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News for Restaurants in Chicago
December 2009 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

Who doesn't love a good cream puff? Judging from the popularity of Japan-based Beard Papa's, not many folks. Filled with custard-cream, they come in three standard flavors (vanilla, strawberry and chocolate), plus a changing flavor like green tea. Other treats include mochi and cheesecake as well as Illy coffee. Beard Papa’s, 108 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60602, 312-960-9000.
 
The Karen's Cooked concept has expanded with the opening of Karyn's on Green, a vegan restaurant serving imitations of beloved meat dishes, like fried "chicken." Karyn’s on Green, 130 S. Green St., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-226-6155.
 
Authentic French fare is the focus at newly opened Bistro Bordeaux in Evanston, which comes from Bordeaux native Pascal Berthoumieux. Frank Mnuk (ex-NoMI, Thomas Keller's Bouchon) is in the kitchen, prepping local, sustainably driven dishes. There's an affordable French wine list, too. Bistro Bordeaux, 618 Church St., Evanston, IL 60201, 847-424-1483.
 
Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar is going to open another outpost in Oak Brook on the outskirts of the mall. So, prepare to munch on massive lobster tails, Prime filets and martinis amidst a sea of suits. Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar, 2105 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, IL 60523, No phone yet.
 
Balsan and Ria have opened in the Elysian hotel. The former is casual, the latter is fancy-schmancy, global and dinner-oriented (as in gussied-up Peking duck for two). Ria, 11 E. Walton St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-880-4400.
 
Epic A new heavy hitter has hit River North: BLT Restaurant alum Stephen Wambach's Epic. The bi-level American eatery and lounge is dishing out spiced duck breast with kumquats and a foie gras crouton and Kobe rib-eyes. As if that's not enough, there's a former Charlie Trotter's and mk pastry chef in the house. Epic, 112 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-222-4940.
 


News Bytes
Gem of a Deal
Gemini Bistro has lowered the price of its three-course prix-fixe menu to $31 ($49 with wine). The thing is, diners won't suffer in the taste department with choices like roasted mushroom risotto with Parmigiano and white truffle oil and grilled hanger steak frites with maître d' butter, bordelaise and crispy frites. Gemini Bistro, 2075 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-525-2522.
 
Bait & Switch
"Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard, who has yet to open her highly anticipated restaurant, has changed its original name from Drunken Goat to Girl & the Goat. She's currently aiming for a spring 2010 opening. Girl & the Goat, 809-813 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606, No phone yet.
 

Chef Shuffle

Kendal Duque (ex-Sepia) is going to consult at Paolo Acuña's Cuna, which is coming at the beginning of the year. In addition to developing its menu, he'll be in the kitchen cooking---at least for now. Paolo Acuña's Cuna will be at 1113 W. Belmont Ave., 312-224-8588.
 
Atwood Café's Heather Terhune is leaving after a decade of service to oversee the soon-to-open gastrolounge Sable Kitchen & Bar at Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Chicago. House-made sausages and pretzels will be on the menu---plus loads of dishes using local ingredients. Atwood Café, Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602, 312-368-1900.
 
John Manion (Goose Island Brewery, Mas, Old Oak Tap) is now in the kitchen at Branch 27, and he has introduced a new menu, which includes tagliatelle with sweetbreads, house-made Jagerwurst and a cassoulet of lamb meatballs, braised pork belly and duck confit. Meanwhile, Goose Island has announced its replacement to fill Manion's void: Andrew Hroza, a certified cicerone (beer sommelier). Branch 27, 1371 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 312-850-2700.
 
Admittedly, we weren't huge fans of Eivissa---chef Dudley Nieto's Spanish experiment---when it opened. He has since returned to San Gabriel Mexican Cafe in Bannockburn, and Jorge Miranda (Adobo Grill) is in the kitchen whipping up Ibiza-inspired dishes. Eivissa, 1531 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-654-9500.
 
Given how quiet things were after his near-win on "Top Chef" season three, you might have forgotten about Dale Levitski (La Tache, Trio). But he's back, and he's upping the ante at Sprout, Lincoln Park's French-American hybrid that already has seen its share of changes. Sprout, 1417 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 773-348-0706.
 


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.

After less than a year in business, Michael Lachowicz's Wally & Agador's Gourmet Café has closed. Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Café, 3310 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657, no phone.
 
It's hard to believe---and certainly sad to see go---but 30-year institution Healthy Lithuanian has closed up shop. Healthy Lithuanian, 3236 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608, no phone.
 
Despite being super-sleek, Bluprint in the Merchandise Mart has closed its doors, citing its location as a major challenge. Bluprint, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, 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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