Serving traditional Italian and “scaloppine” of everything – veal, calamari, chicken, portobellos, etc. – Frankie’s Scaloppine is set to open by late February, joining Frankie’s Fifth Floor Pizzeria in a friendly Lettuce Entertain You takeover of Tucci Benucch, which closed on January 5th (900 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-266-2500).
Tony Hu and the Lao Sze Chuan clan have expanded their Chinese culinary horizons with new family member Lao Beijing, which has been serving Szechuan and Beijing-style chow since January 1st (2138 S. Archer Ave.; 312-881-0168). Now they're about to open Lao Shanghai (2163 S. China Pl.; 312-808-0830).
Look for a dinner-only spin-off of Logan Square's Lula to open this summer in red-hot Pilsen with Lula sous-chef Jason Vincent at the helm.