This week's top dish from Eater Chicago, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...
AROUND TOWN—It's time to update the Eater Chicago Heatmap to show you the hottest restaurants to visit this holiday season. December's additions are Oak + Char, Roxie's By The Slice, and Fahlstrom's Fresh Fish Market.
EVERYWHERE—Alinea and Next partner Nick Kokonas unveiled his nationally-bound restaurant ticketing system, which includes a blockbuster list of investors including the CEO of Twitter and Chicago's own Lettuce Entertain You partner Rich Melman. Look for it to launch next month at a new LEYE restaurant and nationally sacred restaurants The French Laundry and Per Se.
CHICAGO—The City Council approved a massive minimum wage hike this week and many restaurateurs and politicians are not thrilled with the prospect of paying restaurant workers much more.
GOLD COAST—Longtime Rush Street jazz and soul club The Back Room and cocktail institution The Drawing Room are sadly set to shutter on New Year's Eve.