Latest news with #Hibiscus
Eater
3 days ago
- 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.
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Next's 'classy but relaxed' summer dress now 25% off
A black lace midi dress, described as "classy but relaxed", is now 25% off on Next's website. The FatFace Hibiscus Black Lace Midi Dress was £60 but is now £45, providing a £15 save for thrifty shoppers. The dress, which is made out of black lace, comes with short sleeves and a square neckline. The mid-length dress is detailed with a pretty broderie trim, adding to the classy and feminine look of the dress. According to Next, the dress has been crafted by 62% of TENCEL™ lyocell and 38% Viscose, with the lining made of 100% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose. Next's description of the dress reads: "From golden-hour parties to spring afternoon weddings, our Hibiscus midi dress is a match made in lace, ideal for the social calendar of the season. "Boasting an intricate border and trimming, floaty frill sleeves and pleated skirt, it looks and feels like a dream." It continues: "It's the dress that does it all. Pair with a small heel and your go-to clutch and get ready to turn heads." The dress is easy to care and maintain as it is machine washable. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here. So far, the clothing has received nearly 4.5 out of five stars in rating and five reviews. It's also reduced on FatFace's own site, here. where you can find more size options. "Perfect dress for summer evenings!" one customer remarked. Another shopper said: "Brought in a size 12 petite fit as only 5ft 3 and the fit is perfect. Very flattering & comfortable to wear. Skims over my mid section which has become a recent concern. The lace detail is lovely can dress up with heels or down with trainers". Meanwhile, another reviewer said: "I love this dress. It has been perfect to wear on holiday in the summer evenings. It looks classy but relaxed enough for restaurants by the sea. Gorgeous dress!" But one customer, who gave the dress a four-star rating, wasn't that pleased with their purchase. They said: "I brought this a few weeks ago a bit miffed that it was reduced, the very next weekend. "I guess that this is just bad luck, I had been looking at it a while and missed the first discount opportunity. "It is a lovely fit and very flattering, the zip is a little stiff and hard to do up over the lacy bit, it is my no means tight, I am hoping that it does get stuck in future. It arrived very creased, the dress is quite heavy, but it is well made being fully lined." If you are looking for an alternative black dress to wear for a special event this summer, you could purchase New Look's Black Multiway Tiered Midi Dress, which is currently on sale with its initial price of £55.99 discounted to £41.99. And there are plenty of options on ASOS, including this gorgeous Fashionkilla double layered lace trim wrap halterneck maxi dress in black for £40.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Next's 'classy but relaxed' summer dress now 25% off
Next's 'classy but relaxed' summer dress now 25% off The FatFace Hibiscus Black Lace Midi Dress was £60 but is now £45, providing a £15 save for thrifty shoppers The dress, which is made out of black lace, comes with short sleeves and a square neckline (Image: Next / FatFace ) A black lace midi dress, described as "classy but relaxed", is now 25% off on Next's website. The FatFace Hibiscus Black Lace Midi Dress was £60 but is now £45, providing a £15 save for thrifty shoppers. The dress, which is made out of black lace, comes with short sleeves and a square neckline. The mid-length dress is detailed with a pretty broderie trim, adding to the classy and feminine look of the dress. According to Next, the dress has been crafted by 62% of TENCEL™ lyocell and 38% Viscose, with the lining made of 100% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose. Next's description of the dress reads: " From golden-hour parties to spring afternoon weddings, our Hibiscus midi dress is a match made in lace, ideal for the social calendar of the season. READ MORE: New Look's dress that 'works for every invite' less than £40 LATEST: Boden's 'beautifully soft' cashmere jumper now over £50 cheaper with just hours to go on huge sale "Boasting an intricate border and trimming, floaty frill sleeves and pleated skirt, it looks and feels like a dream." It continues: "It's the dress that does it all. Pair with a small heel and your go-to clutch and get ready to turn heads." The dress is easy to care and maintain as it is machine washable. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . So far, the clothing has received nearly 4.5 out of five stars in rating and five reviews. It's also reduced on FatFace's own site, here. where you can find more size options. According to Next, the dress has been crafted by 62% of TENCEL™ lyocell and 38% Viscose, with the lining made of 100% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose (Image: Next / FatFace ) "Perfect dress for summer evenings!" one customer remarked. Another shopper said: "Brought in a size 12 petite fit as only 5ft 3 and the fit is perfect. Very flattering & comfortable to wear. Skims over my mid section which has become a recent concern. The lace detail is lovely can dress up with heels or down with trainers". Meanwhile, another reviewer said: "I love this dress. It has been perfect to wear on holiday in the summer evenings. It looks classy but relaxed enough for restaurants by the sea. Gorgeous dress!" But one customer, who gave the dress a four-star rating, wasn't that pleased with their purchase. They said: "I brought this a few weeks ago a bit miffed that it was reduced, the very next weekend. "I guess that this is just bad luck, I had been looking at it a while and missed the first discount opportunity. "It is a lovely fit and very flattering, the zip is a little stiff and hard to do up over the lacy bit, it is my no means tight, I am hoping that it does get stuck in future. It arrived very creased, the dress is quite heavy, but it is well made being fully lined." If you are looking for an alternative black dress to wear for a special event this summer, you could purchase New Look's Black Multiway Tiered Midi Dress, which is currently on sale with its initial price of £55.99 discounted to £41.99. Article continues below And there are plenty of options on ASOS, including this gorgeous Fashionkilla double layered lace trim wrap halterneck maxi dress in black for £40.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Dough Doughnuts is giving out free doughnuts this week—here's how to get them
Even with a shortened work week, we could all use a sweet pick-me-up, and our favorite way to get a sugary jolt is, ideally, with a free treat. Conveniently, the dough-punching folks over at Dough Doughnuts—one of the best doughnut shops in New York, known for its fluffy brioche-based doughnuts and fun artisanal flavors—are offering mini versions of their beloved desserts this week and, best of all, they're free. Yes, to celebrate the extended hours at the bakery chain 's Flatiron location (14 W 19th St at Fifth Avenue), Dough will be doling out free mini doughnuts from 7 pm to 8 pm through Thursday, May 29. "We're staying open later—and celebrating with free flavor tasting!" announced the brand. "Come by during our new extended hours and discover your next favorite doughnut." The scaled-down, small-batch rounds—which, knowing Dough, are still far heftier than your usual munchkin—come in varying flavors each day, so you can come back a different day and enjoy an entirely new dough sensation. (Recent Dough flavors include Raspberry White Chocolate, Mango Coconut, and sweet and tangy Hibiscus.) Along with the free mini doughnuts, the Flatiron outpost will also be selling their regular-sized doughnuts as a two-for-one-deal from 7pm to 8pm through May 29. Consider it an extra-sweet happy hour! The new hours of operation at Dough Flatiron are 8am to 8pm on Mondays through Fridays, and 9am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays, or until the doughnuts are sold out. Dough's mini doughnut giveaway nicely ushers sweet tooths into June, during which you can celebrate National Doughnut Day next Friday, June 6. As has become annual tradition, big-name doughnut chains like Krispy Kreme, Dunkin' Donuts and Tim Hortons will offer free doughnuts or discounted treats; beloved local shops like Doughnut Plant are also expected to participate. Stay tuned!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Aussie discovery to end centuries of 'confusion' around $5 billion plant species
Growing in a sunny flower bed at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney are evergreen shrubs that thousands of visitors have strolled past without a second thought. But cutting-edge research led by its experts has overhauled our understanding of these plants, disrupting an industry already worth up to $5 billion a year. Hibiscus flowers were bigger business than botanist Russell Barrett ever imagined when he began a deep dive into the plant. 'I was surprised when I started,' he told Yahoo News. Powder from the roselle species (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is probably the most valuable product. Flowers are dried and made into red dye for foods and cosmetics, as well as health drinks, while the stems from the kenaf variety (Hibiscus cannabinum) have been used as a fibre for hundreds of years, and remain common in commercial textiles. There are also big international ramifications for any reordering of the plants, because the yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is Hawaii's state flower. Related: 200-year-old mistake corrected after 'suspicious' details emerge about common plant As a systematic botanist at the Gardens, Barrett's role is to understand the origins and complicated evolutionary history of plants. And when it comes to hibiscus, there are hundreds of species and a lot of confusion about which genus each one belongs to. Over the last 250 years, identification has often been drawn from "guesswork" that was based on appearance. This approach can be problematic because not all related species look the same. For instance, there was a myth that the closest living relatives of hippos were pigs, when it's actually dolphins and porpoises. Using DNA analysis of 850 species, Barrett and his team were able to better understand which plants were related, and this resulted in the proposal that 123 species and subspecies should be moved into the genus Sabdariffa. Some were already categorised as Sabdariffa, but they were only recognised as a distinct section, not a full genus. 'While plant name changes are not always popular, and take time to get used to, these proposed changes in Hibiscus represent a breakthrough in our understanding of relationships between Hibiscus and its relatives that have remained clouded for over 250 years,' Barrett said as the paper was published in the journal Australian Systematic Botany. Improved knowledge of hibiscus relationships is important because it helps botanists predict which species could be hybridised to make commercially improved plants. Barrett noted the team has made 'significant improvements' in our understanding of kenaf. 'Clarifying the definition of that species should enhance our ability to study its wild relatives, and that may well lead to enhancements and additional opportunities to improve fibre quality, particularly under changing climates where you can draw on additional genomic resources to expand the scope of where it can be grown,' Barrett told Yahoo. Although the scientific names will likely be changed, the decision won't alter the way food manufacturers have to label their foods. Food Standards Australia New Zealand confirmed with Yahoo News consumers will still see familiar names like 'hibiscus' or 'roselle' on their labels. 'The requirements are that ingredients must be listed using their common name, a name that reflects the true nature of the ingredient or a generic name listed in Schedule 10 of the Code,' it said. 🌏 Carloads of Aussies flock to water's edge as 'exciting' ancient ritual begins 🧈 Aussie household staple being snapped up by Kiwis as local price jumps by 65 per cent 😳 Farmers lead Aussie research team to 'unreal' discovery on island For Barrett, the research has evolved his relationship with hibiscus, further deepening his affinity for the plants. 'I've actually known them from a young age, when I was growing up on a cattle station in the remote northwest Kimberley,' he said. 'Some of the species I started collecting when I was in high school hadn't been described at the time. That was one of the things that got me interested in that group. In that sense this has been a very long-term personal project to understand them.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
