Zarella, a neighborhood pizzeria and taverna from Boka Restaurant Group, opened in March in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Chef-partners Chris Pandel and Lee Wolen crafted a menu featuring a mix of tavern-style and artisan pizzas, an array of entrées and small bites, as well as fresh salads and rotating Italian specialties. “Growing up in Chicagoland, Friday nights meant pizza with my family — always tavern-style: thin, crispy and cut into squares. Now, I’m excited to create a place where people can make their own memories over great pizza, just like I did,” Pandel said. For more, click here.

For one week this month, Boka Restaurant Group will run a pop-up of Balena, a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood that closed after a fire in 2017. The transient dining experience will run from Jan. 19-26 at The Wellsley, a private-event venue at 504 N. Wells St. in Chicago, Time Out reported. According to an official press release, Balena’s temporary iteration will feature “many iconic dishes cherished by guests,” including the Kale Tonnato Caesar Salad, Tagliolini Nero with Uni and Crab, Grilled Hanger Steak with Salsa Verde, and the signature tiramisu. ⁠The five-course, family-style meal will cost $95 per person. Optional are wine, cocktail and nonalcoholic beverage pairings.