‘World’s first’ vegan Jewish deli Sam & Gertie’s runs out of food

The “world’s first” entirely vegan Jewish deli sold out its whole stock over its official opening weekend, Sam & Gertie’s ownership wrote in a Facebook post. “So many sweet young people came out yesterday and ate everything we made, for the whole weekend, in one day,” a sign posted to the restaurant door read. The staff plan to be back next weekend with even more animal-free Eastern European Jewish offerings, including knishes, corned “un-beef,” and “egg’less” salad in Uptown at 1309 W. Wilson Avenue.

Thank you to everyone for a great opening weekend! The crowd today was amazing and we’ve sold out of everything. Due to... Posted by Sam & Gertie's on Saturday, January 11, 2020

Chicago wine shops limit EU imports under threat of Trump tariffs

Small Chicago wine shops are limiting their European imports due to the Trump administration’s threat to impose 100 percent tariffs on food and wine from the European Union, the Sun-Times reported. A 2019 World Trade Organization ruling authorized the U.S. to impose $7.5 billion annually on imports from the EU, forcing an increase on prices for French, German and Spanish wines. Some retail wine and bar owners said they have stopped buying European wines because such a high tariff would mean they couldn’t make a profit on those bottles.

Women-led Chicago Style cocktail conference to return this spring

The third annual women-led Chicago Style cocktail industry conference will be held at the West Loop’s Morgan MFG on May 5 - 7, according to a rep. The conference, created by Shelby Allison (Lost Lake), Caitlin Laman (Ace Hotel Chicago), and Sharon Bronstein (The 86 Company), aims to highlight marginalized voices in the industry and address issues surrounding diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Stay tuned for updates on the 2020 conference topics and more.

Chinese New Year dinner offers dumpling education in Chinatown

Dumpling experts and novices can celebrate the impending Year of the Rat at the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute’s 16th annual dumpling making dinner at 3:30 p.m. on January 18 and February 1, according to a news release. Diners can also expect a full meal that includes Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, and braised bean curd with black mushroom, and more. Tickets ($45 per adult, $40 per child) are available online for the celebratory dinner at Chinatown’s Hing Kee, 2140 South Archer Avenue.

Andersonville’s Queer Soup Night to feature local LGBTQ chefs

The Chicago chapter of Queer Soup Night, a Brooklyn-founded organization that aims to create a “nourishing” space for queer people and allies, will feature soups created by four local LGBTQ chefs at an event at 6 p.m. on January 19 at Andersonville feminist bookstore Women & Children First. While there’s no ticket or entrance fee, $20 donations are suggested and will go to Affinity, a local social justice non-profit that serves the city’s black LGBTQ communities. More event details are available on Facebook.

SX Sky Bar celebrates ‘Megxit’ with donations to Australian disaster relief

And finally, the benevolent folks at the South Loop’s SX Sky Bar have launched an irreverent GoFundMe for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who announced last week that they will “step back” from their public roles and work toward financial independence, reps wrote in a news release and Block Club reported. For those who roll their eyes at all things royal, don’t worry — all proceeds will actually go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The bar is also offering a few Megan and Harry-themed cocktails, such as the “Megxit,” “Big Markle Energy,” and “Spill the (Royal) Tea.”

Disclosure: Eater hosts an event series in partnership with Ace Hotel.