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Food trucks have been popping up all over the city as part of the latest culinary craze, but they still face the challenge of on-board cooking being illegal according to local laws. While fans continue to lobby the city for change, some truck owners have been able to give their business some staying power by turning their mobile brand into permanent storefronts. Homage Street Food Opening a restaurant inspired by global street food has always been the plan for husband-and-wife duo Mike and Elaine Maloney.

Diners with gluten sensitivities and allergies - and those who date them - have reason to make Lakeview a destination. The neighborhood has seen three restaurants open in the past two and half years that make a point to offer gluten-free options. But as awareness of this allergy grows, so does the creativity of gluten-free cuisine. Gone are the days of rock-hard, cardboard cookies; at these three spots, you might not even realize you're going g-free. First: Cassava 3338 N. Clark St. 773-857-3039 Doughy, filled bread balls (75-95 cents)

Diners with gluten sensitivities and allergies - and those who date them - have reason to make Lakeview a destination. The neighborhood has seen three restaurants open in the past two and half years that make a point to offer gluten-free options. But as awareness of this allergy grows, so does the creativity of gluten-free cuisine. Gone are the days of rock-hard, cardboard cookies; at these three spots, you might not even realize you're going g-free. First: Cassava 3338 N. Clark St. 773-857-3039 Doughy, filled bread balls (75-95 cents)

Food trucks have been popping up all over the city as part of the latest culinary craze, but they still face the challenge of on-board cooking being illegal according to local laws. While fans continue to lobby the city for change, some truck owners have been able to give their business some staying power by turning their mobile brand into permanent storefronts. Homage Street Food Opening a restaurant inspired by global street food has always been the plan for husband-and-wife duo Mike and Elaine Maloney.

Change was a hot topic of the CTA this year - and not just because a new debit-credit fare system could reduce coin transactions in the next few years. Other changes announced this year: Longtime politico Forrest Claypool was named CTA president in April, and workers have been sprucing up train stations for the last few months. Meanwhile, some CTA shelters now have Bus Tracker displays, while security cameras have been installed in each CTA station. Elsewhere, Red Line tracks on the South Side are being rehabbed, more Redbox kiosks are being installed at some CTA stops, and the Oakton Street...

UPDATE: On Wednesday, the City Council passed a Chicago ordinance that would allow cooks to prepare fresh meals from food trucks, but also restrict the areas in which they're allowed to park and serve. The ordinance was passed with a 45-1 vote, with Ald. John Arena, 45 th , the sole "no" vote, and prohibits trucks from parking within 200 feet of a restaurant.  Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno (1st) introduced the expanded ordinance earlier this summer.

Balena 1633 N. Halsted St. 312-867-3888 Chris Pandel of Bucktown favorite The Bristol channels the simplicity of Italian cooking with roasted meats, wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas. Ravens 2326 N. Clark St. 773-348-1774 This no-frills tavern keeps its regulars happy with free popcorn and cheap pitchers of beer. Bring your own meat on Saturdays and use the grill for a DIY barbecue. The Local Option 1102 W. Webster Ave. 773-348-2008 Hidden away on a tree-lined residential block, this unassuming...

Expect Logan Square and Bucktown to be more packed than usual this weekend with not one, but three fests rolling into the 'hoods. On Friday, Boulevard Bash kicks off near Logan Boulevard and Milwaukee Avenue while Bucktown Arts Fest and the first-ever Taste of Latin America join in on Saturday and Sunday. If the South Side is more your scene, put Taste of Greece on your list; the annual favorite is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday along South Halsted in Greektown. Boulevard Bash Where: Logan Boulevard at Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square When: ...

EAT (Free!) SAUSAGE PARTY The Publican 837 W. Fulton Market 312-733-9555 Chef Brian Polcyn of Michigan's Forest Grill and culinary author Michael Ruhlman demonstrate artisanal sausage-making and discuss their new book, "Salumi: The Craft of Italian Dry Curing" while you nosh on complimentary charcuterie prepared by Polcyn. 1-3 p.m. Saturday. FRIENDLY FOOD Empty Bottle 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600 In a nod to the "Music Friendly Dancing" text on the awning over its door, the venerable music club throws its first outdoor block party--Music,...

Looking for a new restaurant to work into your BYOB routine? A handful of new options have opened within the past few months, with the flavors ranging from Colombian to Thai to Italian. We tapped the ones who know best - the chefs and owners - to weigh in on what beer or wine would best complement the cuisine, plus share ideas about other spikeable drinks on the menu. Melao 3941 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-868-4501 Dish-and-drink combo: A medium-bodied cabernet would go well with this Colombian eatery's grilled churrasco strip...

You may have heard about one of the festivals happening in Chicago this weekend: a small, obscure series of concerts called Lollapalooza. But for those who missed the few minutes of ticket availability, you're not out of luck. There are plenty of other opportunities to get your groove on elsewhere with Wrigleyville Summerfest, Edge Fest and Festival Cubano. Edge Fest When: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday Where: 5900 N. Broadway at Thorndale Avenue in Edgewater Cost: $5 suggested donation Why you're going: You love cover bands...

Review: La Sirena Clandestina 954 W. Fulton Market 312-226-5300 Rating: !!! ½ (Heating up) Don't recognize the name John Manion? It's not your fault - the chef's largely been out of the limelight since his former home, Mas, closed in 2008. He helped rehab the menus at Goose Island's Clybourn brewpub and at West Town's Branch 27, and briefly oversaw the kitchen at The Southern. Mostly though, he was quietly plugging away at a restaurant of his own, which grew out of a South American pop-up dinner that Manion and friends created during the summer of 2011.