Dining and drinking at Chicago restaurants could get more expensive next year

The cost of eating and drinking at Chicago restaurants could become more expensive next year.  That’s because Mayor Lori Lightfoot will propose doubling the tax on food and drink at Chicago restaurants — raising it a quarter-percentage point — as part of her new budget plan that she’s expected to reveal on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.  News on the possible tax increase follows Lightfoot’s proposal last week to hike taxes on Ubers and Lyfts.  The restaurant tax increase would go into effect on January 1, if Aldermen approve it.  Stay tuned. 

Boka’s co-founder to open a private club with a restaurant and a “nap room”

One of the two founders of the James Beard Award-winning Boka Restaurant Group is getting into a different type of business.  Kevin Boehm is part of a group planning to open a private social and wellness club named Bian in the former Montgomery Ward building in River North, Crain’s reports, which will include a restaurant and bar in addition to studio and fitness spaces, a medical facility, a record-listening room, a “nap room,” and more for a $3,600 annual membership fee.  Crain’s has more. 

River North mainstay Hubbard Inn reopens Friday with a new chef and beverage director

One of River North’s longtime venues will return on Friday with new people running its food and drink programs.  Hubbard Inn has hired a new chef — Eric Babula, formerly of Punch Bowl Social and the Waldorf Astoria — as well as added new cocktails from consulting mixologist Meghan Konecny, who previously worked at Sportsman’s Club, Best Intentions, and Scofflaw.  Head here for renderings of the renovated three-floor space, which temporarily closed in May, interrupting an eight-year run on Hubbard Street. 

Many of Chicago’s best chefs cooking at this one event in November

And finally, many of Chicago’s best chefs will come together for the 31st annual Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball on November 8.  Highlights include Thai Dang (HaiSous), Brian Fisher (Entente), Erling Wu-Bower (Pacific Standard Time) and Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia).  Head here for more information and tickets, which cost $200 for the tasting party and $400 for VIP.