Neighborhood Watch

Hamburger Hop Tickets Go On Sale; Matt Maroni Creates Crispy Falafal Sandwich for Falafill

Thomas Keller helped judge the Hamburger Hop last year.
Thomas Keller helped judge the Hamburger Hop last year. Photo: Nick Kindelsperger

Loop: With Chicago Gourmet coming up soon, it’s good to see that tickets for this year’s Hamburger Hop are now on sale. The burger contest, which we covered in detail last year, will take place at the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $89 per person, and you can purchase tickets here. [Grub Street]

Lakeview: Matt Maroni is the latest chef to collaborate with Falafill. He created the “Crispy Falafel, Cumin Salt, Olive Tapanade, Fennel-Anaheim Chile Slaw.” As you probably remember from when Stephanie Izard and Mark Steuer took part, proceeds from each sandwich will go to a charity of the chef’s choice. This month, Maroni selected Meals on Wheels. [Grub Street]

River North: Speaking of food for charity, Mercadito’s latest dish for Tacos for Strength — which benefits Share Our Strength — is a contribution from chef Ryan Poli. His marinated grilled shrimp with watermelon and tomato salad will be available all of August. [Grub Street]

Loop: Everyone’s favorite Master Chef/Sandwich Shop Owner/Mayor of Chowtown will make an appearance at the next showing of Chicago Live! on Thursday, August 4 at 6:30pm. Buy tickets here. [Grub Street]

Hamburger Hop Tickets Go On Sale; Matt Maroni Creates Crispy Falafal Sandwich