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Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi) is drawing the masses to his long-awaited Slurping Turtle, a casual spot for shareable Asian plates, sashimi, dumplings, grilled meats and noodle bowls, like the Tan Tan Men with whole-wheat egg noodles, ground pork and spicy, homemade sausage. Slurping Turtle, 16 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-464-0466.
Tony Mantuano's Bar Toma is working magic in the Mag Mile, serving mozzarella and its namesake at a small cheese bar, pizzas and a selection of shareable, Italian-bent plates, like seared mortadella topped with house giardiniera. Bar Toma, 110 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-266-3110.
Oak Park may seem like an unlikely spot for a fine dining establishment, but that's just what it got in Seven Ocean, a sedate, set-price Asian fusion spot from the chef-owner of Tatsu. Seven Ocean, 122 N. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301, 708-524-7979.
Curtis Duffy (Avenues) announced plans to open Grace in the West Loop neighborhood this summer, with the goal of creating a set-price dining experience that will showcase dishes and techniques that take his previous work to the next level.
Matthias Merges is behind Yusho, a kushiyaki and yakitori-focused place with a charcoal grill and a global selection of wines, beers and sakés. Yusho, 2853 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, 773-904-8558.
Former Les Nomades chef Chris Nugent has gone it alone with the opening of Goosefoot in Lincoln Square, where seasonal ingredients inform eight and 12-course tasting menus, ones that may include dishes like Pleasant Ridge Reserve cheese with celery-truffle caponata and almonds. Goosefoot, 2656 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625, 773-942-7547.
Ryan McCaskey (Rushmore, Courtright's) just opened sleek Acadia in the South Loop, where elegant, upscale dishes like Stonington lobster pie are inspired by the chef-owner's time spent in Maine. Acadia, 1639 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60606, 312-360-9500.
 News
Bytes
Brunch Service Started at Bistronomic
Bistronomic is now offering brunch on the weekends from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Chef Martial Noguier's menu includes dishes such as Belgian waffles, short stack pancakes and wild mushroom omelets. Bottomless mimosas for $15 are also available. Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-944-8400.
Reopening Plans for Pasteur
Pasteur, which closed back in 2007, plans to reopen in January with a remodeled space and Eric Aubriot in the kitchen, where he'll prep French-tinged Vietnamese dishes with Dan Nguyen, the restaurant's original chef. Pasteur, 5525 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640, phone not available.
Chef Laurent Tourondel Debuts BLT American Brasserie
Laurent Tourondel (BLT Steak, BLT Prime, BLT Fish, though he's no longer affiliated with BLT Restaurant group) opened vast, casual BLT American Brasserie where Brasserie Ruhlmann once stood. Expect a catchall menu of pizzettas, sushi, sandwiches and grilled proteins. BLT American Brasserie, 500 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-948-8744.
The Fish Guy, Bill Dugan, brought on Cody Butler (ex-The Boiler Room) as the chef of Wellfleet, which is expanding its occasional service to include regular dining and elegant, seafood-centric dishes. Wellfleet, 4423 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60630, 773-283-7400.
Theo Gilbert (Terragusto) has appeared as the chef at Ripasso, a spot for homemade pastas and family-style Italian eats. Ripasso, 1619 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-342-8799.
 Closings
The news came suddenly: Prairie Fire served its final meal, though Prairie Grass Café in Northbrook remains in full swing. Prairie Fire, 215 N. Clinton St., Chicago, IL 60661, no phone.
Wicker Park's Crust, the first certified organic restaurant in the Midwest, has closed. Crust, 2056 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622, no phone.
Charlie Trotter's will close in August, at which time the eponymous chef will spend time traveling and getting master's degrees in political theory and philosophy. The iconic Chicago restaurant will remain open four nights weekly until then. Charlie Trotter's, 816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-248-6228.
Carlos' shuttered after New Year's Eve service to reconcept and make way for a more casual, approachable restaurant. Details to follow. Carlos', 429 Temple Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035, no phone.
Seasons restaurant served its final meal on New Year's Eve, and it's closing to make way for a more casual concept with chef Kevin Hickey still at the helm. Seasons, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Pl., Chicago, IL 60611, no phone.
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