New on the Scene: May

Carlos Gaytan melds culinary traditions at West Town's Mexique.

Graham Elliot
Four-star chef Graham Elliot Bowles, who garnered slews of awards during his stint as the chef de cuisine at Avenues (including a nomination for 2008 James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Great Lakes), defines the concept at his new spot as "fine dining, redefined." Translation: appetizers ranging from $9 to $12, most entrees under $30 and waiters clad in Levi’s 501s and Chuck Taylors. Bowles puts his zany spin on American fare with dishes such as aged-cheddar risotto with Pabst-glazed pearl onions, Granny Smith apples, crispy prosciutto and Cheez-It crackers. The space is tablecloth-free and fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams and ductwork. Listen for "hip" beats, including some music performed and recorded by the chef himself. Read our First Look here.

L2O
Pronounce it like this: El-two-oh. Think of it like this: La-tee-dah. This chichi seafood spot in Lincoln Park's former Ambria address promises to be as upscale as its predecessor: Rich Melman from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises has reeled in a big-name partner Laurent Gras, one of the top chefs in the country. The luxe interior features sen wood paneling, ebony tabletops, off-white leather chairs and white onyx. There are just two dining options: A four-course dinner ($110) and a 12-course tasting menu ($165). The small lounge offers a few dishes a la carte. Read our First Look here.

Mexique
This West Town spot (French for Mexico) comes from Mexico-born, French restaurant-trained chef Carlos Gaytan, who combines the two country's culinary traditions in dishes such as a seafood-mousse tamale, cooked in banana leaves and stuffed with crab meat fricassee with lemon confit and clam-tomato sauce. The look is cool and clean with a modern minimalist approach.

Julius Meinl
The fancy Viennese coffeehouse has opened a North Center sibling to its first Chicago outpost in West Lakeview. This spot offers a similar light menu with pastries and breakfast fare.

Epic Burger
Could this mod-inspired quick-serve South Loop spot (located in Super Dorm) be the anti-Mickey D's? Consider its compact menu, featuring what they call a "more mindful burger," patties made with "eco-conscious" beef and turkey served on whole wheat buns. We like the sound of the extras too: Burger add-ons include cage-free organic fried eggs, nitrate-free bacon and Wisconsin artisan buttermilk blue cheese. You'll also find deluxe sandwiches, trans fat-free fries seasoned with sea salt, and a fresh juice bar.

Chocolate Grape
This wine and chocolate cafe is just one of the latest additions to the ever-expanding Ukrainian Village/Wicker Park Division Street strip. 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, plus pastries, sandwiches and salads during lunch. Stop by for the Sunday crepe brunch.

Eno
More chocolate! More wine! And cheese too! The second location of this decadent spot has opened in The Fairmont Chicago Hotel (the other is located in the Hotel Intercontinental). Expect wine, chocolate and cheese in abundance, plus well-trained staff to walk you through flights of each.

Skewerz
Four words that say summer in Chicago: Meat on a stick. Well, we suppose pickle on a stick works too, but since meat on a stick is what this tiny tiki-style counter-service spot in Wicker Park is all about, we'll go with that. These skewers--excuse us--skewerz, aren't just any kebabs, either: Highlights include coconut and cilantro-marinated shrimp with mango chili, five-spice grilled filet mignon and passionfruit-glazed salmon. Plus, it's open late on weekends for all your post-pub needs.

Check out the city's most recent openings here.

Got a tip on a new or soon-to-open restaurant? E-mail us: kpratt@tribune.com