Bears Legend Mike Ditka’s Chicago Restaurant May Close Soon

Mike Ditka says his Chicago restaurant will close at year’s end

The clock is ticking towards the end of the fourth quarter for Mike Ditka’s longtime Chicago restaurant and reportedly only a hail Mary of a lease extension could keep it in the game. The legendary former Bears head coach told the Sun-Times that the lease on his 22-year-old Gold Coast steakhouse runs out at the end of the year and that its run is “over.” But the restaurant’s vice president of operations also told the paper that they’re continuing to negotiate with the building’s owners on a lease extension and renovations while also looking for a new location, and the owner of the Tremont Hotel — the property that houses the restaurant — also tells the paper that his company wants Ditka’s to stay and he hopes to finalize a 20-year lease for it. Stay tuned.

Alinea got down and nerdy with “Game of Thrones” stars Friday

Acclaimed chef Grant Achatz served Game of Thrones stars Kit Harrington and Gwendoline Christie at Alinea in Lincoln Park this weekend, Block Club reported. A well-known superfan of the violent HBO epic, Achatz delivered the final course — frozen aerated Meyer lemon — on a nitro-frozen replica of Jon Snow’s Longclaw sword that staff gifted the chef one Christmas. Photographs of the encounter, also known as every GOT fan’s fantasy, are available on Instagram.

Aurelio’s Pizza’s first North Side location closes permanently

The Wrigleyville location of longtime local chain Aurelio’s Pizza has been closed since last week and it won’t reopen. In a Facebook post on Saturday, management apologized “for any inconvenience of the sudden closing by our franchisees” of the 3801 N. Clark Street location and referred customers to the chain’s other locations, which caused many commenters to speculate that it’s closed for good. However, the restaurant’s phone line leads to a voicemail, dated October 8, that states it’ll reopen October 14 at 4 p.m. But its representative confirms that Aurelio’s first North Side location, which opened in May 2018, is indeed permanently closed. Ownership released a statement saying “it’s been a pleasure to serve the north side of Chicago for the past 18 months. Unfortunately, due to internal operational issues outside of our control, the franchisees of the Wrigley location have decided to close.”

Chicago’s first cider taproom unveils new flavor with Wilco-designed label

And finally, the owners of Chicago’s first cider taproom unveiled a new flavor last week — named after with a label designed by beloved local rock band Wilco. “Muzzle of Bees,” made with honey from ownership’s bees and elderflower, is on sale now at Right Bee Cider’s taproom at 1830 N. Koster Avenue. The Tribune has more.

Update: The section about Aurelio’s Wrigleyville location has been updated following ownership’s confirmation that the restaurant is closed permanently.