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Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Friday, March 29

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Event Thu Sep 16 2010

Happy Birthday Palmer House!

The gilded palace on State and Monroe was feted yesterday afternoon in honor of its 140th birthday. A lunchtime celebration blocked off Monroe from State to Wabash, resplendent with a marching band, an enthusiastic crowd and a slew of dignitaries on hand to celebrate. Emcee Bill Kurtis did the honors of overseeing the event, introducing speakers such as Mayor Daley, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, Thor Equities CEO Joseph Sitt, and Palmer House General Manager Dean Lane.

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Mayor Daley speaks at the Palmer House 140th Birthday Celebration

Although it was the Palmer House's day, Mayor Daley was the focus of most of the attention, drawing immense praise from Sitt for "welcoming this Brooklyn boy into Chicago," and even drawing plaudits from his oft-time City Council nemesis Ald. Reilly. When General Manager Dean Lane unveiled the plaque marking the Palmer House an official City landmark, Monroe St became awash in celebration and confetti.

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Mayor Daley, Palmer House General Manager Dean Lane, Ald. Brendan Reilly, Ald. Emma Mitts landmark the Palmer House

Most fun of all though, everyone was invited into the lobby of the grand dame for some champagne and delicious three-layer vanilla and chocolate cake... in the shape of the Palmer House itself!

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Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

The State of Food Writing

By Brandy Gonsoulin

In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...
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Drive-Thru is the food and drink section of Gapers Block, covering the city's vibrant dining, drinking and cooking scene. More...
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Editor: Robyn Nisi, rn@gapersblock.com
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