“Testing, testing, testing.” — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today, emphasizing the importance of testing for the coronavirus.

So glad that Pelosi and her Democrat and left-wing allies are finally getting around to supporting testing to control a rampaging epidemic.

Democrats and liberals staunchly opposed testing and, as importantly, contact tracing when HIV was rampaging across America and the world.

Their argument was that “forcing” people to be tested and to trace people that HIV-infected people were in contract with was a “privacy” violation.

Even though testing and contract tracing were–and still are–were an essential public health tool to control epidemics.  Anyone who urged testing and contract tracing was described as a homophobe. As I was when I wondered in my Chicago Sun-Times columns why we should toss out well-studied and well-document methods to control epidemic, especially when AIDS was then described as certainly fatal.

In other words, to hell with anyone who was “at high risk,” such as partners, spouses, infants, patients who were receiving blood transfusions and drug users.

Originally, the Left even opposed encouraging voluntary testing, because they said it would, ironically, discourage testing. Contract tracing was out of the question. Sadly, the public health profession caved in to the ideological nonsense. It also weakened testing and contract tracing provisions for sexually transmitted diseases.

As HIV and AIDS continued to spread at an alarming rate, the Left eventually softened its opposition to testing, agreeing that encouraging voluntary testing was okay.

How satisfying that today Democrats and the Left are emphasizing the importance of testing and contact tracing. How ironic that they are hammering President  Trump for being “anti-science” by supposedly not doing enough testing.

A history of how the AIDS epidemic affected public health policy is found here.

Le Sud

With neighborhood French restaurants increasingly scarce, restaurateur Sandy Chen decided to go against the flow. The result is Le Sud, a charming spot that celebrates the food, wine and decor of southern France.

the main dining room at Le Sud

“I’d  been doing Chinese restaurants for more than twenty years, and I was ready to do something else,” she says. “Le Sud is a casual neighborhood restaurant, a place where people who live nearby can dine on a regular basis.”

honey glazed duck

To encourage that kind of repeat business, Chen has developed an interesting list of special events. Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5-6:30 (Happy Hour), select drinks and apps are half price. On Tuesday nights, select bottles of wine are half-price, and on Wednesdays, there’s a three course prix-fixe for $36. Children 12 and under eat free on Sundays. For a complete list and all the specifics, check the restaurant’s website.

pommes puree

Which brings us to the food. Steak/frites is the crowd favorite, but it’s always difficult for me to pass up a chance to have duck, something most of us don’t tackle on a regular basis. At Le Sud, the duck is glazed with honey and served with turnip puree, confit chestnuts, pickled cherries, fennel and mache. The wonderfully rich Coquilles St-Jacques made with scallops and a cognac scented cream sauce is listed as an appetizer. But if you pair it with a salad or soup, it could work as a light entree.

Le Sud’s decor is a departure from all of the minimalist, loft-style interiors that are seemingly de rigueur. Check out the tiles on the tables in the upstairs space, and take time to look at the tableware, serving dishes and furnishings. Chen says she combed the antique stores and resale shops to find just the right pieces. Suffice to say, she did a good job.

Le Sud, 2301 W. Roscoe Street,  773.857.1985

photos by Judith Landesman

***

Craft Beer Festival

Historic downtown Long Grove is hosting its fourth annual Craft Beer Festival on April 25 from 1pm-5pm. According to Mike Marr, Vice-President of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association and Owner/Brewmaster of Long Grove’s Buffalo Creek Brewing, the event is a place where “people with a passion for craft beer can come together and and experience many of the Chicagoland’s finest offerings.”

One of the event’s plusses is the opportunity to meet the actual beer-makers, and with upwards of twenty breweries participating in the festival, guests should plan on having a very busy four hours.

Live music and multiple food vendors will also be on-hand, though the food is not included in the price of admission. Guests must be at least 21 years years old to attend, and no pets are allowed. A full access ticket is $40 in advance through EventBrite and at the Long Grove Visitors Center or $50 at the door, depending on availability. A non-drinker/designated driver pass ($10) includes unlimited water. Parking is available in the Stempel Parking Lot in front of Buffalo Creek Brewing 340 Historical Lane, Long Grove.

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George Trois and Temporis

Two of the area’s top restaurants, George Trois in Winnetka and Temporis in West Town, and- with twenty seats apiece- two of its most intimate, are collaborating on a series of dinners. Chef Michael Lachowicz will host the first, a 10-course dinner ($215) at George Trois on Tuesday, March 17, while Chef Troy Jorge will host the second, a 12-course dinner ($200) at Temporis on Tuesday, April 21.

Reservations for both dinners are on Open Table.  Beverages, gratuity and tax are not included.

George Trois, 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka

Temporis, 933 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago

***

Wow Bao

Breakfast Potstickers are on the menu at the Wow Bao venues at 225 N. Michigan Avenue (7 am-10:30 am) and at 1 W. Wacker Drive (8 am-10:30 am). Think 5, 8 or 12 pan-seared potstickers filled with fluffy eggs, pork sausage, spinach, scallions and various  seasonings. Three sauces (sweet Thai chili, soy ginger and chili oil) are served with the potstickers. 

***

St. Patrick’s Day

On Tuesday, March 17, everything that can be green will be green.

I was invited to tune in on a webinar presented by the Center for Automotive Research entitled “Coronavirus Update: Disruption and the Impact to the Auto Industry.” Two of the speakers covered what impact the latest world health scare has had thus far on the automotive industry; both here and abroad. They hit on some interesting points. As noted, the auto industry is in the “crosshairs” of the Coronavirus which thus far has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people and leaving more than 43,000 people infected (World Health Organization). Numbers, as we all know by now, change daily.

China has been the hardest hit and also has made the most investment in managing their country. Among some of the statistics cited regarding China’s efforts to curb the virus were interesting: At this time, 85 percent of China’s Starbucks (4,292) are open. Wuhan has a surplus of beds, and six million people are back at work in Guangdong, at this time. Of course, these numbers are not up to date as we print them today. It’s almost impossible to get an accurate picture.

Some of the auto plants in China have been closed since the Chinese New Year. Some plants were allowed to open around the middle of February. As other plants remain closed, production is of course, hampered affecting auto suppliers in the U.S.

There are so many ways in which an epidemic like the coronavirus affects the culture, business and individuals. The biggest impact thus far, has been in China where those studying the human impact have reported boredom and anxiety in those who have been quarantined inside. China is dealing with the outbreak in the most extreme way. A sign posted on the streets there reads: “Pay Attention to the 3 No’s: No making up rumors; No spreading rumors; No believing rumors. It’s the biggest way to help in the battle against spread of coronavirus.”

Statistics and situations continue to change, by the hour. While there’s no question, the virus is and has caused a loss of production. One such prediction is that if the plants are still closed until mid-March, there could be a loss of more than 1.7 million units for the first quarter. According to Michael Brady, a partner and co-chair of the Automotive Industry Group at Warner Norcross, talked about the automotive industry based on ‘just-in-time delivery.” In most supply chains, he continued, “some parts were already in transit before the closing of the plants, and parts are trickling in. Original equipment manufacturers such as Ford, GM and Chrysler, have only a handful of parts and assemblies arriving.”

The webinar speakers commented that they do not see the auto industry rebounding. Also at risk are customers not wanting to spend money; rather, holding onto their money; similar to the situation in the early 2000’s. The World Health Organization anticipates that as the virus kicks off in smaller countries, WHO will shift in what they will advise, going from containment to 80 percent of the world’s getting the virus. They are saying to expect uncertainly and to get accustomed to it over the next few months.

In the meantime, auto suppliers are being urged to be transparent with customers, letting them know that the situation in China is impacting production. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to keep customers informed and updated.
Many remember the SARS virus outbreak, no doubt. Michael Brady believes the Coronavirus is having a greater effect on the global supply chain. It’s hard at this time to estimate how severe the overall impact will be on the auto industry.

Adonis is a five-week-old, wiggly, handleable and fun long-haired golden hamster baby looking for a loving guardian.

Adonis is learning to appreciate attention from his people, lots of different foods and treats including unsalted peanuts, broccoli and tofu, spinning on his wheel and exploring his surroundings.

Golden hamsters live alone in their habitats so it’s important to give daily attention and love.

In captivity, these golden hamsters can run two to five miles in a 24-hour period, and they can store up to one ton of food in their cheeks in a lifetime. It’s fun to watch them hoard food.

Since this is a baby, he will need patient daily handling and socialization so he is not afraid of humans.

His adoption fee of $15 benefits the Friends of Petraits Rescue. If you need an entire hamster habitat, 20 gallon long aquarium with lid, paper bedding, food, exercise wheel, hidey castle and water bottle – everything you need including the hamster – the whole package is available for $75.

To meet and possibly adopt Adonis please contact [email protected]

Adonis is being fostered in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

The James Beard Foundation is postponing its upcoming 2020 awards ceremonies including the May 3 Leadership Awards and the Beard House at the Old Chicago Post Office and the May 4 Awards Gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

In a statement from the James Beard Foundation (JBF) they say: “The James Beard Foundation is acutely aware of the health and safety concerns surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are also mindful of how this virus is negatively impacting the hospitality industry at large, both from a well-being and economic standpoint. As such, our organization has taken the guidance of the CDC, the counsel of our legal advisors and our Board of Trustees, and has worked closely with our partners to make the decision to postpone the annual James Beard Awards to summer 2020.” They continue, “Of prime concern is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, nominees, and all attendees. We also recognize the responsibility of every organization and individual to do what they can to contain the spread of the virus.”

The postponements include:

The James Beard Media Awards (originally scheduled for Friday, April 24, in New York City),

The Leadership Awards (Sunday, May 3, in Chicago), and the Restaurant & Chef Awards (Monday, May 4, in Chicago).

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As of now, the nominee announcement will be made on March 25 from Philadelphia as scheduled.

The foundation will continue to work with their partners in the coming weeks to identify new dates for all three Awards ceremonies, and will work with chefs and others in the industry to navigate the complicated leadership challenges and the economic impact this pandemic may have on their businesses now and in the future.  Check https://www.jamesbeard.org/ for updated information and resources.

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The Loop Theory collective have become blog darlings in Chicago’s music scene over the past year. They have built their movement off the diversity of their artists as well as the immense talent each of them possesses. Making his City of Wind debut tonight is Dre Izaya, who recently dropped a pair of singles that put his technical skill on full display.

Both songs are co-produced by Disrupt and Izaya.

The first track, “No Saint,” is a jazzy banger which sees Izaya bringing the lyrical heat. His wordplay is stunningly infectious while his flow is butter smooth. The instrumental is heavily driven by the percussion and the spare synth chords popping in and out add some nice ambience.

The mood switches up drastically on the 2nd track, “Big Trippin.” In stark contrast with the colorful jazzy vibes of the “No Saint” instrumental, this one has a hard-driving trap beat highlighted by the frenetic pace of the hi-hats. Izaya mirrors the intensity of the instrumental with another rapid-fire flow, and his witty, braggadocios lyrics show he is at the top of his game.

Loop Theory has some of the biggest artists in Chicago’s underground hip-hop scene on its roster. While the big guns are more well known, Dre Izaya proves on these two singles that he is just as worthy of recognition. His deliveries are confident, his bars are sharp and the hunger he has is undeniable.

“No Saint” and “Big Trippin” are now available on all platforms. Stream them here: https://www.looptheoryinc.com/nosaintbigtrippin

Follow Loop Theory on Instagram @loop theory_inc

Follow Disrupt on Instagram @justdisrupt

Follow Dre Izaya on Instagram @dreizaya

Tonight Bear Hands, the band who recorded my favorite album of 2019, Fake Tunes, is playing Subterranean, in Chicago’s Bucktown. As fear of the Coronavirus spreads, fewer public gatherings, i.e. concerts, are being allowed.

As a matter-of-fact, the governor of Illinois just announced the closing of all public stadiums and theatres with seating over 250 people until May.

My friend just texted me that the Drive-By Truckers show, Friday night here in Chicago, has been canceled already.

This has me thinking, “Is Bear Hands the last concert I’ll see…for a while?”

Not sure, but this show better be lit if it is! Right now I’m letting my spirit guide set the course and I’m heading out to see my favorite band play.

Look for me by the bathrooms, I’ll be selling hand sanitizer and surgical masks.

Subscribe to my blog below.

Everyone’s doing it.  There is no denying that statement.  But do we know WHY we are doing it?  Even if you swore you wouldn’t do it, you did.

Of course I am referring to the hoarding, buying, stockpiling, collecting of the ever useful toilet paper.  I swore that the people going out and buying it were just creating more problems for people like me who were adamant that they were going to keep their tp buying as normal as possible amidst all the corona chaos.

But then, I too panicked.  And I found myself at Jewel today with tp in my cart.  And I looked around at all the other carts in the store and noticed that 99% of them had toilet paper in them.  And let’s be realists here, there is no way we all ran out at once.  I wasn’t even on my last square which is usually the signal to go out and buy 24 more rolls.

As I was walking around the store with my tp (and corned beef and cabbage) I started talking to strangers.    We started to joke about having tp in our carts. And what if the stores run out?  Can we use Kleenex?  Old socks?  Sheets?  Our “waste of paper – too long of receipts” that Jewel is still giving us at checkout?  And then I had an epiphany.  Strangers were actually engaging in conversation at the grocery store.  And joking.  And smiling.   In this strained state of mind world we are living in right now, we were actually pleasant.  Of course all the conversations were revolving around the same thing.  The virus.  And toilet paper.

I was talking to a man, lets call him Bob, and he said he was just there to buy eggs.  Then I though of my childhood when surely my mom would have borrowed an egg from the neighbor if she needed it that desperately instead of making a whole trip to the dangerous public store to buy them.  Yet there was Bob.  And his eggs.  And then I spotted her.  My hero.  The woman with a case of beer in her cart.  Nothing else.  Just beer.  And that made me smile and chuckle a little because if the apocalypse virus end of world days are here what would you want in your isolated home?  I mean besides Netflix and your loved ones.

Okay.  Now let me just say, I take the virus seriously.  I do not wish this on anybody.  I want it to get resolved, cured and to go away from earth.  I am very concerned about my mom who is 86 and not always the healthiest.  And my kids.  Teenagers who share so much with each other.  I mean just grabbing one of their friends phones is surely a little risky, I’ve seen the studies done on germs on cell phones, and toilets.

Okay.  So back to the toilet.  I was asking do we know why we are buying this and clearing the shelves of it?  I’ve heard theories that grocery stores could shut down.  I don’t believe this would happen, however if people are scared to go to the store, they can use their local “SHIPT” shopper to get their tp.  I mean that’s their job.  Pandemic or not.

Are people going to be going to the bathroom more?  Does the virus do that?   Are we preparing to wrap ourselves like mummies with all this tp we have lying around our homes?  Is that going to ward off the virus?  Are we wiping better?  Because I sure hope good hygiene has always been practiced, not just in these rough unsure times.  I’m so confused by the rush out to get the TP!  I’m still using the same amount I used last week.   I usually keep a roll in my car for food mess emergencies.  Now I need to rethink that for fear of a window break.

We could always grab piles of napkins from fast food restaurants.  I know it might be a little rough but in times of desperation will it really matter?

I don’t know what to do.  This TP panic it’s, it’s literally driving me to drink, which is going to make me pee….. O M G!  I just realized why we need more!!

***please stay safe everyone.  And I know the virus isn’t a joke, but we all need humor.  Even when we are a little concerned.