Mar 20, 2020
Block Club Chicago | Hannah Alani, Alex Hernandez, Justin Laurence, Bob Chiarito | March 16, 2020
Owners urged the state to give emergency unemployment benefits to all hourly and salaried workers, eliminate payroll tax for business owners and call for rent and loan abatement for workers.
BUCKTOWN – Before Gov. JB Pritzker ordered the closure of all Illinois bars and restaurants amid a growing Coronavirus outbreak, some Chicago chefs and business owners were already weighing the pros and cons of closing.
On Sunday, a group of about 50 industry leaders met in Bucktown at Chef’s Special, 2165 N. Western Ave., to strategize next steps.
In a statement released Sunday night, the chefs and restaurant owners called on Pritzker to give emergency unemployment benefits to all hourly and salaried workers, eliminate payroll tax for business owners and call for rent and loan abatement for workers.
“We will not survive this closure without immediate, decisive action from the government,” the statement said. [SNIPPET]
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Mar 20, 2020
Eater Chicago | Ashok Selvam | March 18, 2020
Dining at a Distance has expanded to Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, and even Berlin.
Two people who have never met or communicated until Sunday have collaborated on the biggest and most comprehensive list of Chicago restaurants which are offering carryout and delivery to continue business as dining rooms across Illinois remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dining at a Distance is a Chicago-born directory of restaurants that are serving food for off-site consumption. The site, which launched Monday, united two people who before talking over the weekend were independently working on their own lists. [SNIPPET]
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Mar 14, 2020
Eater Chicago | Ashok Selvam | March 10, 2020
A superstar chef returns, a modern Filipino restaurant, and a Kosher-style deli highlight the lineup
See that golden orb in the sky, Chicago? That object is called the sun, and the city is starting to see more of it now as spring approaches. There’s also a diverse lineup of restaurant openings approaching. Arguably the year’s most highly anticipated restaurant headlines the group with the return of an acclaimed fine dining chef. Two New York imports, a downtown Chicago brewery, and a Jewish-style deli should provide plenty of excitement. Finally, a wife-and-husband’s all-day cafe and restaurant will bring some sunshine to Ukrainian Village.
The elephant in the room is how COVID-19 will affect the hospitality industry and if openings could be pushed back. There have been some rumblings of nervous restaurant investors worried that customers may begin staying at home. Conferences, like the International Housewares Association, have already been cancelled. Alinea Group co-founder Nick Kokonas tweeted “the hospitality industry is about to get crushed,” and asked Mayor Lori Lightfoot to intervene by temporarily lowering the city’s sales tax. Translation: the future is uncertain.
With that in mind, read on for Chicago’s most anticipated restaurant openings of spring. This list is alphabetical.
Crushed By Giants
Address: 600 North Michigan Avenue, River North
Key Players: Greg Shuff, Pat Sheerin
Construction should be finished by the end of March on this downtown brewpub. Greg Shuff, owner of DryHop, Roebuck, and Corridor brewing in Lakeview, continues to scale up with plans for expansions. They’ve hired chef Pat Sheerin (Trencherman, City Mouse) for creative tacos with tortillas made on site. Crushed by Giants will have a wide-ranging beer list with hop-forward brews and traditional and hazy IPAs. Owners are looking at a mid-April opening.
Ever
Address: 1330 West Fulton Market, West Loop
Key Players: Curtis Duffy, Michael Muser
Chicago doesn’t see as many fine dining openings, and given Grace’s backstory, folks are eager to see what Michael Muser and Curtis Duffy have to offer in Fulton Market. Muser said they’re in the finishing phases and hope to soon open. Muser, the sommelier at Grace, is once again teaming up with the superstar chef. Duffy hasn’t revealed his menu, except that it will be a two-and-a-half hour dinner and about 12 courses. Expect a luxurious, creative, and pricey experience.
Jeff & Jude’s
Address: 1024 North Western Avenue, Ukrainian Village
Key Player: Ursula Siker
Ursula Siker loves LA’s Kosher-style delis and wants to bring that feeling to Chicago. Siker, the former head baker at Hoosier Mama Pie Co., will showcase her roots in the former Lockdown space. Expect pastrami, brisket, and other traditional favorites. There will also be a full bar. Work continues on the build out, but Siker said they’re still on target for a spring debut.
Kasama
Address: 1001 North Winchester Avenue, West Town
Key Players: Genie Kwon, Tim Flores
The husband-and-wife team of chef Tim Flores and pastry chef Genie Kwon worked together at Oriole, one of the finest restaurants in Chicago. They departed to open their own restaurant. They’ll feature Kwon’s croissants and other French pastries during the day, with sandwiches for lunch. Flores will then serve a modern Filipino menu at night. Kasama is in its inspection phase, and could open soon.
Lure Fishbar
Address: 616 North Rush Street, River North
Key Players: John McDonald, Josh Capon, John Comerford
Lure Fishbar is known for its burger as much as its fish. It will make good money during the afternoons in River North as a power lunch destination. But Lure isn’t always buttoned up, offering “something for everyone,” ownership hopes. There’s variety in the menu with sushi and raw bar options, in addition to that burger. Lure takes over the former David Burke’s spot.
Mother’s Ruin
Address: 2943 North Milwaukee Avenue, Avondale
Key Players: Toby Maloney, Nick Pfannerstill, TJ Lynch, Richard Knap
Mother’s Ruin is a popular bar in Lower Manhattan. This is a low-key spot with fun cocktails; a classy dive, as the cliché goes. The bar’s main room seats 65 and there’s also a patio. It’ll also serve food and has plans on a riff on a Chicago classic: the humble pizza puff. A rep said early April is the latest opening estimate.
Robert Et Fils
Address: 4229 North Lincoln Avenue, North Center
Key Player: Rob Shaner
Refined French food comes to the former Kitsune space courtesy of Rob Shaner, a decorated chef who’s paying homage to his father. Shaner will feature a tasting menu and reservations will be available via Tock. He recently hired Cati Molnar, who spent the last nine months working for Grace veteran Bobby Schaffer at his Andersonville bakery, Lost Larson. The opening is projected for the first week of May, according to a rep.
SVN | Restaurant Resource Group’s Michael Elam participated in this transaction by representing the tenant.
Tales of Carlos Gaytán
Address: 720 North Clark Street, River North
Key Player: Carlos Gaytán
Tzuco has been warmly received by Chicagoans, as Carlos Gaytán and friends opened their modern Mexican restaurant in River North late in 2019. But fans of Gaytán and his hybrid French approach to Mexican cuisine are waiting for Tales of Carlos Gaytán, the chef’s fine dining entry. Gaytán recently opened the restaurant to the public for a one-time collaborative dinner with a pair of his friends, who happen to be acclaimed Mexican chefs. But there’s no formal opening date for the restaurant. Gaytán, ever the tinkerer, said he’s still playing with the tasting menu. He wants to distinguish the offerings compared to what he came up with at Ha in Playa Del Carmen. An opening should happen soon.
Urbanspace Loop
Address: 15 West Washington Boulevard, Loop
Key Players: Eldon Scott, Roberta’s Pizza
Now slated for a late April or early May opening, Chicago’s latest food hall is coming to the Loop from a company with tons of operating experience from multiple food halls in New York. This is the first Urbanspace destined for Chicago. A rep said the second — inside the Willis Tower — should open in August. A big draw at both will be Roberta’s pizza, a Brooklyn neo-Neapolitan pie maker with light crusts, gourmet toppings, and stretchy mozzarella. Stay tuned for details on the food hall’s full lineup.
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Mar 7, 2020
Hoodline | March 6, 2020
In search of a new favorite Japanese spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end Japanese restaurants around Chicago, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you’re on the hunt.
1. Kai Zan
2557 W. Chicago Ave.
Topping the list is Kai Zan. Located at 2557 W. Chicago Ave. (between Rockwell Street and Maplewood Avenue.) in West Town, the sushi bar, Asian fusion and Japanese spot is the most popular high-end Japanese restaurant in Chicago, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,017 reviews on Yelp. On the menu, look for the Orange Rush, featuring scallops wrapped in salmon with a citrus glaze.
The site can tell you a thing or two more about Kai Zan.
“Kai Zan is the brainchild of local sushi legends Melvin & Carlo Vizconde,” per the history section of the business’s Yelp profile. “Also known as the sushi twins. With modern and traditional cooking techniques the twins will create an omakase dinner experience that you will come back for over and over again.”
In terms of signature items, “Kai Zan offers a one-two punch with the culinary creativity of identical twin chefs Melvin and Carlo Vizconde,” it states on Yelp in the section explaining specialties. “Customers can state their personal taste preferences upon arrival and then take delight in the individualized maki and sushi creations.”
2. Sunda Chicago
110 W. Illinois St.
Next up is River North’s Sunda Chicago, situated at 110 W. Illinois St. With four stars out of 2,805 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar, Asian fusion and Japanese spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. The menu includes gluten-free and vegan options.
The site has lots more information about Sunda Chicago.
“Sunda is named after the prehistoric Southeast Asian landmass which, when the glaciers melted after the last ice age and water levels rose to create new trade routes, became a rich culinary intermingling of cultures, spices, ingredients and cooking styles,” the business states in the history section of its Yelp profile. “Helmed by renowned Executive Chef Jess DeGuzman, Sunda showcases modern and progressive takes on traditional dishes from Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and the rest of the Southeast Asian Island region, celebrating both the area’s cuisine and culture. Sunda is cut from the fabric of what embodies all Rockit Ranch Production venues — by allowing options and flexibility on the menu, it affords the guest the ability to choose the dining experience of their liking without sacrificing amazing food quality, excellent service or highly sophisticated surroundings.”
In terms of signature items, “Sunda New Asian is an award-winning restaurant at the vanguard of America’s New Asian movement showcasing Eastern Asian and Southeast Asian regional cuisine,” it states on Yelp in the section about specialties. “Simple, flavorful dishes are served and shared while a full sushi bar provides an assortment of sushi, sashimi and nigiri options. The beverage program revolves around a progressive list of premium sakes, Asian beers, champagnes, wine and a seasonal craft cocktail list.”
3. Roka Akor
456 N. Clark St.
Roka Akor, a sushi bar, steakhouse and Japanese spot in River North, is another high-traffic, pricey go-to, with four stars out of 1,181 Yelp reviews. Head over to 456 N. Clark St. to see for yourself. Look for dumplings and miso soup on the menu.
Regarding signature items, “Roka Akor is a stylish prime steak, seafood and sushi restaurant that features Robatayaki style ‘open charcoal’ cuisine that is located in Chicago,” it writes on Yelp in the section highlighting specialties. “The freshest fish is flown in daily, and sushi and sashimi are carefully handpicked by region and seasonality.”
4. Momotaro
820 W. Lake St.
Over in West Town, check out Momotaro, which has earned four stars out of 996 reviews on Yelp. Treat yourself at the sushi bar and Japanese spot, which offers noodles and more, by heading over to 820 W. Lake St. (between Green and Halsted streets). The spot also offers sashimi and rice on the menu.
The site can tell you a thing or two more about Momotaro.
“Much like the Japanese delicacy it is named for, Momotaro takes root in the vibrant Fulton Market District,” the business says in the history section of its Yelp profile. “Momotaro continues the philosophy of chef-driven concepts focusing on tightly executed cuisine and highly personalized service.”
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Feb 29, 2020
InsideHook | Amanda Topper | February 28, 2020
Ever wonder what a bar from the Cards Against Humanity crew would look like?
To keep tabs on every Chicago restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
Sam & Gertie’s
Uptown – 1309 W. Wilson Ave.
You’re here because: The words “vegan” and “Jewish deli” aren’t typically found in the same sentence.
You’re dining on: This casual counter service spot opened in the former Longacre space in Uptown and is serving vegans and non-vegans alike. Try vegan versions of standard deli fare, from pastrami and smoked whitefish salad to babkas and black-and-white cookies. Standouts include The Levin (pastrami, sauerkraut, 1000 island and melted Swiss) and bagel sandwiches like the Goldie’s Laks (cold-cured laks, tomato, red onion, cucumber, dill and pickled cream cheese).
Hayden Hall
Loop – 333 S. Wabash Ave.
You’re here because: You haven’t had enough of Chicago’s food hall craze.
You’re dining on: Twelve different dining options, from fried chicken sandwiches at 10Q to Italian comfort-food classics at Victory Italian to vegetarian fare from Mana Food Bar to hand rolls at Anaba Handroll Bar. The impressive space’s design is inspired by the Chicago’s World’s Fair and features whimsical murals and light fixtures and floor-to-ceiling windows. Those looking for a quick Loop lunch can grab hot and cold food from the self-serve salad bar, while a new outpost of Ada St. provides a full service dining option. Ample seating, outlets and free wifi make Hayden Hall an ideal remote work location as much as a suitable lunch or dinner hangout.
Mundano
Lincoln Park – 1935 N. Lincoln Park West
You’re here because: You’re a fan of Ross Henke, the chef from now-closed Quiote.
You’re dining on: Globally influenced plates in the old The Blanchard space. Start with snacks like savory churros with Manchego or celery root crab fritters with smoked aioli and celery salad. Larger shared plates include the Dan Dan Noodles with lamb chorizo, chile morita, garlic, sesame, broccoli rabe, “mexiracha” peanuts, and a sirloin with charred cabbage Bearnaise and pickled tomatillos. Mundano’s beverage program highlights Latin American spirits and natural wines. Enjoy a meal in the capacious dining room festooned with brass light fixtures and a white marble chef’s counter.
Dorothy
Ukrainian Village – 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
You’re here because: You want a cocktail before or after dining at Chef Zoe Schor’s Split-Rail.
You’re dining on: The basement lounge below Split-Rail excels in boozy drinks meant to be savored in the relaxing environment. Think plush couches and funky retro decor, plus bleacher-like seating for larger groups. Cocktails include the “Celestials, Too” with earl grey crema-infused vodka, grapefruit, lemon and mace, plus plenty of beers on draft, including a Pilot Project Brewing custom brew.
Chicago Board Game Cafe
Bucktown – 1965 N. Milwaukee Ave.
You’re here because: You want a game night out with friends (including 300+ board games and two escape rooms) from the team behind the popular Cards Against Humanity.
You’re dining on: Asian plates from executive chef Aaron McKay of Schwa in between games at the 14,000-square-foot cafe. The space is set up like a town square, with various rooms and seating ideal for group gaming. Snack on popcorn tossed with coconut oil, chicken skin, pho spice, lime and chile, or pineapple skewers seasoned with Li Hing, a salty dried plum powder from Hawaii. Larger options include huaraches, masa cakes with Chihuahua cheese and salsa topped with braised pork collar or mushrooms, while dessert includes a Turkish Coffee Affogato featuring cardamom frozen custard.
Sushi Suite 202
Lincoln Park – 1816 N. Clark St.
You’re here because: You love fine dining but not the stuffiness that can sometimes accompany it.
You’re dining on: If you’re always on the hunt for the most unique dining experiences, you’re in for a treat at Sushi Suite. The restaurant is housed inside a second-floor hotel suite at Hotel Lincoln. While some sushi experiences can feel pretentious, Sushi Suite gives off a sexy but casual lounge vibe. The permanent restaurant concept features a 17-course omakase experience at a six-seat sushi bar, with each course prepared in front of you. Pair your sushi adventure with a rotating house cocktail or belly up to the self-serve sake machine. The tucked-away location, carefully calibrated hospitality and fantastic nigiri make it quite the memorable dining experience.
Gallucci
Old Town – 1551 N. Wells St.
You’re here because: You want to see if this Neapolitan-style pizza stands up to the rest of the city’s best pizza purveyors.
You’re dining on: Red and white pies from Gianni Gallucci, a member of the U.S. Pizza Team (yes, thing). Gaullucci’s signature pizza is the Tartufata with prosciutto, mozzarella and black truffle cream while the Calabrese, a red pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, basil, fior di latte, spicy salametti and calabrian chili honey is another popular choice. Four pasta options, a pair of salads and ample wines by the glass and bottle round out the menu.
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