New Restaurants
New Nightspots
Coming Soon
This gay and ***–friendly hamburger chain is bringing its creative burgers – along with late-night service and a side of live entertainment – to Andersonville (5400 N. Clark St.; 773-784-6969).
Hilary's Urban Eatery
Though this longtime Wicker Park favorite was shuttered several months ago, owner Hilary Farrell is planning a fall reopening in a smaller, more upscale setting – a century-old barn (1630 W. Division St.). The Eclectic menu will be expanded to feature more health-food options, as well as brick-oven fare.
Osteria di Tramonto/Tramonto's Steak and Seafood
This casual Italian cafe and upscale surf 'n' turfer, both slated for fall openings in Wheeling's new Westin Hotel (601 N. Milwaukee Ave.), are the first planned by Tru chef team Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand's new development partnership with Cenitare Restaurant Group. The duo will continue their responsibilities at their high-scoring Streeterville sensation.
Good Deals and Other News
Top-Shelf Tipples Too Much?
Astronomically priced cocktails continue to hit menus apace (whether or not they're just for show is up for debate). Nine serves a $69 "Ultimate Margarita" made from Herradura Seleccion Suprema tequila, Del Maguey Single Village mezcal and 150th Anniversary Edition Grand Marnier that's topped with pomegranate and lime juices and served in a Riedel O Series stemless Bordeaux glass, while Entourage on American Lane shakes up a $100 "Gold Digger" with Daron 1947 Calvados, 150th Anniversary Edition Grand Marnier, blueberry puree, simple syrup and sour mix, then pours it into a hand-painted take-home martini glass rimmed with edible gold flakes. High rollers can also head to NoMi, which pairs 1985 Royal Reserve tea, among China's rarest and priced at $10,000 a pound, with Frapin Cuvée Rabelais Cognac ($700), or the Victor Hotel, which offers "Fabergé Imperial Vodka" bottle service ($2,000) complete with lead crystal decanter and 24-karat gold embossed shot glasses nestled within an enameled Fabergé egg that guests can take home. Meanwhile, groups with cash to burn might consider Sangria's six-person "Ultimate Margarita Gigante," a blend of Corzo, Patron, Don Julio or Tres Generaciones tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice and sour mix served with six straws ($70), or Nacional 27 bar chef Adam Seger's "Million Dollar Mojito" (actually a few less zeros at $100), which serves four and features Grey Goose vodka and Krug Grande Cuvée.
For a limited time, some of this haute spot's arty custom-made service pieces will be offered for sale. Visit www.crucialdetail.com for images and contact information. The full line is expected to be available later this fall.
The Berghoff
The original bar area of the late, lamented Loop stalwart is currently undergoing construction; it will reopen under new owners, who have yet to decide upon a name and culinary concept.
Brett's Café Americain
Budget-minded early birds flock to Roscoe Village for a $15 three-course prix fixe dinner offered Wednesday–Saturday from 5–6:30 PM.
A collaboration of Cooking Light magazine and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, the new Cooking Light @ foodlife kiosk offers Water Tower shoppers lighter options with less calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol. Three plasma screens display the menu, which features selections like chile roasted salmon, turkey sloppy joes and Caesar chicken pasta salad.
Is now open on Sundays from 4:30–10:30 PM, when regular menu items are half-price for children 12 and under, with each child receiving a free non-alcoholic Bellini.
Turnabout is fair play at these sister hipsters, where diners at either restaurant (Sunday–Wednesday throughout April) will each receive a $50 gift certificate to the other (no minimum purchase required; minimum $75 purchase to redeem certificate, valid through June).
This Wicker Park South American offers a Tuesday half-price discount deal on bottles of wine and a Wednesday three-course prix fixe dinner paired with wine and spirits for $45.
The Wacker Drive location's Bar 12-21 (named for its opening date) offers $1–$3 "bar bites" for the after-work contingent (4–6:30 PM) and the post-theater crowd (9:30–11 PM); dishes include signatures like mini-cheeseburgers, petite filet mignon sandwiches, potato skins and colossal shrimp (312-201-0410).
Next month, Phil Stefani's Navy Pier seafood stalwart will open a second location in Naperville at 2020 Calamos Ct. (630-718-1010).
Romeo Romeo
Wherefore art thou? Right now, nobody knows; this Wicker Park trattoria has closed, though the answering machine suggests a reopening in an unnamed location.
Since the exit of chef Robert Sulatycky, Ritz-Carlton exec chef Kevin Hickey has been manning the kitchens of both of these sister properties; now, former Ritz sous-chef Mark Payne will assume the top spot at the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room, and Hickey will switch permanently to Seasons.
Can't get a seat at this Lakeview hot spot? Try their convenient curbside pickup (773-327-3868).
Bid farewell to superstar sommelier Henry Bishop, who departed after 21 years and is replaced by protégé Denise Beckman; Bishop has not announced any future plans.
- Butera Ristorante
- Cork Wine Bar
- Eclectic
- Romeo Romeo