It’s Thursday, Chicago.
Despite shouldering our way into late spring, it’s still expected to be a bit chilly this weekend, though nothing a good jacket can’t handle.
Since summer is around the corner, our arts and entertainment writers have begun to compile everything on screen and on stage to keep on your radar, from TV shows and movies set to premiere, to concert lineups that may land on your calendar.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of fine dining news to help plan your next date night, including a swanky new Japanese restaurant in the St. Regis Chicago hotel, a new executive chef at Bronzeville Winery and the newly reopened Daisies in Logan Square.
Have a great weekend, we’ll see you here next week.
— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor
Amid the Hollywood writer’s strike that began earlier this month and minor changes to streaming platforms, here’s a look at what to expect during the summer TV season, such as “The Bear” on Hulu, “American Born Chinese” on Disney+ and “Platonic” on Apple TV+. Read more here.
‘Anna Nicole Smith: ‘You Don’t Know Me’ review: Blond ambition turned tragedy
Review: Daisies feels brand-new, but its biggest change isn’t on the plate
The Midwestern pasta restaurant reopened in April, serving fan favorites and stunning new dishes, Tribune food critic Louisa Chu writes. Chef and owner Joe Frillman and new executive pastry chef Leigh Omilinsky discuss his new dishes and treats, and the 25% service charge here.
‘Fast X’ review: An unleashed Jason Momoa saves latest in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise
Tribune critic Michael Phillips calls the latest movie in the “Fast & Furious” franchise “OK.” Premiering this weekend, the movie casts Jason Momoa as the villain, but there’s a lot more going on, including strangely sequenced action scenes and all kinds of mayhem.
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“My affection for a lot of the earlier F&F movies has everything to do with the people on the screen, and the squealing of the tires. Not so much the world destruction,” Phillips writes. Read more here.
10 movies for summer 2023: From ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Barbie’ to some smaller gems
Nisos to relaunch as Nisos Prime, a Mediterranean steakhouse
Brad Parker, owner of the recently closed Nisos Mediterranean, is reopening the restaurant as Nisos Prime, a Mediterranean-influenced steakhouse. Look for it this summer, and read more about Parker’s plans with chef Rick Tramonto here.
Riot Fest 2023 lineup: Foo Fighters, The Cure, Queens of the Stone Age
Headliners for the 2023 Riot Fest in Douglass Park were announced Tuesday, including the Foo Fighters, Death Cab for Cutie and more. Read about the music festival and how to order tickets here.
Guide to summer 2023 music festivals in Chicago
South Side native Lamar Moore joins Bronzeville Winery as executive chef
In its first year of business, Bronzeville Winery has garnered accolades from critics and customers alike. Now, its new executive chef Lamar Moore looks to further hone the kitchen’s skill set, plus provide mentorship he says is sorely needed for Chicago chefs. Read more about his plans for the lauded South Side restaurant here.
Review: In ‘Antonio’s Song’ at Goodman Theatre, the arts become a road map for a life
On stage at the Goodman Theatre through the end of May is “Antonio’s Song/I Was Dreaming of a Son,” an autobiographical play by actor Antonio Edwards Suarez and Dael Orlandersmith. In the play, Suarez explores fatherhood, his ethnic identity and how theater and dance transformed him. “Suarez is a skilled, intense and engaging performance and the show, subtly directed by Mark Clements, is artistically rich of presentation,” Tribune theater critic Chris Jones writes. Read more here.
Just opened: Miru at St. Regis Chicago hotel, plus 7 more new and notable restaurant moves
A Japanese restaurant opened in the new St. Regis Chicago hotel Monday, where crispy whole snapper with ginger miso sauce, black sesame mochi and a matcha-infused gin cocktail are on the menu. Read more about Miru and other restaurants making news here.
‘Last On His Feet’ captures Black boxing champ Jack Johnson
The new graphic novel “Last On His Feet” chronicles the life of Jack Johnson, the first Black boxing champion. It was a collaboration between artist Youssef Daoudi and writer Adrian Matejka, and Tribune reporter Rick Kogan calls it “a wonder of words and images.” The book centers on Johnson’s championship fight in Reno, Nevada, the biggest sporting event of its time, and a symbol of racism and division. Read more here.
Explore agave spirits through interactive, educational experiences across Mexico
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Hospitality pros in Mexico are celebrating the agave plant, which provides the nectar for tequila, mezcal and other distinct Mexican spirits, by offering more programs that educate guests about its distilling tradition and craft. Read about these teaching and tasting experiences here.