New Restaurants
| Name |
Address |
City |
Phone |
| Avenue M |
691-695 N. Milwaukee Ave. |
Chicago |
312-243-1133 |
| Birch River Grill |
75 W. Algonquin Rd. |
Arlington Heights |
847-427-4242 |
| Olé Olé |
5413 N. Clark St. |
Chicago |
773-293-2222 |
| Riccardo Trattoria |
2119 N. Clark St. |
Chicago |
773-549-0038 |
| Sage Grille |
260 Green Bay Rd. |
Highwood |
847-433-7005 |
| Tagine |
4749 N. Rockwell St. |
Chicago |
773-989-4340 |
New Nightspots
| Name |
Address |
City |
Phone |
| Central, The |
3466 N. Clark St. |
Chicago |
773-880-2222 |
| Cobra Lounge |
235 N. Ashland Ave. |
Chicago |
312-226-6300 |
| Red-I |
2201 S. Wentworth Ave. |
Chicago |
312-927-7334 |
| Virgin Lounge |
123 N. Halsted St. |
Chicago |
312-474-0123 |
Coming Soon
La Petite Amelia
Evanston will gain this classic French bistro from Robert LaPata (ex Koi, Brasserie Jo) in late spring (618 Church St., 847-328-3333).
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Omaggia
Not content to cook only French (see La Petite Amelia above), multitasking chef Robert LaPata is also developing this Italian concept in Evanston at 1639 Orrington Avenue (at least he can run back and forth between ventures). Expect the juggling act to start in the fall.
The Studio Gallery Restaurant & Wine Cellar
Coming in June to quaint Long Grove (360 Historical Ln.; 847-634-4244) is this New American fine-dining destination; located in an existing art gallery housed in a modern barnlike structure, it will boast a terrace for outdoor dining.
Table
Personal chef to Oprah and cookbook author Art Smith is planning a summer launch for this cozy New American eatery in the Gold Coast (52 W. Elm St.); the menu will feature mostly organic ingredients prepared in a wood-fired oven, and there will be gourmet takeout.
Good Deals and Other News
On Thursday nights, this Logan Square Italian dishes up a three-course deal featuring any app, entree and dessert off its menu, including daily specials, for only $19.95.
This kooky chain's new branch in Evanston (1622 Sherman Ave.) is slated to open in the summer.
The Great Lakes Fish House
The owners of Bin 36 have transformed their Lincolnshire location into this seafood specialist. Look for more information in the June ZagatWire.
Now that it's debuted a top-shelf tea program, it should come as no surprise that this Mag Mile sophisticate has appointed a tea sommelier. From a long line of tea connoisseurs, Bou Chu has been a manager at the restaurant for several years, giving him an intricate understanding of the menu.
Has opened a River Forest outpost at 7215 W. Lake Street (708-488-9800).
Will open a Glenview location mid-May at The Glen, 2601 Aviator Ln. (847-510-1100).
Owner/wine columnist Andy Andresky's impressive collection of wines by the bottle is 25% off on Mondays.
John Bubala's Italian reincarnation of Thyme offers a nightly $35 three-course prix fixe that enables diners to choose anything they like off the regular menu.
- Banana Moon
- Heaven on Seven (Wrigleyville)
- Strega Nona
- 302 West