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News for Restaurants in Chicago
December 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

The time has come to check out Leopold, a Belgian-inspired spot in Noble Square manned by Jeffrey Hedin. Turn to dishes like a farmer's cheese pierogi; poutine topped with lamb sausage, gravy and St. Andre; and seared goose liver with almond-fig brioche, Brussels sprouts and apple sauce. Leopold, 1450 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 312-773-5601 .
 
A second installment of Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles has opened in Oak Park, serving a likeminded menu of its namesake. Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles, 543 W. Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60304, 708-524-3300.
 
Meli Café launched Meli Café on Grand, specializing in updated diner fare, house-made marmalade and both light and hearty lunch options, such as a honey-glazed chicken panini. Meli Café on Grand, 540 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-527-1850.
 
Grilled, baked pizza is the focus of Lincoln Park's Red Flame in the old Clybar space. There's lots of affordable wine on hand, too. Red Flame, 2417 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-462-0486.
 
It all happened so fast: Rob and Allie Levitt left Mado and were replaced by Brandon Baltzley. Mado has since closed, and Rob is opening The Butcher & Larder, a Noble Square butcher shop featuring cut-to-order meat from local farms. Demos (think butchering and sausage-making) will be offered. House-made charcuterie, Metropolis coffee and wife Allie's sweets will be available as well. The Butcher & Larder, 1026 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 773-687-8280.
 
Scott Harris is on fire. In addition to seeing success at Davanti Enoteca, he opened DiSotto Enoteca at 200 E. Chestnut St. beneath Francesca's on Chestnut; is reviving Gennaro's; is opening pizza joint Doughboys at 624 S. Racine Ave., 312-226-9300; and opened Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar, 1890 W. Main St., St. Charles. Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar, 1890 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174, 630-762-0200.
 
At long last, Graham Elliot's Grahamwich has opened, a counter-service sandwich spot serving a turkey confit number with candied yams, stewed cranberries and sage mayo on Hawaiian bread. Grahamwich, 615 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-624-9188.
 
Get a taste of Haitian food at Chez Violette, a newly opened spot specializing in Creole goat stew, griot (fried pork) and pâté patties in Rogers Park. Chez Violette, 2311 W. Howard St., Chicago, IL 60645, 773-961-7275.
 
David Richards (Sweets & Savories) has opened Bluette, serving riffs on French fare in a modern space in Wilmette. Dishes sound pretty straightforward, though: Lyonnaise salad, duck confit, poached lobster risotto. Bluette, 1162 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette , IL 60091, 847-853-8988.
 
Hit up West Loop's Haymarket Pub & Brewery, located where the Haymarket Square Riot occurred, for local brews. In addition to an extensive house, craft and Belgian beer selection, it features hearty eats, including a rotating selection of four house-made sausages, pizza, burgers and rotisserie chicken. Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661, 312-638-0700.
 
The folks behind Lottie's Pub and The Pony Inn plan to open Frontier with Brian Jupiter (Bella Lounge) as chef. Diners can gorge on whole, spit-roasted animals---lamb, boar, goat---and sides for a set price. Some of its meat will come from soon-to-open The Butcher & Larder. Frontier , 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 773-772-4322.
 


News Bytes Check back soon for more news.

Chef Shuffle

Ryan Fowler, who worked with Red Light's KDK Restaurant Group, will replace Jackie Shen at Red Light, updating the menu with items that include bulgogi beef flatbread. Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-733-8880.
 
Joe Wojciechowski (Sopa, Restaurant Michael) has filled the vacant chef role at Pensiero Ristorante, making him the fourth to hold the position in the last six months. Pensiero Ristorante, Margarita European Inn, 1566 Oak Ave., Evanston, IL 60201, 847-475-7779.
 
Coast Sushi Bar chef O-yep---that's what he's called---left to open Seadog Sushi Bar, 1500 W. Division St., Chicago, 773-235-8100. Coast Sushi Bar, 2045 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773-235-5775.
 
Jackie Shen will be leaving Red Light at the end of 2010. No word yet on who her replacement will be. Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-733-8880.
 
Greg Elliott (Ambria, Naha, Tournesol and Aubriot) has replaced Phillip Foss as the executive chef of Lockwood at The Palmer House Hilton. Among the temptations: pike with warm cauliflower custard, beluga lentils and orange-cumin carrots. Lockwood, Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., Lobby level, Chicago, IL 60603, 312-917-3404.
 


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.

Rob and Allie Levitt left Mado and were replaced by Brandon Baltzley. Shortly after, Mado closed its doors---at least for now. Mado, 1647 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, no phone.
 
It's sad but true. Spring served its last meal on New Year's Eve. Spring, 2039 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, no phone.
 
The Pump Room served its final meal on January 1. The space---and the Omni Ambassador East, where it resides---will get a revamp. At this time, it's unknown what comes next for the historic space. The Pump Room, Ambassador East Hotel, 1301 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610, no phone.
 
Natalie Zarzour will close Pasticceria Natalina, likely next fall when its lease runs out, so get her dreamy cannoli while you can. Pasticceria Natalina, 5406 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640, 773-989-0662.
 
Upscale Eve, which had been on the scene since 2008, closed its doors after New Year's Eve. It's unclear what chef Troy Graves' next move will be. Eve, 840 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 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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