Arun’s, Chicago’s Thai Stalwart, Unveils Fancy, New Dining Space

Thai icon Arun’s launches 20-seat dining room Longchim

Acclaimed chef and owner Arun Sampanthavivat of 34-year-old Albany Park Thai fine dining institution Arun’s has debuted his long-awaited 20-seat dining room Longchim in a newly revamped alcove off the main dining space, according to a news release. The “Longchim Tempting Tastes” menu, available only in the semi-private room, features Sampanthavivat’s favorite traditional Thai dishes including pla tord, or whole fried red snapper (savory three-flavored sauce, jasmine rice), and gaeng kheow-wan gae, lamb chop green curry (baby eggplants, green curry sauce, sweet basil, finger hot chilies, jasmine rice).

Harry Morton, restaurant magnate and grandson of Morton’s The Steakhouse founder, dies at 38

Third-generation restaurant magnate Harry Morton, grandson of Chicagoan and Morton’s The Steakhouse founder Arnie Morton and son of Peter, co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe chain, has died at age 38, the Sun-Times reported. Morton founded Los Angeles-based Mexican-style chain Pink Taco in 1999 and launched the first Chicago location last year in River North. He also owned West Hollywood nightclub the Viper Room. “We are saddened by the passing of Harry Morton, the founder and former owner of Pink Taco,” a company spokesperson wrote in an email. “Harry was a visionary and restaurateur ahead of his time... Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Award-winning chef Debbie Gold departs Lakeview’s Tied House

James Beard award winner and Top Chef: Masters alum Debbie Gold has left Lakeview restaurant Tied House where she led the kitchen since it opened in 2017, the Tribune reported. She also directed culinary operations at adjacent tavern and concert venue Schuba’s. Gold plans to stay in Chicago, but has not announced any other ventures. Lakeview can be a tough neighborhood for fine dining restaurants, as Michelin-starred Entente’s relocation to River North indicates, so a more casual Tied House menu may be in store. “We have parted ways with Chef Debbie Gold and have promoted Ryan Carbone to the Executive Chef position,” a Tied House spokesperson wrote in a statement. “We are currently working on a new, exciting menu that will focus on approachable modern takes on Midwestern comfort food. More news coming very soon.”

American Airlines kitchen workers to protest wages tomorrow

As the busy Thanksgiving Day travel rush approaches, American Airlines kitchen workers will picket at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 3 on Tuesday, according to union representatives for UNITE HERE Local 1. LSG Sky Chefs and Gate Gourmet workers want $14.10 per hour for American Airlines flight caterers. Labor unrest also affected O’Hare this summer. “We are confident that, with the ongoing assistance of federal mediators, the catering companies and Unite Here will negotiate new nationwide agreements that increase pay and benefits,” an American Airlines employee wrote in an email. “We are not in a position to control the outcome of their negotiations or dictate what wages or benefits are agreed upon between the catering companies and their employees.”

Chicago Gourmet pre-sale tickets launch Friday

And finally, eager beavers can snag tickets on Friday to Chicago Gourmet, the Illinois Restaurant Association’s annual food festival in Millennium Park slated for next September 25-27, according to a news release. The pre-sale tickets — $156 per person, per day, or $288 for a weekend pass — are limited for the time being, but representatives promise another shot in the spring. Festival management plans to ticket events such as the Hamburger Hop separately at a later date.