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News for Restaurants in Chicago
April 2010 Archive

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Read about the openings, closings, chef shuffle, and special events in Chicago here. Gayot's Restaurant News has the information you want on the local restaurants in Chicago.  

CHICAGO RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Call it a throwback. California-based Mastro's---a spot from Mark Levy and Tom Heymann---will open in the old Blue Water Grill space, serving up supper club-style, live piano music alongside Prime beef beginning mid-summer. Mastro’s, 520 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654, No phone yet.
 
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago's long-shuttered The Dining Room has been given a new life as brasserie deca restaurant + bar. Mark Payne handles the kitchen, crafting a cost-conscious menu of steamed mussels with frites, a seafood tower and plats du jour, including a Berkshire chop with buttered spätzle. A large wine list includes at least 40 pours. deca restaurant + bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-573-5160.
 
Henri, an upcoming venture from Billy Lawless (The Gage), will open mid to late summer in the space next door. Dirk Flanigan will handle the kitchen, crafting an American menu with an emphasis on local ingredients. Henri, 24 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603, No phone yet.
 
Graham Elliot Bowles (graham elliot) announced on his Twitter page that his upcoming Grahamwich will open at 615 N. State St. in River North. The sandwich-centric spot will offer a tuna niçoise sammie, house-made soda and seasonal soft-serve dessert. Meanwhile, you can see Bowles competing again on Top Chef Masters this month. Grahamwich, 615 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654, No phone yet.
 
The crowds have converged on Accanto, a Logan Square newcomer with Domenico Acampora in the kitchen. Dishes include lobster bisque, served tableside, and short rib risotto accented with bone marrow cream. Accanto, 2171 Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773-227-2727.
 
Franks ‘N' Dawgs---a venture from Alexander Brunacci, brother of Frank (Sixteen)---quietly opened in Lincoln Park. Still, it has been mobbed. In the kitchen is his wife, Lillian, and Joe Doren (ex-Blackbird, Sixteen), preparing options like chicken Caesar sausage with romaine and duck percik. Several are made in-house; others come from Chef Martin's Alpine Brand Sausages. A monthly dog created by a local celeb chef is on rotation. Franks ‘N’ Dawgs, 1863 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-281-5187.
 
Who knew Forest Park was becoming a dining destination? Duckfat Tavern & Grill, however, puts questions to rest with solid pub burgers with duck-fat fries, duck confit quesadillas and bacon mac ‘n' cheese. Duckfat Tavern & Grill, 7218 Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130, 708-488-1493.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for yet another izakaya early this summer. Chizakaya---from Sunda and Japonais owner Harold Jurado---will serve Japanese classics, including soba and udon. Chizakaya, 3056 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657, No phone yet.
 
Homemade pizzas and Polish fare are the crux of Flo & Santos, a hybrid from David Yanda and Bill Bolton (Fox & Obel and Zapatista). Dishes range from house-made kielbasa and pierogis to pork wings, a Polish Reuben with Krakus ham and panzanella salad. Flo & Santos, 1310 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605, 312-566-9817.
 
It's not like Chicago is wanting for steak places; nonetheless, it's about to get another---with cred. Rosebud's David Flom and Matty Moore (Rosebud Steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky) plan to open Chicago Cut Steakhouse by the end of summer. In addition to a straight-up roster of steaks, they'll have a meat-carving station in the bar. Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60654, No phone yet.
 


News Bytes
Coco Pazzo Spring at Coco Pazzo
Coco Pazzo's new spring menu has made its debut. Chef Chris Macchia's dishes include tortelli stuffed with goat cheese and served with fava beans and asparagus; roasted halibut with puréed leeks and English peas; and herb-crusted lamb and artichokes. Coco Pazzo, 300 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-836-0900.
 

Chef Shuffle

Check back soon for more news.


Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Chicago to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from yesteryear. The Dining Room, R.I.P.

It's just temporary---don't panic. Chef-owner Michael Carlson has---yet again---closed Schwa. This time, though, it's to do a quick facelift. It will reopen any day. Schwa, 1466 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-252-1466.
 
The father and son team behind Boston Blackie's was charged in a check-cashing scam. Consequently, their restaurants have since shuttered. Boston Blackie’s, 164 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-938-8700.
 
Old Town Brasserie, we hardly knew ye. No word on what Bob Djahanguiri will do next. Old Town Brasserie, 1209 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610, No phone.
 
Calling it quits after 22 years in the biz: fine Italian restaurant Va Pensiero. Va Pensiero, 1566 Oak Ave., Evanston, IL 60201, No phone.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.

View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Chicago

 

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