Celeb chef/author/TV personality Art Smith’s long-awaited comfort-food spot, TABLE fifty-two, is set to open on July 31st in the former Albert’s Café & Patisserie space on the Gold Coast. Look for a cozy cottage atmosphere, a temporary BYO policy and a second-floor chocolate-and-tea salon (52 W. Elm St.; 312-573-4000).
Tavern at the Park, the much-anticipated Millennium Park American entry from the Keefers' team, also opens on July 31st in a handsome, modern space with spectacular park views (130 E. Randolph St.; 312-552-0070).
Philadelphia star restaurateur Jose Garces (Amada, Tinto) will finally open an outpost in the Windy City (his hometown!) later this year. Mercat, which means “market” in Catalan, will focus on upscale Barcelonan-style tapas and charcuterie dispensed from an open kitchen. The setting – on the street level of the renovated Blackstone Hotel on South Michigan Avenue – will include soaring ceilings and much marble (636 S. Michigan Ave.).