News for Restaurants in Chicago February 2009 Archive Search / Openings / Closings / Chef Shuffle / News Bytes / Culinary Events / Wine Dinners / Sign up for our free, monthly newsletter / News Archive 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 Mercadito, a New York taqueria and cevicheria, will open in River North this spring. Known primarily for its tacos---with homemade tortillas---you'll find about a dozen downsized versions, all served in the former Pomme Rouge space. Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60654, 212-529-6490.   Whether you're a fan of wings or world flavors, Wings Around the World aims to please. The carryout venture sports a menu with more than 50 sauces inspired by Mexican, Indian, Japanese and Greek cuisine, among others. Maple-kissed nibbles nod to Canada, while Parmesan-garlic puts on the Italian charm. Wings Around the World, 510 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619, 773-483-9120.   Warming British food is the focus of Edgewater's Bananas Foster, but its name more-than-hints at the fact that its namesake will appear both in cocktail and dessert form, giving you good reason to chow down your fish ‘n' chips. Bananas Foster, 1147 W. Granville Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, 773-262-9855.   Tired of the same old, same old? Taxim may cure what ails you. This spring it's offering dishes such as coriander-scented fava beans with lamb confit, and oven-roasted whole dorade with dandelion salad. Dinner Wed.-Mon.. Taxim, 1558 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-252-1558.   If you're craving Indian but can't make it to Devon, there's newcomer Chutney Joe's, a South Loop spot where you can grab your chicken tikka masala and raita to go. Chutney Joe’s, 511 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605, 312-341-9755.   Chocoholics have a new place to get their fix since the opening of Chocolatines, from French Pastry School-trained Rieko Wada. The edibles have a fashion-bent, so expect to find not only chocolate-covered almonds but also gem-inspired goodies infused with pink peppercorn, passion fruit and chai. Chocolatines, 1101 Tower Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173, 224-653- 2700.   West suburbanites who are hankering for hibachi will find their faves at Naperville newcomer Shinto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, an offshoot of the Strongsville, Ohio, spot of the same name. Steaks, seafood and poultry, cooked teppanyaki-style, are stars. Sushi and saké sweeten the pot. Shinto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, 1778 N. Aurora Rd., Ste. 108, Naperville, IL 60563, 630-637-8899.   News Bytes A Kitchen Nightmare The end result remains to be seen, but Café 36 recently appeared on "Kitchen Nightmares" and is hoping for a turnaround after a grueling experience with Gordon Ramsay, its host and chef. Café 36, 22 Calendar Ave., La Grange, IL 60525, 708-354-5722.   Stars Get in His Eyes Grant Achatz (Alinea) is expected to begin shooting a documentary this year with R. J. Cutler (The September Issue). It's likely to focus on the chef as well as American dining as a whole. Alinea, 1723 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-867-0110.   Better Bingo Bucktown's bin wine café has launched B-I-N-G-O Sundays. From 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., guests compete for wine, wine accessories, gift certificates and items from Bucktown retailers. There's a $20 food and drink requirement per person to play. bin wine café, 1559 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-486-2233.   Chef Shuffle Alan Shikami has launched the new Shikago with James Okuno as chef. The place is already becoming known for its "sizzle plates," a lunchtime offering for which customers select a meat and sauce and get the dish served with a heap of mashed potatoes. Shikago, 190 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603, 312-781-7300.   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. For now, you'll have to get your taste of Puglia somewhere other than Macello, as it's closed at present after a fire. Macello, 1235 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-850-9871.   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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