New Restaurants
New Nightspots
Coming Soon
Hotel 71
This hotel, which is undergoing renovations and will be renamed Solís Hotel & Spa, has plans to open an as yet unnamed New American restaurant in the spring. It will be headed by Marco Bustamante, formerly of per se in NYC and Victor's Grill in the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.
New York's renowned Italian (which consistently earns high ratings in that city's Survey) will soon invade the Gold Coast (1150 N. Dearborn St., 312-440-8888) with the regional fare of Abruzzi.
May Street Market
New American cuisine and value-priced wines will tempt Near Westers when this casually upscale restaurant opens later this winter (1132 W. Grand Ave., 312-421-5547).
T-Spot Sushi
This Japanese newcomer with a serious tea program is under construction at 3925 North Lincoln Avenue (773-549-4500).
Good Deals and Other News
Blowing Smoke
After a long, drawn-out battle, Chicago restaurants are headed for a seat on the no-smoking bandwagon. A recent decision by the City Council will ban smoking in restaurants without bars beginning January 16th; for free-standing taverns and walled-off bars (attached to restaurants that derive at least 65% of their revenue from the sale of alcohol), the air clearing is delayed till July 1, 2008.
What's the Big Idea?
A lightbulb went off over the heads of local restaurant designers, and suddenly everyone started installing hanging light fixtures with enormous shades fit for a Lily Tomlin skit. Three newcomers on the large-light list are Extra Virgin, Fulton's on the River and Saltaus.
Southwest Suburban Orland Park gets its Louie location (14335 S. LaGrange Rd., 708-873-9999).
The least a restaurant can do for diners during a Chicago winter is give them a free cocktail on Sundays from 11 AM–3 PM. Brunch-goers at this New American can choose theirs from a list of Bellinis, Bloodies and other pick-me-ups.
Offers any bottle on its wine list under $100 for half-price every Tuesday.
Has dished up a second location in Ravenswood (1813 W. Montrose Ave.; 773-348-0400).
Takes the chill off with soup flights throughout January (celebrating National Soup Month). Three mini versions of the restaurants' specialty soups go for $6.95, with flavors including French onion au gratin, Yukon gold potato and Brie, and winter root vegetables with crème fraîche.
Motel
Treats patrons bearing tickets (or stubs) from The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts to a free drink of their choice, before or after the performance.
On Monday nights (7–10 PM), Rockit's "Taste it" series features a group of selected wines discounted by 50%, with representatives from both the restaurant and the wineries on hand to answer questions and discuss the pours.
Though this Market District small-plate destination just opened after long delays, namesake chef Michael Taus has already bowed out, with Brad Phillips, who has cooked at Blackbird and NoMI, set to take over the kitchen.
- Charlie's on Leavitt
- Trader Vic's