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News for Restaurants in Chicago
December 2008 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

The name pretty much reveals it all at Milwood Pizza Burgers & More, a Wicker Park eatery prepping made-to-order burgers, brick-oven pizzas and a line-up of 'tizers, sandwiches and salads. Milwood Pizza Burgers & More, 1360 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-772-6000.
 
In early '09, the south suburbs will get a new dining destination in Osteria Ottimo, an Italian spot backed by Scott Harris (Mia Francesca) and Patrick Concannon (Don Juan in Edison Park). On offer will be antipasti, meat-sauced lasagna and house-made gelati and sorbetti. Osteria Ottimo, 16111 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60467, 708-403-3366.
 
BYOB to Shiso, the latest sushi bar that hit Old Town. Named for the jagged-edged herb, it serves bento boxes, all of your favorite rolls and cooked items like Wagyu and tempura. Shiso, 449 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-649-1234.
 
Modern Italian fare is the focus at Monticchio, the latest (aiming to be greatest) option for Neapolitan pizza. But that's not to say the homemade gnocchi and fried ravioli are to be ignored. Monticchio, 4882 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640, 773-275-7080.
 
Grab grub to go at Nesh Mediterranean Grill, a fast food-ish Lincoln Park place with falafel and shwarma. Needless to say, there's hummus, too. Nesh Mediterranean Grill, 734 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-975-6374.
 
Estrella Negra Soak up some culture while you dine at Estrella Negra, a local gallery and restaurant in Logan Square serving an abbreviated menu of modernized Latin eats. Look for chicken pozole, chorizo and corn-filled empanadas and homemade smoothies. Estrella Negra, 2346 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773-227-5993.
 
Hagop Hagopian (Karma) is in the kitchen at French-inspired Fresh 1800 in the Hyatt Regency Woodfield, serving close-to-the-farm foods, which---in summer---will be flush with herbs from an on-site garden. Fresh 1800, Hyatt Regency Woodfield, 1800 Golf Rd., Schaumberg, IL 60173, 847-605-1234.
 
Fans of that mom mainstay---meatloaf---can get their fill at aptly named The Meatloaf Bakery in Lincoln Park. Look for eight variations, along with classic sides (garlicky potatoes) and bakery items like cupcakes. The Meatloaf Bakery, 2464 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-698-6667.
 
Tiki enthusiasts are mai tai-ing one on at the newly reopened Trader Vic's. Once located in The Palmer House Hilton, it now resides where Arnie's once was. Bamboo patterned chairs give way to its showpiece: a Chinese wood-burning oven, which turns out more sophisticated cuisine---think tea-smoked duck---than its earlier iteration. Of course, the lineup of tropical drinks remains in full effect. Trader Vic's, 1030 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-642-6500.
 
Soul-warming Bolognese fare is now being served at La Trattoria Del Merlo, from the folks behind Merlo and Merlo on Maple. Here, the food is more rustic, with the scent of ragù sauce-soused, homemade pastas filling the air. La Trattoria Del Merlo, 1967 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-951-8200.
 
Chicagoland has another dog stand, Nana's Hot Dogs and Italian Beef, right by the Marcus Cinema. You might recognize the name: it's a sib to the decades-old Streamwood spot of the same name. Nana's Hot Dogs and Italian Beef, 1465 W. Lake St., Addison, IL 60101, 630-889-8600.
 


News Bytes
Haute to Tote
Get your gourmet to-go at Blackbird, which now offers a $15 lunch box filled with the likes of carrot-tahini salad and a gussied up fish sandwich. Blackbird, 59 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-595-0800.
 

Chef Shuffle

Roland Liccioni of the late Le Français has left Old Town Brasserie to head to France. Andy Motto (Charlie Trotter's) is taking his place and plans to revamp the menu in coming weeks. Old Town Brasserie, 1209 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-943-3000.
 
Midwest-bent, modern American Sage Grille now has Adam Grandt (Carlos') as its chef. Sage Grille, 260 Green Bay Rd., Highwood, IL 60040, 847-433-7005.
 


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.

This doesn't come as a total surprise, given Kevin Shikami (Kevin) departed months ago, but brother Alan Shikami closed Shikago with plans to reopen as a sushi-noodle place in early '09. Shikago, 190 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603, 312-781-7300.
 
Copperblue---once located in Lake Point Tower---has closed. Its chef, Victor Newgren, has moved on to Lawry's The Prime Rib. Copperblue, 505 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-527-1200.
 
How's this for a record: after just weeks in business, Mantou Noodle Bar quickly closed. And there's a lot of controversy behind it. But apparently the gist is the place---owned by Lissy Peace and David Richards (Sweet & Savories, Barcello's)---will reopen soon with Rick Spiros' menu (and a new chef) in place. Mantou Noodle Bar, 1633 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773-772-8688.
 
Jacky Pluton's months-old Haussmann Brasserie is no more. Rumor has it, he'll reopen a different concept, a low-key tavern, in its place. Haussmann Brasserie, 305 S. Happ Rd., Northfield, IL 60093, no phone.
 
Hamburger Mary's is expanding and, as a result, Andersonville staple Tomboy shuttered. Tomboy, 5402 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640, no phone.
 
Jerry Kleiner plans to reconcept Room 21 in early 2009 as a regional Italian restaurant with a different name. Heading the kitchen will be Jim Kilberg (Coco Pazzo Café, Gioco). No word yet on what's next for chef Dan Tucker. Room 21, 2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60616, 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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