The latest North Avenue restaurant / lounge now has an "open" sign on the front door and a quick phone call confirmed that they are open for business (with what sounded like a good crowd for a Wednesday night). LOKaL's precise menu features soups, salads, and plates to share, many with an Eastern European flair. Flyers posted on the windows highlight jazz on Mondays and DJs spinning on Tuesdays, helping make the transition from evening restaurant to late-night lounge. With a minimalist menu to complement the sleek décor, LOKaL looks to be a uniquely flavored addition to the ever-growing Bucktown/Wicker Park food scene.
LOKaL is located at 1904 W. North Avenue and is open daily for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch.
— Caroline Kraft /
Not to be confused with the popular music review and news site, Pitchfork Food & Saloon opens this weekend, starting with an open house Thursday night from 6pm to 8pm. A drive past the restaurant last night confirmed that workers are scrambling to finish the space, but a peek in the windows revealed what you might expect from the owners of Waterhouse, Rebel and Blue Light: exposed brick, tall wooden chairs and lots of wood trim. Standard pub, with a pretty standard menu of burgers, wings and the like, but a fine addition to a neighborhood beginning to gentrify as young families move west from Lakeview.
But back to the name. Time Out's Julia Kramer was amused to find out the manager had never heard of Pitchfork the website, previously the biggest pitchfork in Chicago until they moved to New York. [Edit: Pitchfork's headquarters remain in Chicago; the New York branch is a second office.] This gained them derision from the likes of Idolator, but fortunately they're not alone: Alderman Dick Mell sent out an email announcing the restaurant's open house and sending folks to Pitchfork.com (the full email is posted after the jump.) PitchFork Saloon's website is, for the record PitchforkChicago.com.
Continue reading this entry »
— Andrew Huff /
The Lincoln Square Dutch pancake house, Pannenkoeken Café, has a new location now open in Wicker Park (2257 W. North Avenue). And what - pray tell - is pannenkoeken, you ask? It's a Dutch pancake, thinner than its American cousin, baked rather than fried, and includes some delicious toppings. My recent pick at the new Pannenkoeken location included raisins, apples, and havarti cheese.
Store hours at the Wicker Park spot are M-F, 7am-2pm; Sat. & Sun., 8am-2pm.
And I will say, my friend's reply to my invitation to join me on this tasty adventure was wholly accurate: those Dutch pancakes are huge!
— Caroline Kraft /
Event Tue Oct 06 2009
Last spring one of Chicago's favorite culinary landmarks, Club Lago, was forced to close after a 50-foot chimney collapsed onto its building. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 7 the family-owned restaurant will host a grand re-opening party after being closed for six months.
The party will begin at 5 p.m., reservations are recommended.
Club Lago
331 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60610
312.951.2849
— Kaitlin Olson /
Half Acre Beer, a local craft brewery located at 4257 N. Lincoln recently announced that after a long permit process that its store located at the brewery will open October 5th.
To quote "In Your Guts," the Half Acre Blog...
The Half Acre store is not a bar and will not serve food. We will sell our beer to-go and the beer & spirits of brewers and distillers we want to support. We will have six draft lines that will allow for sampling and the purchase of growlers (1/2 gallon jugs) to-go. We'll also have a soda that we've made on draft as much as time allows. You can buy our beer in 6packs, 22oz bottles, growlers, 1/2bbl kegs and 1/6th bbl kegs. We'll also sell Half Acre merchandise to outfit your entire neighborhood. Enjoying what we do very much and doing our best to continually offer new / different beer, we will have things available here that might not be available at other locations. Not everything we brew lands in bars, stores and restaurants - it's time consuming and expensive to develop visual identities and distribution paths. The store will allow us to share some of the things that usually don't make it out of the brewery. Basically, the store will grant us some flexibility to readily offer you Half Acre Beer in as many forms possible in the freshest state imaginable."
As a fan of Half Acre's Over Ale and Daisy Cutter, I am quite excited by this recent development. They will also begin to offer formal tours Fridays at 5pm and add Saturdays in the next few months.
— Whitney Merritt /
Kids, sharpen up your Craigslist "Missed Connections" writing skills, 'cause Metromix is reporting that the dearly-missed coffee shop/neighborhood signifier Filter is reopening at 1373-75 N. Milwaukee in October. Possibly even more exciting: on-site roasting.
— Leah Williams /
Bar Fri Aug 07 2009
Passing up a very crowded Whistler earlier this week, I decided to try my luck at Cole's, Logan Square's newest bar. Open just a few weeks, Coleman Brice has transformed this former Milwaukee Avenue pool hall into a friendly neighborhood tavern. Cole's can't compete with the bells and whistles of some other Logan Square establishments, but what it lacks in professional interior design, it makes up for with an inviting neighborhood atmosphere.
A long bar runs through the front room where Cole serves six rotating draft beers, a wide selection of bottled beers (including the requisite $2 PBR), wine and cocktails. While the drink selection is good, including Metropolitan, North Coast and Two Brothers on tap, Cole isn't shy to admit his real motivation for the bar: Music. In the back room, a large stage will host local bands each night, free of charge. A Chicago-born musician himself, Cole aims to provide a venue for an eclectic mix of local performers. Tomorrow night - Saturday, August 8 at 9 p.m. - Cole's will host The Ultimate Boeing 747, Unique Chique and Ocelots & Others.
Cole can be contacted for bookings at coleschicago AT gmail DOT com. Send him a link to your Myspace page or other music samples and include three dates you would be interested in playing.
Cole's
2338 N Milwaukee Ave
773-276-5802
— Gemma Petrie /
The Pilsen Farmers Market opened for its second season this Sunday. Several new vendors have joined the market, nearly doubling the size from last year.
In addition to excellent produce and flowers, vendors also sell honey, handmade clothing, sandwiches from Simone's restaurant, pasta sauces and cured olives.
The Pilsen Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it is located in the Chicago Community Bank parking lot at Halsted and 18th. The market runs through September 27th.
— Gemma Petrie /
Starfruit, the frozen kefir cafe, is opening a second location in Lincoln Park on Thursday. The grand-opening will have a live DJ and activities for kids served along with the kefir smoothies and parfaits. And, on Thursday only, each kefir purchase comes with a free topping. For Chicago parents facing a day with bored kids at home waiting for their teachers to finish filling out report cards, a little face-painting and frozen-treat outing might soothe a lot of pre-report card angst. The cafe is at 2142 N Halsted Street.
— Lori Barrett /
Feature Fri Jun 05 2009
A couple of months ago, I enjoyed one of the very best dining experiences of my life at City Provisions (check out the post), Chicago's green, locally-focused catering company and monthly supper club. At the dinner, I had the opportunity to speak with the owner/chef of the company, Cleetus Friedman, and he told me of his hopes to open an organic deli within the next five years. Little did he know that in just two months his plan to open a deli would be underway.
Continue reading this entry »
— Kaitlin Olson /
Smash Cake, the bakery named for a birthday cake meant for a one-year old to smash, had its grand-opening party on Saturday. The space has been open for about a month, offering cupcakes kids can decorate themselves, sandwiches, soup, coffee, tea and juice. As with sister store Bleeding Heart Bakery, everything is organic, and the store sells not only foodstuffs, but a lifestyle as well. At Smash Cake, there are homemade aprons covered with little skulls and crossbones for kids to wear as they decorate their cupcakes or take part in crafts activities. Similar aprons are available, in children's or grown-up sizes and fabrics, from designer Kerry Vitali. Her cards are displayed, as are the cards of other local designers and printers, along with sample party invitations, so you can plan and prepare for an indie kiddie party in one stop. Artwork is for sale as well. Currently one wall is covered with paintings by Derek Erdman, featuring bright images of neckties, ice-cream cones and school buses.
Continue reading this entry »
— Lori Barrett /
After a few days of setbacks, Titled Kilt at 17 N. Wabash, 2nd floor (visible from the Madison L platform), is scheduled to open today.
Though you might call it MacHooters, this Scottish-themed franchise based out of Las Vegas serves up pub grub brought to you by waitresses dressed in wee kilts. They have 24 beers on tap, 17 more in bottles, including their own recipe Amber Lager, which is brewed by Pyramid but is only available at the restaurant. I tried the lager at the NRA Show, and it's pretty enjoyable--nothing that's really out of the ordinary, but a nice switch from a macrobrew.
The menu is pretty standard bar fare, with an extensive list of sandwiches, wraps, salads, entrees, and the standard fish and chips and shepherd's pie.
Titled Kilt hours are 11 am-2 am.
— Jill Jaracz /
When I last made it to New York City, I had a culinary check-off list of places I wanted to visit. My top priority was Magnolia Bakery, whose mention in Sex and the City (and later, Lazy Sunday) catapaulted the small storefront to fame. When I got to the building, I was melting from the summer heat; the last thing I really wanted to do was step inside, as the tiny bakery was packed with tourists waiting for staff to finish frosting more of Magnolia's picture-perfect cupcakes, but I had a goal. When I finally did taste the cupcake, I thought its huge roof of frosting had a nice butter- and vanilla-laden taste, but the actual cake was a dry, flavorless disappointment. As I threw the remainder into a garbage can, I quietly suspected that the cake had been baked several days (weeks?) before. Meh.
Shoddy cake has been to blame for a lot of my cupcake experiences. It seems like a lot of bakers put more of the heavy lifting into the frosting and little into the base--senseless, as this is a cupcake (not a cupfrosting, tee hee). But the cupcake itself has a lot to live up to--after all, it's a subset of a grander item that's the centerpiece of graduation parties and wedding receptions, and if portion control or the pretty daintiness of a cupcake is to be its calling card, it better be a worthy representative.
Continue reading this entry »
— Robyn Nisi /
The first birthday cake, or "smash cake," is the inspiration (obviously) behind Smash Cake, the latest business in the Bleeding Heart Bakery's growing empire. Located at 2961 N. Lincoln, it's a place designed for weekday kids birthday parties -- as well as a kid-friendly rest stop for parents, with coffee and lunch items in addition to the baked goods. Smash Cake opened last week, and starting today you can custom decorate your own cupcake for just $4. Open 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday.
— Andrew Huff /
Green City Market moves outside to Lincoln Park (1750 N. Clark) on Wednesday, May 6, with a rally and 2009 season kick-off on Saturday, May 9. Green City will continue in the park Wednesdays and Saturdays (except July 4) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Until then, Green City continues in their winter home at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 and Saturday, April 25. Alice Waters visits the market on the 25th for a book signing of her book, The Edible Schoolyard, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The City of Chicago farmers markets also open in May. Get your baskets, bags and bicycles ready.
— Chris Brunn /
Review Mon Apr 06 2009
Formerly the 27th Ward's local Chicago Public Library branch, and even more recently closed and vacant for ages, Branch 27 has brought new life to the corner of Chicago and Nobel with a buzzing contemporary American restaurant in a lovely typographically inflected space. The latest from what seems to be a fathomless pool of Rockit and Empire Liquors alumni, Branch 27 feels a bit more mature than some of its cousin establishments, and brings a new sense of balance to the ever-expanding Chicago Avenue dining scene. And you can be sure no one will shush you in the building's newest incarnation -- the prevailing mood seems to be celebratory and the place will be crowded, if this past weekend is any indication.
More thoughts on an opening week meal after the jump...
Continue reading this entry »
— Andie Thomalla /
Bar Sun Mar 29 2009
Fuel, opening officially this Wednesday in the old Blend space on Division, is sleek and pretty, but like a teenager sneaking a joy ride with daddy's vintage wheels, doesn't seem entirely sure where it wants to go. Pulling a double-shift as a coffee shop by day, loungey bar by night, Fuel seems to be trying to be all things to all people who might be strolling through east Wicker Park. High-gloss molded plastic tables and chairs evoke a kind of 50's car hop feel, as do the converted gas pumps showing off the liquid goods, while plasma screens and a DJ booth are as contemporary as the baffling but still unchecked upscale sports bar trend. (Hub 51, I'm looking at you.) An online menu promises such luxe libations as an Apple Cucumber mojito and Lavazza espresso infused cocktail, though no drink list was available or even mentioned when I visited. No beers are on tap, and $5 or more for a beer always makes me cringe when Gold Star or Rainbo are but a hop, skip and a sip away.
While I always appreciate a bar with a food menu, the eats at Fuel seemed only half baked. Unremarkable but nicely sized fried chicken sliders come three to a plate, an awkward number to share, served with a single slice of tomato, leaf of lettuce, pickle slice and dab of coleslaw on the side. Guacamole is remarkably flavorful, studded with tomato and jalepenos, but served with the most bland and industrial tortilla chips I've seen since my central Wisconsin school lunch nachos. Crispy crab wontons boast a creative filling favoring vegetables and crab to cream cheese, with a bright lime note against the sweet and saltiness. But an unbalanced sticky-sweet chili sauce and undercooked dough make for an uninspiring appetizer overall.
In the end, the unadventurous food didn't much live up to the sleeker surroundings, expect perhaps in its unevenness. Fuel is new, and I remain optimistic about all coffee-shop openings in the neighborhood -- particularly those that can spike their espresso with other bar offerings. But as it is, Fuel seems like it could use a better-focused and thought out tune-up to really make it.
— Andie Thomalla /
Did you know Hop Haus was opening a second location? Neither did we, until I drove past Clark and Howard this morning and spotted workers putting the finishing touches on the signage at 7545 N. Clark St. The new restaurant opens at 4pm today.
The storefront was previously occupied by Amphora, a Greek/Mediterranean joint; African Harambee still occupies the space next door. Both spaces were once part of the sprawling Gateway Bar & Grill, a favorite hangout of Rogers Park's actors and artists -- it featured murals by the late Ed Paschke.
A manager was not available to comment today, but we can assume that Hop Haus' wide range of microbrews and gourmet burgers will be available at the new location. More details to come.
UPDATE: I stopped by the new Hop Haus tonight for a post-work drink with Chicagoist's Chuck Sudo -- and we inadvertently ended up the restaurants first official customers. The restaurant is quite fresh and clean -- just as you'd expect from Leona's restaurant group's bar and grill concept. A large mural of sports celebs greets you as you enter the bar area, with booths and tables beyond.
The menu is identical to the original Hop Haus; one new addition (available in both restaurants) is the "Egg Burger," which as the name suggests has a fried egg on top, along with Canadian bacon, tomato and romaine lettuce. It's a good iteration of the trend, though the flavor of the Canadian bacon was a little bit lost among the other toppings and half pound patty.
While we enjoyed our burgers and beers at the bar, a young couple came in and asked whether the restaurant was open. They were on their way home and saw the sign -- and were excited to have such a hip restaurant in the far reaches of Rogers Park. Says a lot.
— Andrew Huff /
Apparently now cupcakes are being replaced by whoopie pies as the queen of traditional-baked-goods-elevated-to-glamorous-gourmet-food-dom, but cupcakes are still a lot of fun, and more bakeries have been opening up around that cupcake fun. We recently visited a newish one, Le Sucre Cakes and Cupcakes, in Niles.
The store is on Waukegan, just outside of the mall that holds the Korean megamart, H Mart. The owners are a young Asian couple, with the friendly husband manning the cashier and the polite, smiling wife baking in the back (which you can kind of see through the glass window). I wouldn't call their cupcakes "innovative" in the sense of More, which has crazy (but delicious) things like BLT and chocolate-champaign cupcakes. Le Sucre's are more traditional, aiming for tried-and-true comfort like dark chocolate mocha and straightforward vanilla. As it was about 5 minutes before closing time, the owner threw in two extras to our chosen two, so we got to try four (yay!).
Continue reading this entry »
— Yu Kizawa /
Drink Sun Jan 25 2009
On Friday, Chicago's newest craft brewer, Metropolitan Brewing, debuted its beers at three local bars: Hopleaf, Handlebar, and Risque Cafe.
I got a jump on the rest of the city on Thursday, when Gapers Block hosted a "staff-tivity" at the brewery in Ravenswood. We got to sample two of Metropolitan Brewing's delicious beers, the Dynamo Copper Lager and Flywheel Bright Lager, while noshing on sandwiches and fries complements of Hopleaf. I loved the Dynamo, a beautifully balanced beer with a crisp finish -- very drinkable. The Flywheel is a bit sweeter up front, but still has a smooth, dry finish befitting a German lager.
Entertainment was on point: to help celebrate Metropolitan's kick-off, the Neo-Futurists are using the brewery as a stage for the aptly-named "Beer," running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between Jan. 31 and March 7. We got a sneak peek at the show, which tells the story of 10-year-old Boon, who passes out drunk after drinking his stepfather's crappy beer, and awakens to find himself and his puppet buddy, Puke, in a mysterious brewery. To get home, they must learn how to brew delicious beer. It's a great idea -- the Wizard of Oz meets Willy Wonka, for beer-lovers -- made that much better by staging it at a real brewery.
So, to recap, here's an idea for a fun night out next Thursday: check out "Beer," and then go drink some (of Metropolitan's) at one of the lucky bars featuring Chicago's newest brew.
— Mandy Burrell Booth /
Wiki Wiki Market opened a few days ago in the storefront aside Skewerz, just to the right of the Damen/Milwaukee Blue Line station's entrance. The tiny but bright and welcoming space is filled with fresh produce, including hot chilies, marinara and soup made in their back kitchen, soy milk, and dry groceries like pasta. This a welcome addition to the papered-up windows that had previously owned this space for so long. 1562 N. Damen. El: Blue to Damen/Milwaukee. Bus: 50 Damen, 56 Milwaukee, 72 North.
— Chris Brunn /
News Fri Jan 16 2009
Cru Cafe & Wine Bar is closing its doors next Saturday, Jan. 24, due to the "economic climate," according to owner Debbie Sharpe. If you're in the market for higher-end wines, the cafe will be selling off some of their better bottles this week.
The space will be closed for three weeks for renovations and re-open as a Feast Restaurant + Bar, to complement The Goddess and Grocer next door. A new chef will be announced on Monday.
In related news, Feast Restaurant + Bar and The Goddess and Grocer are expanding to Lincoln Square at 4743 N. Lincoln Ave., right near the fountain at Giddings Plaza. Both are expected to open sometime around June. Feast will seat 120 people indoors, with sidewalk seating for 80 in good weather.
— Mandy Burrell Booth /
An inside source tells us that Orange on Harrison, which announced it was closing back in September and then never did, really will be closing after Sunday's brunch service. The owners plan to open a new Orange outpost near Fullerton and Clark in March.
— Andrew Huff /
New Wave Coffee has opened at the corner of Logan and Milwaukee, and offers Metropolis Coffee and free Wi-Fi (they'll also be serving food soon). New Wave is housed in a building that is close to the site of the Logan Square Farmers Market, which will make it an even nicer destination when the weather heats up. Welcome to the neighborhood, we're glad to see you.
New Wave Coffee
3103 W Logan / 2557 N Milwaukee
773-489-0646
Open 7a-11p daily
— Robyn Nisi /
Green City Market is closed for the holidays, but they re-open and kick off their first year round market on January 17. Every first and third Saturday through April 18, you will find Green City inside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , 2430 N. Cannon, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bus: 151 Sheridan, 76 Diversey - or ride your bicycle. Check their calendar for dates.
— Chris Brunn /
Vella Cafe has been serving up a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch. And now they'll be doing dinner, three nights a week, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until 9 p.m., starting Wednesday, Nov. 12. These evenings you'll find pizza, salads, soups and mac n' cheese, including a vegan pizza with mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and spinach. (Photo is from Vella's breakfast menu, Spicy Tofu Scramble: soy chorizo, roasted poblanos, brown rice, zucchini, corn, scallions, avocado, lime, tomatillo salsa, tortillas).
BYOB: Vella has teamed up with Nathan & Sean from Red & White Wines (1861 N. Milwaukee). Call from your seat at Vella and the wine shop will deliver. Vella also will deliver dinner time pizzas to you at the Green Eye Lounge next door. Vella is at 1912 N. Western Ave., under the Blue Line tracks. El: Blue Line to Western. Bus: 49 Western, 56 MIlwaukee, 73 Armitage.
— Chris Brunn /
Starting this Saturday, November 1, Green City Market moves from their warm-weather Lincoln Park spot to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, every Wednesday and Saturday in November and December from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. New this year, Green City will continue through the winter, from January through April on the first and third Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Bus: 151 Sheridan, 156 LaSalle (weekdays only), 76 Diversey.
— Chris Brunn /
The death of Orange on Harrison continues to be delayed, but according to sources close to the restaurant, the owners plan to open a new outpost near Clark and Fullerton. To timeline for that yet.
Meanwhile, Rockit Ranch Productions is hiring for a "new Asian" concept called Sunda. They hope to open in January near Clark and Illinois. Across the street from Rockit Bar & Grill, something called Theory Sport.Dine.Lounge has begun renovating the old Kevin space; from the name, I think it's safe to say it'll be an upscale sports bar and grill.
— Andrew Huff /
News Mon Sep 15 2008
Chicago Public Radio's Chicago Matters: Going Forward covers how the National School Lunch Program decides what Chicago Public School students eat for lunch, and how CPS is trying to make lunches healthier and from local growers – tomorrow at 7:20 a.m. on Morning Edition and between 9 and 10 a.m. on Eight Forty-Eight.
Meanwhile, Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs brings Chicago's Downtown Farmstand to 66 E. Randolph with fruits, vegetables, preserves and baked goods from within 250 miles of the city. The pilot Farmstand will offer educational programs and lunchtime demonstrations on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Farmstand opens October 1, with a Grand Opening celebration featuring samples and demos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afterwards, the Farmstand operates Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-December, and re-opening in Spring 2009.
— Chris Brunn /
Today is the grand opening of Counter Burger, a create-your-own burger joint (part of a California-based chain) on Diversey Parkway in Lincoln Park. Diners get to choose their protein (beef, turkey, chicken and veggie patties), then pile on toppings, cheese, sauce and a bun--or for carbophobes, no bun. Company lore says these choices add up to 312,120+ different options. And, unlike lots of other casual-dining chains, Counter Burger has a full bar.
Of course, plenty of burger options (beef, chicken, turkey, veggie and fish, even) have been on offer just down the street at Dukes. This friendly, loungey space shouldn't be overlooked; the burgers are actually a few dollars cheaper at Dukes. But only Counter Burger has been mentioned on Oprah.
Counter Burger, 666 W. Diversey Pkwy
Dukes, 2616 N. Clark St.
— Lori Barrett /
Wicker Park falafelists Sultan's Market is planning to open a second third location close to the California Blue Line station at Milwaukee next year called Masada. Hold on to your hat, Logan Bar and Grill!
— Robyn Nisi /
The newest venture from Michelle Garcia, organic bakery maven and general punk-rock princess, glams up cakes, tortes and other confections for West Lakeview. Chaos Theory Cakes, which threw its grand opening party last weekend, is much in the same vein as its cousin shop, the Bleeding Heart Bakery -- sweets served up with a goth circus flair. As the more grown-up face to the growing Garcia empire, Chaos Theory's cakes feature ingredients as diverse as onions, peppercorns and avocados, as well as more standard Oaxacan chocolate, blueberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Not all in the same recipe, though it probably wouldn't be that much of a stretch. More below the fold.
Continue reading this entry »
— Andie Thomalla /
Five flavors of Temptation vegan ice cream are on sale on the sidewalk of Wabash Avenue in the Loop: Chocolate, mint chocolate chip, strawberry, vanilla, and my favorite cookie dough. You'll get a generous scoop in a cone or bowl for $2. It's rich, smooth, and most importantly cold. I stood outside eating mine while waiting for a friend, gazing north at the rising Trump Tower construction, with the antique and wooden Adams Street El station in the distant foreground. Ice cream is available summer weekdays between about noon and 3 p.m., when it's not raining, outside Kramer's health food store at 230 S. Wabash Ave.
— Chris Brunn /
Devon Avenue's Sher-A-Punjab Indian Restaurant has put a buffet in the Loop, onto a comfortable second floor of the 7-Eleven on Washington and Wells with a close-up view of the end of the Washington Elevated platform. Get fluffy naan and eggplant with peas in a thick and rich tomato sauce. Golden potato and pea samosas were nicely crispy and filling, with seconds being eagerly brought to our table with the $10.99 combo, which included a soda in a 7-Eleven Gulp cup (otherwise, $6.99 a pound). There's also rice with peas and carrots and some non-veg options. Service was quite enthusiastic both to explain what was what, and to ask us to bring in our friends. Washington and Wells, southwest corner, inside the 7-11 and up to the second floor.
— Chris Brunn /
Mado, in the old Barcello space at 1647 N. Milwaukee, has been open for just three weeks and is getting largely solid reviews, likely helped by owners Rob and Allison Levitt's proven track record at del Toro and others. And possibly also by this peek behind the kitchen curtain.
Mexique at 1529 W. Chicago Avenue hopes to bring chef Carlos Gaytan's Mex-French flair to West Town this month with its made-to-order tacos, fancy tamales, and a full bar to go with brunch. Every day more and more butcher paper comes down off the windows...it's only a matter of time.
After honing his upscale skills at Charlie Trotter's, Trio and Le Lan, chef Bill Kim is opening Urban Belly at 3053 N. California Avenue in Logan Square sometime in June. A family affair that will focus on noodles and dumplings, Urban Belly may also soon be the Northwest side's answer for weekend dim sum. We can only hope.
Dadaist art gets a nod from newcomer Duchamp, also opening in June, from a team taken from Lumen and Zealous. Taking up residence in the old Meritage space at 2118 N. Damen, Duchamp will feature French and Mediterranean-inspired New American plates with a neighborhoody casual-feel. And, egads, more brunch!
— Andie Thomalla /
Texas de Brazil, a family-owned, Texas-based Churrascaria, is set to open mid to late May on the Magnificent Mile. Gapers Block had a sneak peak of the restaurant, which is still under construction. The two-story, 24,000 square foot space is impressive; the restaurant will house a high-end liquor room, cigar humidor, luxury bar and lounge, and seven private rooms.
Welcome to the meat eater's paradise; 15 grilled meats will be served table side by gaucho-clad servers. An elaborate salad bar will offer over forty items. We sampled TdB's signature cocktail, the Caipirinha, which was deliciously shaken with Brazilian Cachaca, a sugar cane rum.
How will this spot compete with Chicago's established Brazilian steakhouses? Three words: Aerial Wine Artist. Texas de Brazil plans to unveil a two-story, glass wine room that will hold over 700 bottles of wine. A pulley system, installed by Chicago Flyhouse, will allow the aerial artist to "gracefully retrieve bottles, Cirque du Soleil style, as diners watch through the glass doors."
Dinner: $47.99, Lunch: $27.99.
Texas de Brazil
51 E. Ohio St.
Opening Mid to Late May 2008
— Abbey Gillespie /
The next few weeks will bring a steady stream of newcomers to Chicago's culinary arena.
Late April/early May:
Jackson Park Bar & Grill, whose executive chef, Jason Paskewitz, is currently competing in the "Food Network Challenge," will offer modern-day Chicago dishes inspired by Italian, French, and Classic American traditions. 444 North Wabash.
Olo, coming soon to West Randolph Street, will feature rustic, Mediterranean cooking. Chef Sean Eastwood, lauded for his work at Isabelle's Estiatorio in Geneva, promises to feature much of the same cuisine that made Isabelle's such a success. 1152 W. Randolph St.
Continue reading this entry »
— Abbey Gillespie /
We told you several weeks ago that Big Jones Chicago would soon be opening up in the old Augie's space on Clark St. in Andersonville. As of Wednesday, they're officially open for real. Tonight they're hosting a fundraiser for eco-Andersonville, a green initiative run by http://www.andersonvilledevcorp.org/ Andersonville Development Corporation, and $50 gets you a sampling of their menu, cocktails, wine, a preview of the restaraunt, and the knowledge that you're making a neighborhood better.
And I have to commend Big Jones for really understanding the internet. Seriously, folks. I've looked at a lot of restaraunt websites, and frankly most of them suck. But these people get it. You can reserve a table online through them (instead of having to go through Open Table). They have a map, their full menu (that thankfully doesn't involve music or downloading a pdf). And they even have a blog. They're not even open and they have more information on their website than most established restaurants. Oh! and they have tea service! With red velvet cake! Lord have mercy upon my waistband.
— Cinnamon Cooper /
Cinner's Chili Parlour & Cocktail Lounge opened last weekend! This long awaited neighborhood spot specializes in Cincinnati Style Chili. Cincinnati chili is saucier than typical Texas chili and is served over spaghetti or coney-style. Beans are cooked separately from the sauce and are used as an addition to the plate. Cinci-style is for the chili sophisticate; interesting spices like cinnamon, allspice, cocoa and Worcestershire create a one-in-a-kind taste.
Cinner's offers 3, 4, and 5-way Chili, plus a variety of other cheesy, meaty concoctions. Meatless options are graciously included on the menu, and cocktails are named for some of Cincinnati's main attractions. The "Over the Rhine," made with rum, gin, and watermelon vodka, sounds like a must try.
Cinner's Chili Parlour & Cocktail Lounge
4757 N. Talman Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
— Abbey Gillespie /
Following the very emotional closing of the Hyde Park Co-op Market earlier this year, an outlet of the Treasure Island grocery store chain will be opening in the Co-op's former location at 1526 East 55th Street this upcoming Wednesday.
— Robyn Nisi /
If you've been teased by last weekend's balmy weather and can't wait for the farmers markets to open, check out Green City Market's winter list. You'll find stores that carry products from Green City vendors. Green City Market opens Wednesday, May 14 at 7 a.m. in the grass at 1750 N. Clark. City of Chicago farmers markets also open in May.
— Chris Brunn /
Opened about three weeks ago, one block off the North, Damen and Milwaukee intersection, W Crossings (2045 W. North Ave.) is a hybrid of liquor store and natural food conscious mini-mart. You'll find liquor, wine, and beer, including a few of Goose Island's reserve brews. With bananas, apples, oranges, cantaloupe and pineapple, they are no match for the produce selection at nearby specialty grocer and wine/beer shop Olivia's Market (2014 W. Wabansia Ave.), but I hear vegetables like spinach, onions, and tomatoes will be arriving soon. W Crossings has many quick pick offerings, including Amy's frozen pizzas, natural peanut butter, natural cereals, vegan cookies, soy milk and canned soups. Open until midnight weekdays, and 1 a.m. weekends.
Other immediately nearby small business grocery options include the 24-hour Wicker Park Food Mart (1571 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for typical convenience items, granola, cookies, crackers, nuts, raisins, juice, soy milk and dried beans. Goddess and Grocer (1646 N. Damen Ave.) offers an ample wine selection, plus plenty of specialty foods to go with. Crespos (2157 W. North Ave.) sells beer, wine, liquor, and the occasional food item. The Wicker Park Blue Line concession stand reliably sells bananas and small snacks and drinks. Evergreen Pantry (1339 N. Damen Ave.) offers more convenience items.
— Chris Brunn /
An all vegan fast food restaurant on the South Side (Mount Greenwood neighborhood) that's known for its vegan takes on gyros, Italian beef, buffalo wings, chili cheese fries and dogs, will soon open its much anticipated North Side location in Wicker Park, at 1300 N. Milwaukee. I rode my bicycle past Veggie Bite's soon-to-be second location yesterday morning, their name and logo prominently and repeatedly displayed in papered windows. (I had long wondered if they would take the iconic one-story building left by Burger King's departure ages ago, on the corner of Milwaukee and Honore, a block south of North and Damen.) Columbia College's Chronicle talks about the restaurant, the differing reactions to its original location, and how they're going for a mainstream eco-friendly appeal with their new Wicker Park address.
Meanwhile, Chicago-area Chicago Soydairy wants you to buy a slice of the vegan pizza that has their new vegan cheese, from the Whole Foods in Lake View at 3640 N. Halsted. Their main product, Temptation Vegan Ice Cream, seems to hold a solid reputation as the vegan ice cream served at several area restaurants, and according to Soydairy, the new cheese melts and tastes great.
— Chris Brunn /
Open:
• Noble Tree Coffee & Tea opens today at 2444 N. Clark St. It's owned by Phil Tadros of Dollop, so expect free wifi, quality coffee and Hoosier Mama pies.
• After being closed for a month due to the Montrose Hole, Scot's reopens tonight. Nice write-up on the TOC blog of a benefit for the bar's employees.
• Lalibela, an Ethiopean restaurant at 5631 N. Ashland Ave., opened this past week. Reviews on Yelp so far are positive.
• Further south in Andersonville, Dish reports that pizzeria-grocery Great Lake, 1477 W. Balmoral (next to La Tache), opened Wednesday.
• Also via Dish, Tallulah, an American bistro in the former She She space, 4539 N. Lincoln Ave., has opened ahead of schedule last weekend.
• Union Pizzeria, 1245 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, opened last week. It's owned by Campagnola's Steve Schwartz, so expect gourmet pizzas, small plates and seasonal ingredients. Here's an early review on LTH Forum.
Coming Soon:
• Aberdeen,1856 W. North Ave., aims to open March 8 in the former Celebrity space.
• Further north on Western, "Kan Pou: Cooking and Baking with spices in the Thai style" says the sign on the former El Palmar space, 4256 N. Western. No word on the opening.
• Yet a little further north, the former Thai Nippon space, 4825-B N. Western, is papered over, and a hand-drawn sign on the door says "Snow Spice Thai" is coming soon.
• 312 Dining Diva has some news on the Chicago outpost (739 N. Clark St.) of suburban hotspot ZED451. The website says March, but expect mid-April.
• It's April for C House, too.
• Again with the April: that's when to expect Gaylord India Restaurant to reopen in its new spot at 100 E. Walton.
• Lincoln Park pizza and pasta joint O'Famé's new Lincoln Square/St. Ben's location, 4159 N. Western, looks nearly open -- the paper is literally peeling off the windows -- but a call to the original turned up no answers. Could be weeks, could be months.
• In Andersonville, Big Jones, in the old Augie's space, has filed its liquor license application and its walls are framed in. Baby steps.
— Andrew Huff /
A-ville Daily tips us to the opening of La Cocina de Frida, featuring "made-from-scratch Mexican food and family recipe cooking," in the space previously occupied by Angel's, 5403 N. Clark. The menu promises fresh guacamole, made-daily tamales and empanadas, pollo en mole negro Oaxaca and other authentic Mexican dishes inspired by Friday Kahlo.
— Andrew Huff /
A few coming soon signs around town:
• Sweet Occasions opens its third location, on Bryn Mawr at Kenmore, next Tuesday, Jan. 15. Three more locations, in Roscoe Village, Boystown and Lincoln Park, are planned for later in '08.
• The owners of Think Cafe recently began construction on a new restaurant, to be called Knew, in Wicker Park. No opening date set yet.
• At Wilson and Ravenswood in underserved Ravenswood, O'Shaughnessey's is nearing completion; looks to be a couple months from opening. From the external signage, it'll be a standard model Irish pub, unless they're serious about being "tea merchants" and "whiskey blenders."
• Metromix reports that a new beer garden is growing in East Ukrainian Village. The Old Oak Tap is aiming for a September opening.
• Pollo Campero will open its third Chicago location on a western stretch of North Avenue in the coming months.
• Eno, the wine room chain with an outpost in the Hotel Intercontinental, is opening another branch in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel; look for it to pop up in May.
• The beloved, belated Tiny Lounge (formerly under the Addison Brown Line stop) is soon to reopen in the former Charlie's on Leavitt space at Leavitt/Lincoln/Montrose. Let's hope for a quick build-out and open.
— Andrew Huff /
Edgewater gets a new noodle shop today with the opening of Summer Noodles & Rice, just west of the Granville Red Line stop. Here's a look inside from yesterday:
Looks pretty nice; details to come as we get in for a review.
— Andrew Huff /
