Patch Picks: Gaga, Mariano's, Kumas Too Make Week's Top 5

In Chicago, news happens fast, making it easy to miss something.

That's why we're giving you a refresher regarding the North Side's top stories during the past week or so. Look for this new feature on Patch every week. 

Eyes Peeled: Spot Lady Gaga in Wicker Park

Lady Gaga is no stranger to the North Side—especially these days.

Sadly, the superstar canceled her "Born This Way Ball" tour just hours before her slated appearance at the United Center Wednesday, according to Live Nation. She'll need some down time for surgery on her hip, but Gaga has one thing bringing her back to Chicago.

Her new squeeze, Chicago Fire's Taylor Kenny, has been filming in the city since last year. Much of that filming has been right here in Bucktown.

• Read on to find out where you can see Gaga in Bucktown and Wicker Park.

Lake View Mariano’s: ‘We’re a Couple Months Away’

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said he thinks developers will still propose plans for a new Mariano’s Fresh Market in Lake View during the next few months, even though there are three other grocery stores now within a few blocks of the development site.

Tunney told residents during Monday night’s South East Lake View Neighbors meeting that although the site at 3030 N. Broadway faced foreclosure problems, he’s positive about what the future holds.

• Read the full story on Lake View Patch.

Heavy-Metal Kuma's Too Opens Today on Diversey (PHOTOS)

Exactly two months after first announcing their second location, owners of Avondale’s insanely popular burger bar Kuma’s Corner opened Kuma’s Too on the border of Lincoln Park.

Sitting at 666 W. Diversey Parkway in the space formerly occupied by The Counter, Kuma’s Too started dishing up specialty burgers at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. And if it’s anything like it’s sister eatery at 2900 W. Belmont Ave., lines are likely to be out the door.

• Read the full story (and see TONS of photos) here on Lincoln Park Patch.

New Food Pantry to Help Lincoln Square's Hungry Population

Two Lincoln Square residents are trying to change the fact that 1 out of 10 neighbors don’t know where their next meal will come from.

Heidi Bush and Meghan Gutierrez are starting a food pantry for the area, called the Lincoln Square Friendship Center.

“There’s a common misconception that Lincoln Square is well off,” Bush said. 

About 3,880 people in Lincoln Square are “food insecure,” meaning they won’t know where or when their next meal will be. That’s a higher rate than North Center, Lake View and Lincoln Park, according to a study by the hunger-relief charity Feeding America.

• Read the full story on Lincoln Square Patch.

North Center Concealed Carry Class Stirs Up Controversy

More than 90 people have already responded to an online post that seeks to set up a course in North Center to qualify residents for a concealed carry permit.

EveryBlock user Mike posted on the community forum he’s looking to organize the daylong class taught by two certified National Rifle Association instructors. He says the cost will be $75, the class size is limited to 30 and they plan to do a firing exercise in Lombard.

But based on a recent comment, Mike might have to hold more than one class.

• Read the full story on North Center-Roscoe Village Patch. 

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