Cheers to Chicago’s culinary scene! It’s never boring. This year, two of the city’s established restaurants took home James Beard awards for emerging chef of the year (Damarr Brown of Virtue) and best chef Great Lakes region (Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama)... We’ll toast to that. Here are the best new restaurants in Chicago worth checking out this summer.

Originating in Spain, empanadas spread throughout Latin America where the snack developed numerous regional variations... These spots provide a delicious sampling.

Waffles, Empanada's, BBQ & More! Chicago Food To Go is a show that supports local restaurants all over Chicagoland.

The hard work has finally paid off for Inez Melendez, who poured five years into growing her empanada business from a food truck to a virtual restaurant, and finally, into a permanent restaurant. Chicago Empanada Mama opened last week at 1703 W. Chicago Avenue after a year-long construction process allowing Melendez to offer homey Puerto Rican dishes, Caribbean cocktails, and rum tastings.

WEST TOWN — A cafe serving empanadas, coffee drinks, rum cocktails and more is now open in West Town. Chicago Empanada Mama, 1703 W. Chicago Ave., opened this week in a space designed and outfitted by owner Inez Melendez, a West Town resident who has lived nearby her entire life.

July is an excellent time to live and eat in Chicago. All the people who can’t handle the heat get out of the city, leaving the true believers the best seats in some of the city’s hottest restaurants... Your Resy Hit List for the month is here … use it well.

If you tried to keep track of every new restaurant and bar in Chicago, your head might spin. So just read this list instead. These are the openings that seem like they have the most potential.

Working on behalf of Chicago bars, restaurants, and music joints morning, noon, and night. @chicagobars

A brand new restaurant called Chicago Empanada Mama is making its debut in West Town, located at 1703 W Chicago Ave... On top of being inspired by her mother’s cooking, Melendez, who was born and raised in Chicago, takes pride in her parent’s Caribbean heritage, both coming from Puerto Rico.