Block Party Unites Four Businesses in Sunnyside of Lincoln Event

Imagine a celebration that combines Irish beer, gnocchi and the atmosphere of the French countryside, all in one night. 

Enter The Sunnyside of Lincoln Avenue, a party that highlights four neighborhood businesses. 

On Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m., food lovers can bounce from place to place and enjoy an ongoing sidewalk cafe. Two drinks at each stop and appetizers will be served throughout the evening at The Grafton Irish Pub, Bistro Campagne and Due Lire, with home accessories and art at Homesoul. 

And it wouldn't be a Lincoln Square event without live music. Weather permitting, acoustic jazz and folk musicians will play on the sidewalk and in the restaurants. 

"I think it's a unique event," Bistro Campagne General Manager Todd Feinberg said. "Instead of having large-scale, street festivals to have something where you can meet the proprietors from these businesses."

The Sunnyside of Lincoln will take over the sidewalk on Lincoln between Sunnyside and Wilson avenues. 

For Bistro Campagne, it's a different type of event than typically seen in the restaurant. The French countryside-themed eatery is often the inspiration of proposals between couples. 

"We've got a lot of regulars based on that and even have a special table where you sit," Feinberg said. "It's always pretty magical."

But in September, the Bistro will go from couples to community. 

The idea came from The Grafton manager Ben Munro, who wanted to create an cross-promotion event between his Irish bar and Bistro Campagne. 

Feinberg onboarded nearby Due Lire and invited Homesoul, a home accessories shop that sits in between the three. 

The restaurants will feature one or two dishes each with two drinks. 

"The main thing we're looking for out of this is… to highlight Lincoln Square as a food destination," Feinberg said. "It's not just a place to go after you have a class at Old Town (School of Folk Music), it's more than that.

Tastings stay true to the eateries' themes and include: 

Bistro Campagne 

Drinks:

• 2012 Charton La Fleur, Bordeaux Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)
• French Reviver: Letherbee Gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon juice topped with soda, served over ice

Food: 

• Onion Strudel
• Brandade Croquettes

Due Lire

Drinks:

• Aperol Spritzer: prosecco and aperol on ice with candied orange peal - a great concoction of dry sparkling white wine on an orange based cordial
• Quercila Barbera: medium body red wine from Piemonte region, balance of fruit and dark chocolate with soft tannins and lasting earthiness

Food: 

• Cavatelli Boscaiola: homemade short denser noodles with prosciutto, peas, parmigiano sauce
• Gnocchi Napoletana: homemade potato 

The Grafton

Drinks:

• Great Lakes Class of 88 Imperial Smoked Porter
• Great Lakes Oktoberfest

Food: 

• Mini Bangers and Mash

After a full stomach, Homesoul will feature vintage pieces and works from local artists in this extended-hours event. 

Only 150 tickets will be sold for the event at $50 a piece. The price includes entry, two drinks and an appetizer from each restaurant. 

Feinberg said he hopes the event's success will lead to more collaborations in the neighborhood.