The downturn in the economy has already claimed some victims in the restaurant industry – most recently New American steakhouse Avenue M closed. But others are looking for ways to adapt. River North's Brasserie Ruhlmann has closed temporarily, with plans to remodel and reopen in a month. Meanwhile, the owners of Japanese izakaya Shochu
in Lakeview have decided to turn their restaurant into a second branch of Deleece (called Deleece Grill). It's opening tonight, serving American comfort food staples like mac 'n' cheese.