Dining

Dining out: Shota meal at Portillo’s and Cinco De Drinko at Fat Rosie’s

Posted June 02, 2026 1:25 pm

Rick West

The Maxwell Street Polish topped with mustard and grilled onions is one of Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga’s favorite menu items at Portillo’s. Courtesy of Portillo’s

Shota’s lineup

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga may hail from Japan, but he’s acclimated to the Chicago food scene.

The southpaw now has his own combo meal at Portillo’s, featuring his preferred order of a Maxwell Street Polish topped with mustard and grilled onions, a regular order of French fries, a regular soft drink and a slice of chocolate cake.

Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga has his own combo meal featuring his favorite choices from Portillo’s. AP

Guests can order Shota’s Lineup now through Aug. 31 at the restaurant and through the Portillo’s app or website (for pickup orders only) and for delivery orders via Uber Eats.

Fat Rosie’s will donate $2 from every sale of this month’s featured marg, the Watermelon Mint Margarita, to No Child Hungry. Courtesy of Fat Rosie's

Cinco de Drinko

Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar enjoys Cinco de Mayo so much, they’re starting a monthly countdown to May 5, 2027.

The Mexican eatery has launched Cinco De Drinko, a yearlong celebration taking place on the 5th of each month as an excuse to raise a glass and fiesta. They’ll kick it off this Friday, June 5, with specials available all day, including this month’s featured marg, the Watermelon Mint Margarita, $2 of which will go to support No Kid Hungry, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger.

The seven suburban locations will offer Cinco De Drinko specials and face painting from 5-7 p.m. Mariachis will perform from 4-6 p.m. in Oak Brook, Frankfort, Lincolnshire and Lincolnwood, and 7-9 p.m. in Naperville and Schaumburg. A DJ will lead the festivities from 7 p.m. to close. at the Rosemont location.

Welcome to the neighborhood

Toasties Soda Bar, a new “deli, craft-soda and mad-shake spot,” is set to open soon in downtown Antioch (we put that in quotes because we’re not 100% sure what a mad-shake is, but it sounds fun).

The fast-casual eatery will offer pressed sandwiches along with a menu of signature handcrafted sodas or shakes, or build-your-own options using dozens of flavors, add‑ins, creams, purées, energy boosts and more.

The sandwich and drink shop at 320 W. Route 173 is planning a soft opening on Friday, June 12. Check their socials (@toastiessodabar) for the announcement of a grand-opening event.

Eddie Merlot’s is bringing back its limited-time Summertime Grill Menu featuring seasonal dishes and wine pairings that will be available through Sept. 7. Courtesy of Eddie Merlot’s

Summer dishes

Eddie Merlot’s is bringing back its limited-time Summertime Grill Menu featuring seasonal dishes and wine pairings through Sept. 7 at its locations in Burr Ridge and Warrenville.

The menu includes the strawberry and goat cheese salad; Alaskan halibut; boneless beef short rib served with shrimp and roasted garlic mashed potatoes; scallops and gnocchi with roasted sweet potatoes, Boursin cheese and king crab cream sauce; colossal short rib with furikake rice; charred summer street corn; and Key lime pie.

Sommelier-selected seasonal wines include Craggy Range “Te Munga” sauvignon blanc, Sonoma Cutrer chardonnay, The Calling pinot noir and Decoy by Duckhorn merlot.

• Send dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.