Inspiring Kitchen

Here are some suggestions of things to do this weekend in Chicago. So much going on!

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There are so many activities and events going on inside and out this weekend in Chicago. From theater to baseball to food fests to Pride to World Cup watch parties, your choices are extensive. This weekend is also a special Guest Chef Series honoring James Beard for a Friends James Beard Dinner at Charlie Trotter’s. Don’t forget to check out the Farmer’s Markets (pinned post) and Festivals (6 post from pinned) going on around town. #thingstodoinchicago #chicagoevents #InspiringKitchen

Italian gelato straight from Italy!

A favorite find from National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.

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On this warm weather day in Chicago, I am sharing a @nationalrestaurantshow find straight from Italy. @sammontana.us began as a family business in 1943 and has grown to now be available to gelato lovers in the United States. You can find this frozen treat at your local stores including @Eataly. Check the Sammontana website for locations near you. ⭐️Authentic flavors and texture ⭐️Traditional Italian recipes ⭐️Delicious gelato varieties to choose from #2026RestaurantShow #NationalRestaurantShow #Gelato #madeinitaly #inspiringkitchen

A visit to

A floral canopy covered in colorful blooms is on display at @oakbrookcenter. Located between @davidyurman, @anthro_chicago and @louisvuitton, this backdrop makes for a beautiful shot. Cheers to pretty flowers! #oakbrookcenter #Oakbrook #colorfulflowers #flowerbackdrop #inspiringkitchen

News from Chicago’s restaurant space.

Oak Street will see a new luxury steakhouse where the old Esquire Theater space used to be later this year.

The 270-seat restaurant, called Esquire, is set to open in late summer, said Chris Hyndman, founder and CEO of Nashville-based M Street Entertainment, the group behind the restaurant.

Esquire will have the format of a steakhouse with Japanese inspiration and a French foundation, Hyndman said. The menu will have a la carte items, a shellfish menu, some sushi and a Japanese wagyu program.

Esquire will be the third restaurant to occupy the space since it was redeveloped over a decade ago. Most recently, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants opened its first urban outpost there in 2020. It closed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and reopened two years later. Ultimately, Cooper’s Hawk was unable to achieve the volume needed to stay afloat and closed in 2023. Previously, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House had occupied the space.