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News for Restaurants in Chicago
March 2011 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

It's not like Michael Kornick and David Morton (DMK Burger Bar) didn't have their hands full already. They're not ones to rest on their laurels, though: they opened simply named Fish Bar, complete with raw oysters and clams, plus a lobster roll, calamari a la plancha with black pepper, preserved lemon and chiles, and New England-style clam chowder. Fish Bar, 2956 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657, 773-687-8177.
 
Robert Nava of The Depot American Diner rose to acclaim after appearing on The Food Network. Now, he's partnered with the owner of Olive or Twist, an existing martini bar in Berwyn, to offer an elevated bar menu with a chophouse bent. That means you can now pair your watermelon martini with a Cobb salad, get 30 beers for under $5 and score apple wood-smoked pork chops with sage broth and cheese grits. Olive or Twist, 6906 Windsor Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402, 708-484-1808.
 
Eric Aubriot---of more restaurants than one can easily list---has resurfaced at Lure Izakaya Pub, a seafood-centric spot in the Chinatown Mall. On the menu from the Rhapsody and Custom House Tavern alum: littleneck clams steamed in sweet bonito-saké broth, tempura avocado spritzed with lime, and bacon-wrapped scallops with tea-honey-citrus marmalade. Lure Izakaya Pub, 2017 S. Wells St., First Fl., Chicago, IL 60616, 312-225-8989.
 
Carryout may never have had it so good once Real Kitchen opens. The ever-changing venture combines the talents of Nick Schmuck (Charlie Trotter's), Shannon Dudas (North Pond) and elBulli vet and pastry chef Andrea C. Correa. Real Kitchen, 1433 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613, 773-281-2888.
 
Seek solace in solid eats from Bite Café, a revamped spot from Bruce Finkelman (The Empty Bottle, Longman & Eagle) and Rodney Staton (Topolobampo, Spiaggia, et. el). The Ukrainian Village haunt reopened with a menu of American eats, from artichoke fritters with rosemary aïoli to lemon-Aleppo chicken on pita with hummus, cojito, griddled tomatoes and sage oil. Bite Café, 1039 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-395-2483.
 
This just in: Jason Paskewitz, along with Ryan O'Donnell (both of Gemini Bistro), plan to open Rustic House in Lincoln Park. The menu, among other things, will feature grilled and rotisserie-cooked meat and fare of the unfussy---but likely well executed---American variety. Rustic House, 1967 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614, no phone yet.
 
The Windy City is getting a branch of Michael Jordan's Steak House this summer. Opening in the InterContinental Chicago hotel in the current Zest space, this is the third branch of the basketball legend's steakhouse (the other locations are found in New York and Connecticut). Michael Jordan's Steak House, InterContinental Chicago, 505 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-944-4100.
 
Industry vet Mel Markon (formerly of Dixie Que) is back on the scene, opening Bia for Mia, an Italian pub of sorts with a toasted spaghetti-topped burger. Bia for Mia, 1147 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 312-266-0312.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for Hoyt's, opening in Hotel 71. There, Gabriel Kolofon will prep slow-roasted leg of lamb, sliders and a Reuben with house-made kraut. Hoyt's, Hotel 71, 840 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60601, 312-944-8400.
 
Kanela Breakfast Club answers the call of those who mourn the loss of Orange. Open in the same space, it has a local, organic bent to a.m. fare, which means everything from bacon waffles and french toast stuffed with Greek yogurt, jalapeño chutney and berries to a lamb burger finished with tzatziki, whipped feta and kalamatas. Kanela Breakfast Club, 3231 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657, 773-248-1622.
 
Martial Noguier (One sixtyblue, Café des Architectes) is settled in at Bistronomic, located in the old Eve address. Capitalizing on his experience employing French technique, Noguier whips up his mom's recipe for country pâté, plus a grilled cheese of the day and a savory tartine. There's also a thoughtful cheese selection, some of which may be ordered by the flight. Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-944-8400.
 
Look for The Black Sheep---a spot in the old May Street Market space---a spot from James Toland (ex-Lockwood), opening in early spring. Dustin Osuch (Joël Robuchon) and pastry chef Sarah Jordan (Blackbird) will be in the kitchen. The Black Sheep, 1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 312-997-5100.
 
Lodge-like Frontier---housing its own stuffed grizzly bear---made its debut. Brian Jupiter is in the kitchen, serving a wide array of oysters both raw and charbroiled, plus duck confit tacos, battered halibut cheeks and free-range buffalo hanger steak. Groups of diners who plan ahead can also dive into whole-animal feasts. Frontier, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 773-772-4322.
 
Chef Rick Bayless Rick Bayless has opened the first of two Tortas Fronteras in terminal 1 at O'Hare Airport; the second will open in terminal 3 come summer. The menu, which is similar to Xoco, also features a guacamole bar with add-ins from bacon to sun-dried tomatoes. Tortas Frontera, 10000 W. O'Hare, Terminal 1 B11, Chicago, IL 60666, no phone yet.
 
After a soft opening, Homaro Cantu (Moto) has truly rolled out the red carpet for Ing. Located in the one-time home of Otom and overseen by Cantu and Thomas Bowman, it features a lower-level kitchen table serving miracle berry-themed dishes. And there are two additional kitchens in the main dining room, which serve fare by the hour, all-but-impromptu. Ing, 951 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, 855-834-6464.
 
The Melman brothers have officially opened Paris Club in the old Brasserie Jo space, its menu, designed by Jean Joho (Everest) and executive chef Tim Graham (Brasserie Jo, TRU). Among the highlights are scallop and uni tartare, sweet frites, short rib bourguignon and vegetable cassoulet. There's also caviar by the ounce and Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir on tap. Paris Club, 59 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-595-0800.
 
Newcomer Prix Fixe is pretty much like it sounds: a set-price, European-bent concept, one that's low-lit and lined with photography. On the plate, expect dishes crafted from local ingredients, served from a fully visible kitchen in the corner. John Fuente (Spruce, The Pump Room, Zinfandel) and his wife, Alisa Gaylon, are behind the venture. Prix Fixe, 4835 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625, 773-681-0651.
 


News Bytes
To the Food Desert
Randy Zweiban has opened a second location of Province in The Westin Phoenix Downtown---that's right, in Arizona. Find it at 333 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Ariz., 602-429-3600. Province, 161 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, IL 60661, 312-669-9900.
 
Get Your Goat
"Top Chef" Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat) plans to open The Little Goat, a three-squares American diner, this fall. Stay tuned for details. Girl & The Goat, 809 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-492-6262.
 
New River North Hot-spot
Sprawling, two-story Hubbard Inn is among the newest hot-spots in River North. It's adorned with worldly details---mosaic tiles, ancient books, antique furniture---and the menu from Bob Zrenner (North Pond, Branch 27) holds interest aplenty. What can't we wait to try? Most of all, the chorizo brandade; white anchovy, olive, capers and sheep's milk ricotta flatbread; and a small plate of roasted Delicata squash stuffed with kale, apples, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and blue cheese in vanilla-port reduction. Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-222-1331.
 
This Brew’s for You
Goose Island Brewery continues its brewmaster series, pairing with Chicago chefs to create limited edition beers. This year, both Jared Wentworth (Longman & Eagle) and Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse) will add their two cents. Goose Island Brewery, 1800 N. Clybourn St., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-915-0071.
 

Chef Shuffle

KDK Restaurants alum Beverly Kim Clark is now chef de cuisine at Aria Restaurant & Bar. Aria Restaurant & Bar, The Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, 312-444-9494.
 
Jackie Shen, who vacated Red Light, has stepped in as chef at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. No drastic changes to the menu are expected just yet. Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-329-1800.
 
Aja has a new-ish chef, Ariel Bagadlong, who has been working in the kitchen since the hotel-centered spot opened. He'll debut a new seasonal spring menu soon. aja, Dana Hotel & Spa, 660 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-202-6050.
 
In some of the biggest news this month, Ryan Poli split with Perennial to open Tavernita at 151 W. Erie St., along with the Mercadito crew. In his place is Paul Virant, who will split time between the restaurant and his first love, Vie. Perennial, Park View Hotel, 1800 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-981-7070.
 
John Manion (ex-Mas) has left Branch 27 to open a cool, casual, mid-size spot in the Wicker Park area. Branch 27, 1371 Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 312-850-2700.
 


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.

NoMI has temporarily closed to renovate and revamp. When it reopens this summer, Ryan LaRoche will roll out a new---though still sushi and French-minded---menu. NoMI, Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-239-4030.
 
Al Primo Canto shuttered its Clark Street galeteria, though the Devon Avenue outpost remains open. Al Primo Canto, 749 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654, no phone.
 
Lincoln Park pie purveyor Francesca's Pizzeria Napoletana has closed its doors. Francesca’s Pizzeria Napoletana, 2423 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, no phone.
 
Despite the popularity of funky sausages, fRedhots & Fries has served its last dog. fRedhots & Fries, 1707 Chestnut Ave., Glenview, IL 60025, no phone.
 
Brunch darling Treat has called it quits. Treat, 1616 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, no phone.
 
Adesso in the Lakeview neighborhood has closed its doors. Adesso, 3332 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60657, no phone.
 
In one fell swoop, Jerry Kleiner announced the closings of Red Light (820 W. Randolph St.) and Gioco (1312 S. Wabash Ave.). Word is, he'll be looking to reopen Gioco, but Red Light is gone for good.
 

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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