Lula Cafe launches arts venue LouLou

The folks behind Lula Cafe are launching LouLou, just around the corner, to showcase art, discussion, food and community.

Why it matters: Though many know co-owners Jason Hammel and Amalea Tschilds as Beard-winning chef/restaurateurs , they're also artists who used to host music and poetry shows at their 25-year-old Logan Square restaurant..

What they're saying: "I just wanted my own space to do things that we can't do at Lula anymore," Hammel tells Axios.

• "I see it as an artist series with some interviewing, eating and music," says Tschilds, who plays in country band Girls of the Golden West. "I might get guests who don't often play together to see if they want to have a musical conversation."

What to expect: Ticketed events featuring conversations with visual artists, writers, musicians, chefs and cookbook authors paired with custom menus at tables that can fit 50 people.

The latest: This week Lula announced "25 for 25," a series of five dinners next month to benefit local nonprofits and featuring the city's top chefs.

What's next : Programming at LouLou, with more such dinners, could launch as soon as next month but Hammel says to keep an eye on the Lula Instagram for more.