Watch this: ‘Collective’
Up for two Oscars this year, the Romanian documentary (wait! keep reading!) about an investigative reporting team uncovering a stunning amount of corruption following a fatal Bucharest nightclub fire is the best journalism drama since “Spotlight.” Heavy but riveting viewing, and that calls for …
Eat that: Romanian Kosher Sausage
Romanian Kosher Sausage Company, the historic market and deli founded in 1957 in Chicago, endured the loss of family patriarch Arnold Loeb last March. His family and their longtime employees have persevered in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Get a signature salami, hanging along the blue tiled back wall, and a sandwich from the tiny menu board. There’s salami with bologna, and tongue if you’re in the mood, plus the pastrami. You can choose from three kinds: regular (the fattiest), pepper meat (lean), and Romanian (rubbed red with paprika). I highly recommend a little of all three, on a slightly sweet challah roll plus a touch of spicy mustard. 7200 N. Clark St., 773-761-4141, (no website)
— Michael Phillips & Louisa Chu
April 16
Watch this: ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’
In “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the climactic battle for supremacy among Godzilla (scaly), Kong (hairy) and Mechagodzilla (tinny) takes place in Hong Kong. Skyscrapers smashed, entire neighborhoods obliterated — what better accompaniment to the monster meetup than Chinese takeout? You can catch director Adam Wingard’s wallopalooza in theaters, or you can stick to the sofa and stream it through April 30 on HBO Max. Either way, Hong Kong and the tin lizzie go down. (HBO Max, theaters) — Michael Phillips
Eat this: My Place South Loop
Don’t get me started on Godzilla versus Kong. If you’re a lifelong fan of kaiju too, then no spoiler alert is needed, because you know the real monsters are us. Before our mega heroes battle in Hong Kong, my hometown, go to My Place restaurant in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Best known for Cantonese Chinese seafood, get their HK diner style breakfast or afternoon tea specials if you can. From XO chow mein with congee to baked Portuguese chicken over rice, they include drinks from milk tea to old school Ovaltine. 1307 S. Wabash Ave., 312-763-6935, myplacesouthloop.com — Louisa Chu
April 8
Watch this: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’
In the latest Disney Animation Studios film, Raya (played by Kelly Marie Tran), is a spirited warrior princess of the fantastical land of Kumandra. Long ago, the five kingdoms of Kumandra lived in harmony with one another and with dragons. When the life-devouring Druuns threatened to destroy the world, the dragons sacrificed themselves for the humans, leaving behind the powerful dragon gem. But the kingdoms fought over the gem, breaking it into several pieces and dividing the kingdoms in civil war. The only way to save Kumandra is for Raya to bring back the last dragon Sisu (Awkwafina) and reunite the kingdoms. To illustrate his longing for peace and harmony, Raya’s father Chief Benja (Daniel Dae Kim) teaches Raya that the way to make the best soup is to use one thing from each of the five nations — shrimp paste form Tail, lemongrass from Talon, bamboo shoots from Spine, chilis from Fang, and palm sugar from Raya’s hometown, Heart. — Lauren Hill
Eat that: Nha Hang Viet Nam
Go on your own quest along historic Argyle Street on the North Side of Chicago. You’ll find a nearly mythical land where many Southeast Asian cultures coexist in the Uptown neighborhood. Look for Nha Hang Viet Nam restaurant, where owner Bich Tai Nguyen will be cooking in the kitchen, while her husband minds the front, including a sidewalk cafe. ‘Tis the season for refreshing g?i cu?n, the fresh rice paper Vietnamese spring rolls, stuffed with plump shrimp and leafy greens. Always get one of their many bánh m , the famous sandwiches made with crisp-crusted, soft-crumbed bread, filled possibilities, and perhaps a lovely, funky pâté. 1032 W. Argyle St., 773-878-8895 — Louisa Chu
April 2
Watch this: “Nailed It: Double Trouble!”
The popular “Nailed It!” series, which follows amateur bakers as they attempt to recreate over-the-top cakes, returns with a new twist. Now it’s pairs of bakers tackling these ridiculously hard treats for the $10,000 prize. On the “Travel” episode, look for the Chicago-area team of Diana and Jackie, who met years ago while attending the University of Notre Dame. (Netflix) — Tracy Swartz
Eat that: Calumet Bakery
If you grew up on the South Side of Chicago, you may have celebrated special occasions with an Atomic Cake. At Calumet Bakery, founded in 1935 in the South Deering neighborhood, the iconic confection seems to defy the laws of physics. It starts with banana cake, topped with bananas in Bavarian cream; yellow cake, topped with strawberries in strawberry cream; and chocolate cake, topped with fudge; all finished with whipped cream icing. Calumet Bakery, 2510 E. 106th St., 773-721-3747, calumetbakery.com — Louisa Chu
View our March, February and January pairings for more ideas.
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