New in Ukie Village: Chocolate Grape
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"Rock and Roll chic" is the name of the game at this spot slated to open mid-summer (ETA July) in River North's vacated Tony Rocco's space. Chef Chris Curren (a former sous chef at multi-starred Zealous) wants to mash up his refined approach to American contemporary cuisine and a high-energy rock aesthetic and attitude. Look for tattoo-inspired artwork on the walls and lobster pizza and roasted Asian-spiced lamb chops on the menu. Sounds like a blast.
L.20
Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge
West Loop folks have a new casual Italian joint in the former Jay's Amore space. Anthony Risoli, the Philly-born chef (who spent the last 17 years in the Miami area), uses traditions handed down from his family for classic Italian-American fare like orecchiette with hot and sweet sausage, escarole, beans and garlic and hot pepper flakes and broccoli rabe ($22). Despite white tablecloths and candles, the casual vibe you remember from Jay's remains. The bar is open late, and the kitchen serves until
Eivissa Pintxos, Tapas & Sangria Restaurant
Looks like Old Town may just be turning itself into a hot dining destination. Last year, we got Old Town Brasserie. Now this spot, which will feature tapas, pinxtos (pronounced pin-TCHOS) Catalonia's spin on tapas, and of course, sangria, is aiming for a June debut. The top toque is chef Dudley Nieto (yes, the stove-hopping chef who has worked in a plethora of top-notch Mexican kitchens around town from Adobo Grill to Zocalo). Any bets on how long he'll stay? (Read our interview with Dudley from October 30, 2007). But that may not be all for Old Town. We hear that Jerry Kleiner is eyeing a spot on Wells...stay tuned.
Chocolate Grape
This wine and chocolate cafe to opens Friday in Ukrainian Village. It offers about 50 bottles of wine, including 30 by the glass options. A selection of 20 truffles includes off-the-beaten path options such as cayenne pepper, chai tea, lavender ($2 each) and peanut butter-and-jelly ($2.50). Savories include cheese and meat platters, desserts and small plates menus, plus pastries, sandwiches and salads during lunch. Stop by for the Sunday crepe brunch.
Eno
More chocolate! More wine! And cheese, too! Currently in soft-opening mode, the second location of this decadent spot has opened in The Fairmont Chicago Hotel (the other is located in the Hotel Intercontinental). The full menu's not complete, yet, but expect wine, chocolate and cheese in abundance, plus well-trained staff to walk you through flights of each. Yum!
Let Them Eat Chocolate
Now this is getting cocoa nuts! Describing itself as a "dessert lounge," this Bowmanville spot (the neighborhood just west of Andersonville, just north of Ravenswood) specializes in imported Belgian chocolates, including dark chocolate vegan treats and a rotating selection of gelato and sorbets (flavors might include spicy chipotle Mexican chocolate and banana-pecan caramel.) There are only five tables, but there's a comfy couch to curl up with a nice cup coffee in front of the fireplace.
*** We interrupt this chocolatey report with news of a chocolate death: Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe on Michigan Avenue has served its last marzipan-walnut chocolate truffle. It shuttered in April. Now back to New on the Scene ***
C-House
Marcus Samuelsson, the
Adesso
After purchasing hip-casual Italian BYOB Adesso in Boystown last fall, the Tutto Pronto folks have grafted another Adesso onto their Streeterville gourmet Italian deli. Though the interior has has few touches from the Lakeview original, this place is even more laidback. However, the menu looks to be about the same as the Boystown original.
Veerasway
This “fresh Indian" small-plate spot opened in the Warehouse District. Restaurateur Angela Lee -- who helped pioneer this dining district as a partner at De Cero and Sushi Wabi continues her hipster take on ethnic fare. Also offering classics like potato-and-pea-stuffed samosas ($7), chicken tikka masala with cumin basmati rice ($10), plus an options like poached scallops in seasoned coconut milk with crispy curry leaves and a grilled cumin-rubbed rib-eye kebab with tropical relish (both $11).
Mana Food Bar
Speaking of De Cero and Sushi Wabi, Lee's partner at those spots, Susan Thompson, along with Jill Barron (the exec chef at De Cero), is set to open this Wicker Park vegetarian restaurant early summer. Thompson tells us the menu features “a collage of global cuisines,” including Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern with a focus on creative veggie preps (think flavor and spice) and limited use of meat alternatives such as seitan and tofu (i.e. this place will be more Green Zebra and less Veggie Bite).
The Little India Restaurant
This 40-seat Edgewater storefront is indeed smallish (carryout and delivery seem to be the focus), but the menu sure isn't. The usual suspects like chicken and lamb vindaloo, mutter paneer, chicken tikka masala are here, but so are a couple of Pakistani options like stew of beef trotters (called paya). You'll also find a few contemporary dishes as well, such as a cranberry walnut salad and barbecue chicken salad, plus sandwiches and wraps.
Shochu
This upscale Wrigleville small plate restaurant and lounge opened in the former Platiyo space. So what exactly is Shochu? It’s a distilled spirit that, as the saying goes, is big in Japan. Shochu’s menu will list 16 varieties of the signature spirit, which also makes its way into mixed drinks. But it’s the Asian-inspired menu that sounds most intriguing to us. Executive chef and partner Josh Hansen playfully interprets Asian flavors. Look for items such as blueberry teriyaki quail with quinoa spaetzel ($10). Don’t worry, it’s not all chichi: "I wanted something for the dudes," says Hansen. Expect adobo-braised spareribs with plum-serrano sauce ($5).
ZED451
This all-you-can-eat prix-fixe ($49) steakhouse with wandering waiters offering tableside prepped dishes is similar to a Brazilian churrascaria, but with flavors that extend beyond South America; the chef-servers don’t have to don gaucho garb. In addition to the grilled-rib-eye, buttermilk-marinated bottom sirloin and goat cheese-crusted rack of lamb you can also go for seafood selections such as citrus salmon. The two-story space offers a fire pit, double-sided fireplaces, gorgeous hand-finished wood floors and plenty of leather, plus there’s an open kitchen with counter seating, a wine bar and a lounge stocked with house-infused fruity vodkas and more. The luxe rooftop deck offers an a la carte menu plus promises a great cocktailing scene.
Texas de Brazil
Looking for the Brazilian-style steakhouse thing? Wait until this chain launches a River North outpost (there's already one in Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall). The enormous space spans two floors, will have plenty of vibrant colors, two bars, multiple private dining rooms, a two-story wine cellar, and all the skewered meat you've ever dreamed of. We predict tourists. Lots and lots of tourists. Target opening date: around June 1.
Mado
Localvores and carnivores are going to want to check out this rustic, fairly inexpensive trattoria in Wicker Park's former Barcello's address. Husband-and-wife owners, Robert and Allison Levitt, are both grads of the Culinary Institute of America, with some pretty impressive Chicago culinary credentials (312 Chicago and North Pond). The philosophy is that "find the best product you can and don't mess it up," explains Allison. The restaurateurs buy whole animals from the suppliers, which they then try to use as much of as possible. You'll find housemade sausages, pates, salumis, and even head cheese (which is basically a molded sausage, not cheese). Though the menu changes depending on ingredient availability, you may find rotisserie chicken, whitefish with roasted purple carrots, or a hanger steak with a gorgonzola polenta on the menu. The emphasis is on Italian fare, but you'll find influences from all over the Mediterranean, including a North African-influenced dessert of dates cooked in coffee and cardamom. BYOB for now.
Great Lake
Speaking of artisan, check out this tiny pizza place in Andersonville. It features just a few pies, but offers artesian ingredients and regionally grown products, hand-pulled mozzarella and other options foodies will love. The thick, chewy crust isn't Chicago style, but it's toothsome and delicious. It's mostly takeout (no delivery), but offers an eight-seat communal table if you want to dine in.
Miss Asia
Like Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine? This new spot from the guy behind Sticky Rice is for you: You'll find dishes representing the cuisine of China, Cambodia, India, Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Nepal, Laos, The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. Whew! The serene subterranean location on West Diversey Parkway offers orange walls, potted orchids, and Tibetan-style decorations create Zen-like atmosphere, though a couple of flat screen TVs and upbeat music make sure you don't fall into a meditative trance. BYOB
Couture Cafe
How do you like your crepes? Savory? Sweet? How about really sweet -- as in filled with warm Nutella, peanut butter, gooey dark chocolate, peanuts and caramel? This stylin' little creperie-cum-coffeehouse, recently opened in Lincoln Park calls that last one the Snickers Wanna Be and we suggest you see a dentist immediately after consuming. There's free wi-fi so you can surf while you wait for your crepes to arrive (there's even table service, if you're dining in). If you're stuck sans laptop, the tables double as magazine racks, and are stuffed with more magazines than your dentist's waiting room. They serve Intelligentsia coffee for you java snobs, but you can BYOB here, too.
OPENING SOON
Mexique
Let’s clear up the pronunciation of this impending West Town spot: It’s “mehks-EEK” (not mex-i-cue) -- it's French for Mexico. The chef and co-owner is Mexico-born, French restaurant-trained chef Carlos Gaytan, who'll mash up the two culinary traditions in dishes like seafood mousse tamale cooked in banana leaves stuffed with crab meat fricassee with lemon confit and clam-tomato sauce; and a duo of herb-crusted rack of lamb and coffee-braised lamb shoulder barbacoa-style with an eggplant sope and roasted garlic-mulato chile essence. Slated to open mid-May.
Ajasteak
Steak or sushi? Why not both? At this splashy Asian steakhouse opening in River North's Dana Hotel this June, Kobe beef lovers (i.e. big spenders) can indulge in the ultra-premium Japanese steak (along with its American cousin, Waygu) and sushi snobs get a selection of top-notch maki and sashimi.
Sunda
Billy Dec and his boys (Rockit and The Underground) have settled on this name for the pan-Asian spot they're opening in the fall. The moniker is a nod to the Southeast Asian continental shelf called the Sunda Shelf (thanks, internets!) reflecting a broad regional approach to cuisine. The menu will feature food from mostly China and Japan, but also Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. We're expecting some flair from this spot--chef Rodelio Aglibot (former exec chef at L.A.'s trendy Koi) is on board.
The folks behind Hackney’s Printer’s Row are planning a quick-serve taco joint. The lineup lists tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas (Mexican sandwiches), plus margaritas and a few Mexican beers, which should make it popular with residents of nearby University Center (A.K.A. “Super Dorm”). We’re predicting locals will go loco for the cheap tacos (most of 'em are around $2), too. Target opening date: late June
Epic Burger
Speaking of Super Dorm, residents won’t have to travel far for a burger fix when this quick-serve spot opens in the University Center’s ground level mid-May. Look for a compact menu featuring beef and turkey burgers, sandwiches and sea salt-seasoned fries. We like the sound of the extras: add-ons include a cage-free organic fried egg, nitrate-free bacon or Wisconsin buttermilk blue cheese.
Urban Belly
Noodles are all the rage in New York City (Momofuku Noodle Bar), so will they be the next big thing in Chicago? Find out when chef Bill Kim, along with wife Yvonne Cadiz-Kim, lets his hair down with a 40-seat BYOB noodle and dumpling house on the edge of Logan Square. Kim, better known for his elegant pan-Asian cuisine at Le Lan, says noodles are his first love (he even did a six-day noodle-eating journey to Japan in search of the best). But this is no ramen-only spot: We can hardly wait to try dishes like the roasted pork with hoisin sauce served with soba noodles. Look for a dumpling brunch on Sundays, too. ETA: mid-June
Graham Elliot
This namesake restaurant, which is slated for a late-May debut, is from Graham Elliot Bowles, who garnered slews of awards during his stint as the chef de cuisine at Avenues (including a nomination for the 2008 James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Great Lakes award). Bowles is defining the concept as “fine dining, redefined” – think appetizers ranging from $9-$12, most entrees under $30 and waiters wearing Levi’s 501 jeans and Chuck Taylor sneakers. Look for creative modern American fare such as aged Cheddar risotto with Pabst-glazed pearl onions, Granny Smith apples, crispy prosciutto and Cheeze-It crackers. Expect a tablecloth-and-fancy-floral-free space fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams and ductwork, plus “hip” beats, including some music performed and recorded by the chef himself.
We’re expecting the best damn cupcakes from this carryout-focused "cupcake salon". Award-winning pastry princess Gale Gale (Tru) is designing the recipes and Henry Adaniya (of the now-shuttered Trio), is developing the business concept. Look for offbeat options such as Parmesan rosemary, corn-maple-bacon (yum!), salted caramel and passion fruit-poppy seed. Target opening date: May
Real Tenochtitlan
Geno Bahena. The man, the myth, the mole. Yes, he's back. The onetime Rick Bayless protege, who is still most famous for his amazing Ixcapuzalco (now closed), is making another comeback with this spot, now scheduled to open as early as the first week in June. He blipped onto Chicago's culinary radar briefly last year first with a short-lived stint at Tepatulco in Lincoln Park, and an even shorter stint as part-owner of upscale/casual dual concept in East Chicago (now closed) This latest venture will be a Logan Square BYOB (for now at least), and feature a menu almost identical to Ixcapuzalco's,says Bahena. It will also offer three moles, plus a mole of the day. Bahena says his new place will be "nice, rustic, and down to earth." And he adds, "I wanted to have something on my own and to settle in until I retire."
Perennial
Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, the duo behind Boka and Landmark Bar and Grill, are opening this American bistro this spring in Lincoln Park (in the new Park View Hotel). It sounds like it's going to be a real draw: Floor-to-ceiling windows, natural stone and walnut and a circular banquette seating area fitted with an illuminated planter holding ceiling-high white birch tree trunks. The major patio action promises a total see-and-be-scenery draw for Lincoln Parkers this summer. Giuseppe Tentori will do double-duty as the exec chef here and at Boka; his seasonal menu features dishes such as a peekytoe crab salad and farm-raised rainbow trout with sweet pea emulsion. Target opening date: Late May.
Jackson Park Bar and Grill
Currently slated to open in June: Jason Paskewitz, who’s cooked at a million and one places in town—including now-shuttered JP Chicago, Wave and very briefly SushiSamba Rio—is going big for his latest. Paskewitz and business partner Phillip Lotsoff plan to open this 9,000-square-foot spot focusing on what Paskewitz calls "contemporary Chicago cuisine"—a blend of Italian, French and American influences. The interior sounds grand: Beaux Arts design, travertine floors, marble tiles and a floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellar that can hold 5,000 bottles. Despite the luxe design, entrees will run $16 to $34. Just don’t get lost on your way: Jackson Park Bar and Grill is not located anywhere near Jackson Park. It’s in River North—go figure.
Piccolo Sogno
Tony Priolo, the longtime exec chef at Tuscan-flaired Coco Pazzo, is partnering up with wine specialist Ciro Longobardo to open a new Italian spot in the former Timo/Thyme address in River West this summer. Look for traditional wood-fired pizzas, hand-made pasta (think artichoke and ricotta ravioli with fresh peas, fava beans and leeks), lasagna Bolognese and entrees such as wood-grilled whole sea bass. We’re happy to report that they’re keeping Timo’s awesome patio (but are adding perks like a retractable canopy), plus they’re adding terrazzo floors, an Italian marble bar and glass chandeliers from Murano inside.
RECENTLY OPEN
Big Jones
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
This steakhouse chain, which already has a popular Lincolnshire destination, opened a 14,000-square foot River North. It will seat 350 people and will feature an open kitchen focusing on steaks, chops, seafood and shellfish. The winebar offers 100 wines by the glass, plus a reserve list with over 80 bottle choices.
The restaurant formerly known as Chicago's Rosscoe's
(A.K.A. Chicago's Home as Chicken and Waffles)
This Bronzeville restaurant hasn't been open a month, but after a legal tussle with the Los Angeles-based Roscoe’s House of Chicken 'n Waffles, it promptly changed its name on Apr. 9. The menu, however, remains the same. The handsome room features rich colors, jazz-inspired artwork (staying true to Bronzeville’s roots), and a mix of banquette and table seating. The menu offers multiple spins on the waffle-and-fried chicken combo, all of which are served side by side. Available in half- and quarter-chicken portions, you can get yours smothered with gravy or gravy-free. Non-waffle options include whole wheat flapjacks with turkey sausage and eggs; and Southern-fried catfish with eggs, grits and a biscuit. Read our First Look
Park 52
Now that he’s finally settled on a name, Jerry Kleiner’s long-anticipated Hyde Park spot opens. Kleiner (Room 21, Red Light, Carnivale), who partners with Marc Brooks for this venture, says Park 52 is offering a toned-down version of his signature style. Executive chef Chris Barron, who has worked at Kleiner’s Red Light, does classic American comfort food: burgers, steaks, chicken and salads, topping out at $36 for a bone-in rib-eye. The half-pound burgers are $12, but that includes hand-cut fries, blue cheese and "what ever else you want on the damn thing," says Kleiner. Sounds good to us.
Starfruit
Looking for an alternative to frozen yogurt? Try kefir, which similar, but has health nuts saying it's the best thing since wheat germ. This new Wicker Park spot hs loads of the stuff: kefir parfaits, kefir-based smoothies and frozen soft-serve kefir sundaes. Aiming to please both the snack and dessert crowd, there’ll be an array of not-so-healthy toppings cereal, crushed Oreo cookies, blueberries and strawberries.
I Monelli
This new casual neighborhood trattoria and pizzeria in Lincoln Square, is smallish seating only about 30-35 people. The straightforward menu features antipasti, salads, pasta, panini and pizza. Highlights include spicy pancetta-laced bucatini all'Amatriciana, potato and rosemary topped pizza, and dell’ ortolano, a roasted eggplant, zucchini, red pepper and mozzarella panini. Chef (and Sardinia native) Giovanni Carzedda, who worked at bot Pizzeria D.O.C. and Trattoria D.O.C., says the place will be BYOB for at least a year.
Veggie Bite
The folks behind Mt. Greenwood's Veggie Bite opened a Wicker Park outpost. The core of the menu, which mirrors the Mt. Greenwood location, features tasty quick-serve spins on typical fast-food faves such as meatball sandwiches, gyros, burgers, chicken nuggets and nachos, plus a few salads. Want more Chicago vegetarian options? Read "Say it isn't soy," or look at meat substitutes
Take Me Out
Karen Lim, a former schoolteacher and part of the family behind Albany Park’s Great Sea Chinese Restaurant, runs this cute, mostly carryout quick-serve Chinese spot in Pilsen. The super-compact menu lists only egg rolls, crab Rangoon, fried shrimp, spicy noodle soup, a beef bowl, shrimp fried rice and chicken wings. The absolutely addictive wings are the star of the show.
Berry Chill
True, it's not that warm out, but this week's break from the frigid temps calls for a mini celebration. This spiffy new frozen yogurt spot in River North seems like an appropriate place. It claims that its stuff is low in fat, so you won't have to worry as much when bikini season actually arrives. Plus, it's got late-night hours, perfect when you need your after-club sweets.
Rockstar Dogs
Speaking of late night, this tiny open-'till-the-wee hours hot dog joint has debuted. There are more hot dog varieties (about 15) than seats (eight), but the menu reads like a VH1 "Behind the Music" special: The Kiss Dog comes in a cheddar and bacon mask. The Flaming Lips is smothered in cheddar and spicy grilled jalapenos. And then there's the extra-long Tommy Lee ('nuff said). Dog-and-fries combos are served with Cracker-Jack-like prizes (temporary tattoos and hot dog-shaped bubble gum).
Mercat a la Planxa
Ever since our trip to
Tallulah
Matt Fisher, former owner of Bad Dog Tavern, is the unlikely person who has returned some of the feminine energy to the former She She address. Just don’t go looking for anyone named Tallulah—you won’t find her. “I just like the name,” says Fisher. “It rolls off the tongue.” The multiethnic menu at the
Jack Rabbit
Also in Lincoln Square: It's so long Brioso, hello Jack Rabbit. That’s the name that owner Robert Butterfield alighted upon when he modified the concept of his small Mexican spot, turning it into a Southwestern bistro. The interior’s more or less the same, but the menu’s now inspired by west
Sushi X
We’ve been waiting a long time for this sibling to
Updated May 14, 2008.
