News for Restaurants in Chicago November 2012 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 Curtis Duffy's long-in-coming Grace has begun taking reservations. Look for it in December. Grace, 652 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661, 312-234-9494.   A gastropub called Pl-zen has opened in the --- wait for it --- Pilsen neighborhood. Albert Benitez (Kuma's Corner, Gioco) is in the kitchen, and he's dishing up wild boar meatballs with raisins and pine nuts. Pl-zen, 1519 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608, 312-733-0248.   Cine has opened in Hinsdale, with Yanitzin Sanchez (Sabor Saveur) as its chef. That means it's possible to get a fix of tinga tostaditas, mole negro chicken and enchiladas blanketed in red pepper-almond crema sauce without ever leaving the 'burbs. Cine, 29 E. First St., Hinsdale, IL 60521, 630-590-5655.   Anne Carlson and Cody Modeer (In Fine Spirits) are about to open Ward Eight, a cocktail lounge in Evanston. It'll pair local and craft liquor concoctions with eats from Marianne Sundquist, the former chef of In Fine Spirits. Ward Eight, 629 W. Howard St., Evanston, IL 60202, 773-369-4911.   The folks behind Greektown's Athena Greek Restaurant plan to open Bellwether in the old P.J. Clarke's space. The word is it'll serve American eats, a few staples from its sib and a line-up of craft cocktails and brews. Look for it this winter. Bellwether, 302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611, no phone.   Restaurateur Amy Morton and chef Nicole Pederson, who was most recently executive chef at C-House, have opened Found in Evanston. The menu features eclectic New American fare with dishes such as bacon and leek flat bread, a squash and mushroom open-faced sandwich with kale pesto and tofu, and fried oyster tacos with bacon and tomatillos. Found, 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201, 847-868-8945.   News Bytes New Project from Billy Lawless Billy Lawless (The Gage, Henri) plans to open an American spot in the space that housed Orange. The menu will focus on dishes turned from a wood-burning grill. Look for it sometime this spring. Its name has yet to be revealed, but it's expected to be located at 730 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 60654. The Gage, 24 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603, 312-372-4243.   New Cookbook from Chef Rick Bayless Chef Rick Bayless (Topolobampo, Frontera Grill) released a new cookbook in November entitled Frontera: Margaritas, Guacamoles and Snacks. Recipes include the Quintessential Strawberry Margarita and summer guacamole with grilled sweet corn and roasted jalapeños. Frontera Grill, 445 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-661-1434.   Chef Shuffle Curtis Hawk is now the executive chef at ZED451, where a casual flatbread-driven menu has been introduced for scene-seeking roof-dwellers. ZED451, 739 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-266-6691.   Russell Bry (Scoozi, Wildfire, Shaw's Crab House) is Giordano's new chef, and he's shaking things up with a new menu, which includes a six-inch, caramel-laden apple pie; more salads; and pizzas with updated toppings like balsamic onions and pesto chicken. Giordano's, 730 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-951-0747.   Christian Fantoni, ex-Filini, is now the exec chef at 437 Rush. Filini sous chef William Johnson has stepped into the role Fantoni vacated. 437 Rush, 437 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-222-0101.   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. Seven years after opening, Custom House Tavern has closed its doors. Peter Drohomyrecky and Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky will continue to focus on Maison Brasserie and Eggy's. Custom House Tavern, 500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605, no phone.   Zak's Place in Hinsdale has closed up shop, shortly after its five-year anniversary. Zak's Place, 112 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, IL 60521, 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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