Pistacchio Amaro now available in Old Town (photo: Steve Dolinsky)

I’ve been in love with pistacchio amaro cookies ever since I first popped them into my mouth, about a year ago.‚  Problem was, I didn’t feel like schlepping out to Harlem Avenue every time I got a craving. Good news: Palermo Bakery is now open in Old Town, sharing the block with The Twisted Baker and Delightful Pastries. Unlike their neighbors, they’ll also be serving homemade gelato. Mangia!

Locally-sourced food, served alfresco for a great cause

If you’ve never made it up to the First Slice Cafe in the Lillstreet Art Centerat 4401 N. Ravenswood, you can still taste some of Mary Ellen Diaz’s wonderful, farm-fresh items (including her incomparable pies) at the Cafe’s other location in the Pumping Station across from the Water Tower. The Cafe just opened an alfresco cafe at 163 E. Pearson (at Michigan) as well, so you can now take in the sights and sounds of one of the busiest corners in the Gold Coast, while savoring locally-made and sourced pizzas with peak-of-season fruit pies. Best part of all: a portion of the proceeds are donated to the First Slice Community Kitchen, which provides meals to homeless men, women and children in Chicago.