Keith Lee’s Latest Review Transforms This Struggling Chicago Eatery

Keith Lee has done it again.& When the world-renowned food influencer travels to a city to review the cuisine of various eateries, usually those that are struggling, his positive TikTok review often translates to a surge in popularity for those fortunate establishments.& Last year, after visiting and reviewing the food at Soul Prime, a soul food eatery on Chicago’s North Side, his favorable impression led to a flood of customers, so much so that the eatery had to turn people away.& Again, history has repeated itself in Chicago, and the so-called “Keith Lee effect” has proven to be indisputably real — like crime, climate change and property taxes.& & & Lee recently visited Amici, a beleaguered restaurant in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The establishment occupies a humble storefront at Broadway and Clarendon Avenue. Owner Alfio Sciacca opened Amici less than a year ago. His vision was a restaurant specializing in homemade arancini—those delectable Italian fried rice balls—but with a unique twist: ones with Mexican, Indian, African and Chinese culinary influences. But as inspired and unique as all that sounds, Amici has struggled to remain open. It barely had any customers and seemed destined to close.& Yet, at the behest of his...