Latest news with #Let'sTalkWomxn
Eater
2 days ago
- Business
- Eater
La Luna's Little Sibling Debuts This Weekend in Logan Square
After six years in Pilsen, Samantha Sanchez wants more. Sanchez and sister Corina are about to open their second restaurant, La Lunita, in Logan Square. Think of it as the name suggests — it's La Luna's little sibling. The new restaurant will bring over favorites from Pilsen with a few notable changes to the menu. Opening date should be Saturday, June 14 at 2539 N. Milwaukee Avenue. While the Pilsen location uses tortillas from El Milagro, a beloved local manufacturer, La Lunita will serve tacos wrapped in corn tortillas made on premises. The menu from chef Marco Colin will focus more on platters and entrees. Look for chicken mole and more steak dishes. There's also a grilled and smoked octopus. Colin will make use of a wood-burning grill. Sanchez is excited about serving wines from Mexico, something she didn't have access to until recently: 'I'm taking the time to carefully select the spirits I want to bring in and embrace,' she says. 'You know, certain small businesses, certain local and Latin-owned wineries.' The Pilsen restaurant opened six years ago and has seen changes along 18th Street. The small and narrow restaurant and bar has brought a new energy to the area, and Sanchez hopes that translates in Logan Square. Designwise, there's no patio, but a garage door-style window in the front swings out to improve circulation. The space also utilizes the signature flower tile from the Pilsen location. There's about 80 seats inside with room for 20 at the bar. La Lunita's drink menu intrigues as every beverage can be made non-alcoholic. It's cost effective and also gives those who are avoiding booze more choices. Sanchez didn't want to treat those customers like a vegetarian in the '80s, with menus usually featuring a single sad pasta or salad. 'I didn't like giving them a B.S. cocktail,' Sanchez says. 'I wanted them to feel like they could still order off the menu exactly like what everybody else is ordering.' Sanchez feels more poised in opening her second restaurant. She's found her own niche and is contributing to causes like Let's Talk Womxn, and breaking out from her father's shadow. Sam Sanchez was the founder of Wrigleyville mainstay John Barleycorn. He's been very vocal in his political beliefs as of lat, as ICE protests and raids dominate the headlines. Samantha Sanchez is thankful for her family's support, but wants to establish her own identity and a new company called Culture Hospitality. She wants to open more restaurants in other parts of Chicago. With La Luna and La Lunita, she found that Pilsen and Logan Square share similar qualities. 'I felt that everybody knew each other and was a neighbor — everybody wanted to connect,' she says. 'I feel that same energy.' Check out photos of the food, drink, and space below. La Lunita , 2539 N. Milwaukee Avenue , opening on Saturday, June 14; opening hours will be 4 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday; 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday See More: Chicago Restaurant News Eater Inside
Axios
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Vermilion becomes women-centric Sanctuary
Rohini Dey has rebirthed her River North Vermilion restaurant as Sanctuary Chicago, a "cocktail and comfort food den," featuring the food of women-owned restaurants, retro dance nights and "unfettered conversations." What she's saying:"In the last few years we've been overt about our politics with ' Let's Talk Womxn' Chicago events, but now I believe it's even more important to stand up and say 'we believe in differences, in immigrants and in women'," Dey tells Axios. "It's my gesture to bring us all together." The vibe: Chill and loungy with pictures of groundbreaking women and neon empowerment quotes lining the walls. On the menu: Vermilion holdovers including tamarind ribs ($24), pani puri ($16) and lomo saltado ($26) and a rotating roster of treats from other women-run spots. Currently find birria from Tacoltlan ($24), red chai coconut ice cream from Pretty Cool Ice Cream ($10), caramel cake from Brown Sugar Bakery ($12) and a chocolate eclair from Molly's Cupcakes ($14). Drink up from international cocktails including pisco sours ($14) and a cardamom, saffron and vanilla infused dessert drink called "My Drink My Choice" ($26). Boogie down every Thursday at 5pm when DJ BesB will spin '70s, '80s and '90s tunes at "Let Loose Retro Thursday" dance parties. What's next: Dey is hosting her annual Women's History Month party "More than March" at Moe's Cantina on March 2 and the next Let's Talk Womxn event at Sanctuary March 13.
