JUST OPENED
Mana Food Bar
De Cero and Sushi Wabi partner Susan Thompson teamed up with De Cero executive chef Jill Barron to open this Wicker Park vegetarian restaurant July 21. Thompson tells us the menu features “a collage of global cuisines,” including Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern, with a focus on creative veggie preparations and limited use of meat alternatives such as seitan and tofu.
Blue 13
"Rock and Roll chic" is the name of the game at this just-opened spot in River North's vacated Tony Rocco's space. Chef Chris Curren, a former sous chef at multi-starred Zealous, is mashing up his refined approach to American contemporary cuisine with a high-energy rock aesthetic and attitude. Look for tattoo-inspired artwork on the walls and lobster pizza on the menu.
Dairy Queen/Orange Julius
Bucktown gets a double-dose of nostalgia with this dual-concept spot, which opened July 17 on Damen Avenue. Look for a lineup of classic DQ faves such as Blizzards and Peanut Buster Parfaits, plus those signature smoothie-like Orange Julius concoctions you might remember from your childhood.
Piccolo Sogno
Tony Priolo, longtime executive chef at Tuscan-flaired Coco Pazzo, partnered with wine specialist Ciro Longobardo to open this Italian spot in the former Timo/Thyme address in River West on July 16. 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 Timo’s awesome patio remains--with improvements, including a new entrance. Indoors, expect upgrades such as terrazzo floors, an Italian marble bar and glass chandeliers from Murano.
Madame Tartine
This 1960s-inspired French bistro opened July 11 in the space most recently occupied by River North gastropub BB’s. Jack Binyon and Donnie Kruse of BB’s have teamed up with Jonathan Segal (Minnies, P.J. Clarke's) to transform the spot, bringing in Jonathan Foster (formerly of Savarin and Le Passage) as top toque. The namesake tartines (open-faced sandwiches) will appear as daily specials. The menu also includes classics such as mussels, roast chicken, steak tartare and steak frites; look for added perks such as house-baked baguettes and a cheese cart too. As for decor, expect something straight out of Paris circa 1969.
Hub 51 (pictured)
It's Lettuce Entertain You, the Next Generation. R.J. and Jerrod Melman, sons of Chicago mega-restaurateur Richard Melman, opened their own restaurant in River North in late June. The urban, industrial space features a broad menu covering everything from seafood and sushi to tacos and burgers. Dishes include ahi tuna poke, filet mignon tacos on house-made tortillas, hand-dipped ice cream bars and a killer carrot cake. Read our First Look here.
Perennial
Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, the duo behind Boka and Landmark, are behind this American bistro, which opened in June in Lincoln Park's new Park View Hotel. The space boasts 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. Major patio action promises a total see-and-be-scenery draw for Lincoln Parkers this summer. Giuseppe Tentori does double-duty as the executive 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.
Baladoche
This Edgewater cafe, an offshoot of the original Lakeview Baladoche, opened quietly in mid-June. Like the Lakeview location, this spot specializes in zucker waffles (a.k.a. Liege waffles). What makes these waffles different from the more common Brussels-style waffles? They're prepped with sugar pearls in the dough so you don’t need to douse 'em with butter and syrup--they’re sweet enough to eat solo. Plus, they’re portable. There’s also a selection of gelato and sorbet, plus a lineup of caffeinated beverages. Look for added amenities such as a walk-up carryout window and outdoor seating by late August, as well as expanded hours in time for fall semester at nearby Loyola University.
Cipollina
Carol Watson closed her Milk & Honey Bake Shop in Wicker Park, gave the space a quickie makeover, and opened Cipollina, a carryout-focused Italian deli and espresso bar in late June. (She collaborated with John Manion, former chef/co-owner of Mas, on the project.) The pastry case now holds deli meats and cheeses, the shelves are stocked with Italian groceries, and the compact menu lists panini and gourmet sub sandwiches. Morning commuters heading to the nearby Damen "L" stop can snag grab-and-go breakfast fare too, including Watson's popular house-made Milk & Honey granola. FYI: It’s business as usual at the original Milk & Honey Cafe on Division Street.
Rollapalooza
In case the name didn’t give it away: This cute Boystown BYOB, which opened in June, specializes in rolls—specifically, sushi rolls. The lineup, about 50 strong, includes familiar maki such as spider, California, Philadelphia and rainbow, plus a signature roll loaded with avocado, cucumber, spicy crab, salmon, cream cheese, octopus, onion, tuna, radish sprouts and tobiko, with spicy sauce on top (whew!). Not a roll lover? Go for straight for the chirashi sushi instead.
OPENING SOON
Boston Blackie's
The menu at this new Lincoln Park spot, slated to open late July, will be similar to the menu at Blackie’s other locations. The signature burgers, which weigh in at more than a half-pound, get ample play; look for about 15 versions, including the Greek Boy, with feta cheese and onions, and the Fire Alarm, with melted cheddar, chili and giardiniera.
Yats
We can’t wait to meet Joe Vuskovich, the man behind this Big Easy-inspired quick-serve opening in the Warehouse District by late July. We really mean that—his infectious, New Orleans-style charm had us at “hello.” And seriously, how can you not want to meet the man whose restaurants bear the tagline: “Cajun.Creole.Crazy”? Vuskovich already has four Yats outposts in Indianapolis and a fifth in West Lafayette, Ind. At his latest, look for a changing lineup of eight offerings, all under $8. Choices might include etouffee, jambalaya, or red beans and rice with smoked sausage. Bonus: Yats is BYOB.
iCream
This dessert-focused spot, which features made-to-order ice cream, fro-yo, sorbet and hot pudding, is slated to debut in late July along the busiest stretch of Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park.
Steve’s Deli
The original Steve’s has been chopping chicken livers in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., since 1994, but Detroit natives won’t have to make the trek back to the Motor City to get a pastrami fix once this kosher-style deli opens in River North early August. Look for a full-service restaurant plus a grab-and-go/carryout component. Classics such as matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, gefilte fish and fried kreplach make the menu, as well as made-to-order salads and overstuffed deli sandwiches. A retail area stocking gourmet groceries and wine is also slated to open in early August.
Cafe con Leche Bucktown
This tiny Bucktown spot in the former Lobos Al Fresco Tacos space is a spinoff of the Logan Square location. Look for Latin American and American fare for breakfast and lunch--everything from eggs and hash browns to chilaquiles--and a Nuevo Latino dinner menu. Some faves from the Logan Square location will make the lineup (including the namesake coffee) and it’ll be BYOB. The former taqueria now sports a contemporary look with exposed brick and one wall fitted with pocket doors for an open-air vibe indoors. For the real deal, head outside to the fenced-in patio and sidewalk cafe. Cafe con Leche will be both bicycle and dog-friendly. The opening is slated for mid-August.
Flaco's Tacos
The folks behind Hackney’s Printer’s Row are working on a quick-serve taco joint with a planned early August opening. The menu will include 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 are about $2) too.
More
We’re expecting the best damn cupcakes ever from this carryout-focused "cupcake salon" opening this August in the Gold Coast. 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 fig, blue cheese and port; black peppercorn and strawberry with micro purple basil and bittersweet balsamic-vinegar frosting; and passionfruit-poppyseed.
Real Tenochtitlan
Geno Bahena: The man, the myth, the mole. Yes, he's back. The one-time Rick Bayless protege, still most famous for his now-closed Logan Square mole-fosuced spot Ixcapuzalco, is making another comeback with this spot. he's aiming for a late July opening. Bahena blipped onto Chicago's culinary radar briefly last year, first with a short-lived stint at Tepatulco in Lincoln Park, then an even shorter stint as part-owner of a dual-concept upscale/casual Mexican spot in East Chicago. His latest venture will be a Logan Square BYOB with a menu almost identical to Ixcapuzalco's. 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," adding, "I wanted to have something on my own and to settle in until I retire."
Eivissa Pintxos, Tapas & Sangria Restaurant
Looks like Old Town might just be turning itself into a hot dining destination. Last year, we got Old Town Brasserie. Now this spot, which will feature tapas, pinxtos (Catalonia's spin on tapas), and of course, sangria, is aiming for an August debut. The top toque is Dudley Nieto, the stove-hopping chef who's 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). And that's not all for Old Town. We hear that Jerry Kleiner is opening a spot in the 1400 block of Wells Street in 2009 ... stay tuned.
The Counter
Yet another chain is rolling into Chicago this September, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill fast food joint. This California-based chain of full-service restaurants offers more than 312,000 possible burger combos. (Yes, 312,000!) You get to fully customize your burger, choosing from three sizes of beef, chicken, turkey and veggie patties, plus 10 cheeses, 26 toppings, 17 sauces and three types of buns—there’s even a burger in a bowl, served on greens, sans bun. Sound overwhelming? There’s more: The Counter also features signature burgers and a burger-of-the-month, plus shakes, malts and starters such as fried dill pickle chips and crispy fried onion strings.
Wingstop
This Texas-based made-to-order chicken wing chain is set to land in Bucktown mid-summer. Look for an aviation-themed interior (circa World War II) and a menu sporting nine sauce flavors, from habanero-laced Atomic to sweet Teriyaki, plus sides such as fresh-cut fries and bourbon-baked beans. We’re betting the carryout action will really soar when football season kicks off in the fall.
Urban Belly
Noodles are all the rage in New York City (witness the wild success of Momofuku Noodle Bar) but are they be the next big thing in Chicago? Find out when chef Bill Kim and his wife, Yvonne Cadiz-Kim, open their 40-seat BYOB noodle and dumpling house on the edge of Logan Square late summer. 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 through Japan in search of the best. But this is no ramen-only spot: Tantalizing dishes such as roasted pork with hoisin sauce and soba noodles will make the menu. Look for a dumpling brunch on Sundays too.
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--it's a nod to the Southeast Asian continental shelf called the Sunda Shelf (thanks, Internets!) meant to reflect a broad regional approach to Asian cuisine. The menu will feature dishes from mostly China and Japan, but also Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. Expect some flair--chef Rodelio Aglibot, former executive chef at L.A.'s trendy Koi, is on board.
Jackson Park Bar and Grill
Jason Paskewitz, who’s cooked at what seems like 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 a 9,000-square-foot spot late this summer 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 holds 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.
Some of the most-anticipated spots still haven’t settled on names, but here's a taste of what you have to look forward to:
>> A Wicker Park sibling to Tango Sur, everyone’s favorite Argentinean BYOB. The menu at this spot, planned for 2100 W. Division St., will be similar to Lakeview’s steak-happy original, but this one will have a liquor license when it opens in late summer.
>> A new place in Pilsen (2119 S. Halsted St.) from the folks at Lula Cafe. There aren't many details yet, but don’t expect Lula 2—this place will be dinner-only. It’s slated to open this fall. Check back for updates.
UPDATE: We have a name! The Belgian-inspired upscale gastropub-type joint from the guys behind Blackbird and Avec will be called The Publican. The opening is slated for late August at 845 W. Fulton Market. Look for rustic fare with an emphasis on pork, plus a killer beer selection.
MORE RECENT OPENINGS
C-House
Marcus Samuelsson, the James Beard Foundation award-winning chef, cookbook author and TV host launched this seafood house in Streeterville’s new Affinia Chicago hotel in June. Though Samuelsson is best known for his Scandinavian cuisine at New York's Aquavit, the menu here is American with a focus on seafood, plus a handful of carnivorous offerings such as a dry-aged rib-eye. The sleek, wood-paneled interior feels clean and modern, with sepia-toned photos of the sea adding just a touch of nostalgia.
Ajasteak
Steak or sushi? Well, why not both? At this splashy Asian steakhouse in River North's Dana Hotel, Kobe beef lovers (read: big spenders) can indulge in the ultra-premium Japanese steak (as well as its American cousin, Waygu), and sushi snobs get a selection of top-notch maki and sashimi.
Texas de Brazil
River North gets back to Rio in this downtown extension of Schaumburg's popular Brazilian churrascaria. The enormous space holds up to 500 guests, spans two floors, and has two bars, multiple private dining rooms and a two-story wine cellar complete with … drumroll, please … "aerial wine artists," young women affixed to a trapeze-like system who retrieve bottles. Hungry? There’s a 75-item salad bar, a sushi bar and all the skewered meat you’ve ever dreamed of—all for $47.99. We predict tourists. Lots and lots of tourists.
Pinocchio's Pizza & Wings
That 36-year-old Glenview staple, Pinocchio's Pizza & Pub, has launched an urban fast-food sibling in the Northwest Side 'hood of Kilbourn Park near the intersection of Belmont and Pulaski Avenues. This incarnation is beerless, but it has lots of big, juicy wings with three styles of slatherable sauce to make up for it. Second-generation owner Roy Aryyan (who took over from his pop, Roy, a couple of years back) says the new location and the wide delivery area will help Pinocchio's serve a more diverse and densely populated area. "We're close to a lot of places--we can almost hit the yuppie areas," he says.
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 Cheeze-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.
Bionda To Go
Joe Farina keeps his Cafe Bionda phenom rolling along at this 30-seat fast food operation in the Financial District. The daytime-only spot features some of same dishes as the South Loop and Wicker Park locations, including, of course, Mama's Meatballs--only here they're in sandwich form (Joe's Mama's Meatball Bomber). In addition to sandwiches, you'll find other lunchables such as made-to-order salads and pastas.
Freshii
Need a healthy Loop option? The excuses stop here: This new quick-casual spot in the 311 S. Wacker Drive building promises to make eating a healthy lunch as easy as 1-2-3. Customize your meal by choosing a style (salad, wrap, basmati rice bowl or something they call "soup't," basically an Asian-style broth with rice or noodles), then pile on the veggies and choose a dressing or sauce.
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. Come during the week only for wi-fi--it's not available on weekends.
Tamalli
Carlos Reyna has elevated fresh-ground corn tortillas to an art form at Humboldt Park’s Maiz, so we can’t wait to see what he's doing with the tamale at his new BYOB in Logan Square. Look for about 10 tamales with fillings such as chicken, pork, beef and chorizo (you can get ’em wrapped in a banana leaf or a corn husk) plus other Mexican faves. The storefront space has seating for about 20 and sports a similar look to Maiz, with pastel hues and Mexican art on the walls.
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.
Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge
West Loop folks have a new casual Italian joint in the former Jay's Amore space. Anthony Risoli, a Philly-born chef who spent the last 17 years in the Miami area, uses traditions handed down from his family to create classic Italian-American fare. The bar is open late, and the kitchen serves until midnight.
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. Yum!
Veerasway
Restaurateur Angela Lee, who helped pioneer the Warehouse District dining area as a partner at De Cero and Sushi Wabi, continues her hipster take on ethnic fare with this "fresh Indian" small-plate spot. Look for classics such as potato-and-pea-stuffed samosas ($7), chicken tikka masala with cumin basmati rice ($10), plus 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).
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--plus the chef-servers don’t have to don gaucho garb. 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 and a promising summer cocktailing scene.
Mado
Locavores and carnivores are going to want to check out this rustic, fairly inexpensive trattoria in Wicker Park's former Barcello's address. 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.
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-inflected counter-service spot in Wicker Park is all about, we'll go with that. These skewerz--excuse us--skewers, aren't just any kebabs, either: Highlights include coconut and cilantro-marinated shrimp with mango chili, five-spice grilled filet mignon and passion fruit-glazed salmon. Plus, it's open late on weekends for all your post-pub needs.
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. Note to dudes: Check out the adobo-braised spareribs with plum-serrano sauce ($5).
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! BYOB
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.
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.
Big Jones
The former chef at Schuba’s Harmony Grill, Paul Fehribach, offers “contemporary coastal Southern cuisine” for his Andersonville spot opened in the old Augie’s space. The menu includes fried green tomato BLT; a skillet-blackened Niman Ranch pork chop with garlic greens, crisp bacon and succotash; and shrimp and grits, gulf shrimp in tasso gravy, with organic stone-ground grits and wild mushrooms. Augie’s time-warped interior has been replaced by bright walls, iron chandeliers and lofty ceilings.
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 seats 350 people and features 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.
Updated July 24, 2008