introducing them to future bar staples like the Paper Plane and the Art of Choke. In 2015, the bar won the Beard for Outstanding Bar Program. The bar has made numerous local and national lists and is one of Chicago's essential bars. An arsenal of bartenders remains thankful for their time working the bar, which helped launch their careers. The bar's arrival also marked the start of One Off's Wicker Park presence as the area rapidly gentrified. MTV brought the neighborhood attention when it brought its Real World circus to North Avenue in 2001-2002. One Off partner Terry Alexander was already an integral part of the area — he was also behind Danny's Tavern in nearby Bucktown and soon joined Paul Kahan and Donnie Madia's group. After opening Big Star, they eventually took over the neighboring space to the north and opened Dove's Luncheonette. In 2016, the group opened a spinoff of its pioneering Publican, but the restaurant struggled to find traction as the neighborhood continued to change. An ancillary Beard event, scheduled for Sunday, June 15 — a collaboration with Portland, Oregon Beard Award finalist Scotch Lodge — will move to Friends of Friends, a new bar that Alexander opened last week with Violet Hour alum Abe Vucekovich. Alexander's familiarity with the Violet Hour spans more than two decades through MOD, a restaurant that was open from 2000 to 2005; and Del Toro, a restaurant that gave Andrew Zimmerman a chance to shine. Zimmerman would go on to open West Loop icon Sepia, a Michelin-starred restaurant. While One Off appears to be cautiously optimistic about a reopening, a decision to shutter could echo what happened in 2020 in West Loop when the company closed Blackbird, a gastronomic trailblazer, after two decades. Fans of Blackbird didn't get a chance to have a final meal. One Off hopes Violet Hour doesn't face the same fate and gets a proper last call. Sign up for our newsletter.
Eater
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Power of Friendship Beckons Industry Heavyweights to Open a New West Town Bar
It's been three years since the ownership of Friends of Friends, a new bar debuting today — Thursday, May 29 — in West Town, pulled together with the idea of opening a tavern on the corner of Chicago and Grand. Opening day for co-owner Abe Vucekovich — also an alum of the influential cocktail bar Violet Hour — hit differently. It was the celebrated bartender's first as an owner. The bar slowly filled up last week during an opening preview, with friends and neighbors trickling into the space at 2001 W. Grand Avenue. Vucekovich delighted in seeing about 100 smiling faces who filled the room, with some emptying into the 100-seat patio with heated floors for the winter and a fireplace. There are no TVs. The 11-seat bar was salvaged from the Brooklyn location of the Knitting Factory; the club closed in 2022. Friends of Friends co-owner Kevin Heisner, who now lives in New York, spotted the opportunity while walking by the shuttered club. Heisner and ownership proceeded to purchase the wooden bar, bringing it back to Chicago, where it now anchors the former Schlitz tavern with the brewery's familiar orb outside. That made the idea to hang the old red neon Schlitz sign that once adorned Danny's Tavern make too much sense. Terry Alexander was a co-owner of the Bucktown bar, which closed in 2020 and is a Friends of Friends partner. The bar intends to regularly host a Danny's tribute, which could lead to a revival of the tavern's popular soul night. Alexander, separately a partner at One Off Hospitality, remains connected with Danny's alums, including Courtland Green, who works at Dove's Luncheonette, one of One Off's restaurants. That taps into the bar's central theme and the genesis of its name. Vucekovich will also dip into his network of hospitality workers, hoping to host bar pop-ups, bringing in his friends who run taverns across the country. That's big news for cocktail nerds who will get chances to try drinks from some of America's top bars. But Friends of Friends is meant to welcome all drinkers. Vucekovich describes the vacant look on intimidated customers trying to understand a drink list full of esoteric ingredients: 'You can see it in the look in the eyes,' he says, describing the plea for assistance. ''Can you help me?'' Wanting to avoid those awkward exchanges, Friends of Friends's menu uses tried-and-true descriptors as drink names like 'Floral and Bubbly' (Sakura infused Roots N/A Divino Bianco, sparkling Watermelon and Hibiscus, citrus tonic) and 'Bold and Luscious' (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Amontillado Sherry, washed with a Scorched Banana, Demerara Coconut Oil). Vucekovich says the simple terms make the drink list easier to navigate. They don't want the space to feel pretentious. Even though the drinks are sophisticated, most of the 'tweezer stuff' will be done away from the customer's eye, says Vucekovich. There's also natural wines on draft, Schilitz and whiskey specials for $5, and more. Heisner's focus is on design, and he's a longtime partner with Matt Eisler in Heisler Hospitality, one of the city's most successful bar groups with hits like Estereo and Sportsman's Club. Heisler's offices are located above Friends of Friends. Alexander, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, has even brought some of his hometown flavor to the new bar. A version of Runza, the sandwich puff from the chain of the same name, will be served. Called the Frunza, it's stuffed with beef, cabbage, and onions. It's the kind of snack that teens would turn to after drinking a beer or two, wanting to cover up the smell of alcohol from their parents, Alexander says. The vibe is for more responsible snacking at Friends of Friends, where the drinks will clock in at $13, and snacks hover in the $5 range. It's kind of ensuring a happy hour feel at all times of the day. Management is also open to tweaking the layout and offerings, eager to hear how customers respond to the bar. The space's history is a bit of a mixed bag. Vucekovich says a passerby claims his mother ran an Italian grocery store in the basement. Vucekovich is also the force behind the drinks at the acclaimed Meadowlark in Logan Square, and while his focus is on Friends of Friends, he'll continue to create new drinks at Meadowlark. Vucekovich mentions a quirky detail: The Knitting Factory's bar from New York came affixed with a Sharkula sticker, representing the Chicago-area rapper. 'I've known him for years,' Vucekovich says. 'He slept on my couch back in the day.' Perhaps a friend of a friend placed the sticker on the bar. Friends of Friends , 2001 W. Grand Avenue, open 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to midnight on Friday through Sunday Sign up for our newsletter.
Eater
28-05-2025
- Business
- Eater
The Owners of an Acclaimed Cocktail Bar Are Opening a Pizzeria in Avondale
It's been five years since Jim Lasko opened Guild Row in Avondale. The building, hidden off Elston Avenue, houses a co-working space for members, a library, a cafe, and a bar. They've hosted private parties and a rotating lineup of food pop-ups. There have been changes since 2020. Thattu opened with its brand of Southern Indian cuisine. Soul & Smoke opened a location off the Chicago River. One of the barbecue spot's neighbors, Metropolitan Brewing, sadly has closed. Now, Guild Row is about to embark on a new journey. They're partnering with the owners of the esteemed cocktail bar Meadowlark in Logan Square on a permanent restaurant inside their Avondale space. Lark Pizza will serve neo-Neoapolitan thin-crust pizza, the kind made famous at pizzerias like Paulie Gee's in Logan Square. They'll also offer Roman squares, or pinsas, to pay homage to designer and architect Elyse Agnello's Italian heritage. The pinsas are inspired by Agnello's family recipes and are low in gluten, according to a news release. Salads and appetizers round out the menu. Meadowlark's Steve Lewis runs three venues in Logan Square. There's the namesake cocktail bar; Union, a beer-hall style bar; and Lardon, an all-day salumeria and cafe. The pizzas will make use of Lardon's meats as toppings. There will be cocktails created by Meadowlark beverage director Abe Vucekovich. The Violet Hour alum will remain in charge of drink development even as he helms his new bar, Friends of Friends, which opens on Thursday, May 29. During the warmer months, Lark will make use of a 2,600-square-foot patio. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week to the general public. Guild Row members will receive perks. Lark Pizza , inside Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell Street, planned for a summer opening. Sign up for our newsletter.
Axios
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Four funky Fat Tuesday treats
Over the years we've spent the pre-Lenten season directing you to the best local paczki and pancakes for the holiday, but today we're serving up some funkier offerings. Short rib beignets from Boeufhaus: Stuffed with tender shredded short rib and paired with a rich gravy, these Ukrainian Village beauties offer the perfect doughnut for a sweets avoider. Pro tip: These are a bargain at $2 a piece during happy hour, but otherwise $15 for an order. Polly Paczki at the Violet Hour: Served only on Tuesday, this pre-Lenten sipper costs $18 and features Pierre Ferrand 1840, Amaro Abano, Fragola, a strawberry liqueur and lemon along with a tiny strawberry jam-filled paczki garnish from Daisies. Daisies is also offering chef Leigh Omilinsky's full-sized paczki through Tock for $24 per half dozen. Pierogi Kitchen in Wicker Park and Wurst Behavior in Irving Park: You can get rose petal paczki with candied orange and glaze along with ultra trendy Dubai chocolate and pistachio ($3.95) through March 9 on a walk-in basis. Paczki Stout from Marz Community Brewing: What Fat Tuesday would be complete without a paczki flavored beer next to a dozen jelly-filled? This double milk stout made with Peruvian chocolate offers a rich sipping sensation before the fasting begins and is a great party gift. The beer went on sale Sunday, and if you're lucky you can still pick up a four-pack ($15.99) from the shop in Bridgeport while supplies last.
CBC
31-01-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Montreal seeks Quebec's support with language laws after English book club rejected
Social Sharing The City of Montreal says it needs more guidance from the Quebec government in applying the province's language laws after a local library refused to offer space for an English-language book club. Christopher DiRaddo, the author behind the Violet Hour book club, said in a Facebook post the city apologized and told him Friday that he can hold his club meetings at the library after all. The Père-Ambroise library had told DiRaddo that he could only host events in French, and city officials had said his English-language book discussions would only be permitted if he offered simultaneous French-language translation — a requirement he said was unrealistic. After DiRaddo went public with the situation, the Quebec government said the province's language laws did not apply in this case because the book club is not offering public services on behalf of a municipal organization. DiRaddo says he welcomes the clarification and may consider hosting his club gatherings at the library, but he says he fears the vague nature of the province's 2022 language reform may lead to future cancellations of English cultural events. WATCH | DiRaddo explains ema il he received from library: Montreal author told he couldn't hold book club meeting in English at public library 2 days ago Duration 2:17 After requesting space from the Père-Ambroise library in the Ville Marie borough for his English book club, Chris DiRaddo received an email citing Quebec's new French language charter, Law 14, also known as Bill 96, as part of the reason why he couldn't use it. For its part, the City of Montreal says it will educate its staff on how to properly interpret the language reform, which makes sweeping restrictions on the use of English in the civil service and other institutions. In a statement, the city also announced that it has created a committee including the boroughs to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
