In recent cultural developments across the Chicago and Great Lakes region, art exhibitions, dining innovations, and significant events have made headlines, reflecting the vibrancy and evolution of local communities.
One standout exhibition is “The Sea and the Sky, and You and I” at The Shepherd in Detroit, on view through August 30. This display features 28 artists, including 17 hailing from Detroit, and seeks to explore the city’s historical narrative through artist-led public art projects, as reported by the Detroit Free Press.
In the design realm, SRAM, a maker of bicycle parts and accessories, is poised to relocate its headquarters from the iconic 1KFulton building in the Fulton Market district to a newly redeveloped loft office space at 550 West Randolph. This move signifies the ongoing transformation of Fulton Market and marks another chapter in SRAM’s decade-long presence in the area, according to CoStar.
Another recent development in technology and computing celebrates the legacy of Bill Atkinson, a computing pioneer who passed away at 74. John Gruber from Daring Fireball noted Atkinson’s crucial contributions to Apple, including the creation of MacPaint and HyperCard, emphasizing his profound impact on computer programming history.
The dining landscape in Chicago continues to thrive, with Schubas Tavern gaining recognition as one of America’s fifteen best bars. Esquire applauded its classic Chicago tavern atmosphere, underscoring its historical ties to the Schlitz brewery and its enduring appeal as a genuine drinking establishment.
Chicago is also witnessing a resurgence in the bagel-making scene. Unlike the bagel boom of the 1990s, this new wave is characterized by small-batch bakers like Felix Zepeda of Rosca bakery, who are emphasizing craftsmanship and community roots. Zepeda notes this evolution as a reinvention rather than a repeat, suggesting a deeper connection to the culinary heritage of bagels in Chicago.
On the cheese front, Wisconsin remains a dairy powerhouse, ranking as the fourth largest cheese producer globally. With over 80% of feta cheese in the US originating from Wisconsin, the state plays a pivotal role in national cheese production. The Takeout highlighted its significance in the dairy industry, particularly for aspiring cheesemakers seeking Master Cheesemaker status.
In an interesting turn for culinary culture, PETA recently named Chicago the most vegan-friendly city in America. This recognition comes in light of the city’s transformation from its meatpacking origins to a hub for vegan dining, showcasing a shift in consumer preferences and dining options available in Chicago.
Chicago Gourmet has organized an exceptional Dinner on the NASCAR Track, featuring a lavish Italian feast crafted by renowned chefs, including Fabio Viviani. Scheduled for July 2, this event offers a unique dining experience right on the racecourse, catering to food enthusiasts and race fans alike.
In a shift of ownership, Johnny Nettesheim and Cheryl Carnevale have taken over Avondale’s Teddy Bear Lounge, giving the dive bar a facelift. The couple, who moved from San Francisco to Chicago, purchased the bar after the previous owner retired, planning to maintain its dive bar charm while refreshing its aesthetic.
Film and television are also in the spotlight with the Field Notes Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre, showcasing short films inspired by the company’s unique notebook releases. Scheduled for June 23, this event aims to blend creativity and storytelling, providing an interactive experience for attendees.
After navigating pandemic challenges, Doc Films has experienced a resurgence, ramping up its budget and screening capacity significantly over the past two years. This accomplishment has allowed Doc to stabilize its programming, which will resume on June 18.
In the superhero genre, Marvel has released a second trailer for the anticipated series “Ironheart,” set in Chicago. Slated for premiere on June 24, the series follows Riri Williams as she navigates her ambitions and confronts challenges in her hometown, blending technology and magic in an exciting narrative.
Additionally, WTTW will host “An Evening with Ken Burns” at The Auditorium on September 25, where attendees can preview selections from his upcoming documentary, “The American Revolution.” This event promises a deep dive into America’s historical narrative and the artistry of documentary filmmaking.
In a moment of reflection, the community mourns the loss of groundbreaking journalist Renee Ferguson, a trailblazer who broke barriers in Chicago TV news as the first Black woman investigative reporter. Her legacy includes impactful reporting that contributed to significant criminal justice reforms, as highlighted by the Sun-Times.
In a leadership change, John Roberson, Mayor Johnson’s Chief Operating Officer, is departing for the Obama Foundation, ending speculation surrounding his possible appointment to head the CTA. This transition comes amid ongoing discussions about leadership and direction within city operations.
In lighter news, a bottlenose dolphin calf was born at Brookfield Zoo for the first time in ten years, illustrating the zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal care and conservation. The newborn dolphin, brought into the world by 38-year-old Allie, has been monitored by the zoo’s expert teams for developmental success.
As these stories reflect, the Chicago and Great Lakes region continues to evolve with a dynamic mix of culture, dining, and community engagement, showcasing the resilience and creativity of its residents.
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