What's new (2011)?

Hi, I moved away from Chicago around three years ago, and have been back a few times, but not for over a year and was hoping I could get some insight to new restos. I have been told that Longman & Eagle and Owen & Engine were places to check out. Aside from the ampersands they seem slightly in the same neighborhood of resto style, but L&E seems to be getting better chatter on the board, is this the seeming better choice? I did get to try Purple Pig last time I was in town and thought it was good, but nothing special.

Are there any other new (and affordable) restaurants that I should be checking out? This includes lunch/non-fancy choices seeing as a Hot Dougs and cemita run are in my future as well.

On another note, I see that my old standby, May Street Market, closed down. Any chatter on if chef Alex will be starting somewhere new?

Thanks!

Welcome back. If the first few current pages of discussion don't pique your interest, please check out the Great Neighborhood Restaurants list, and/or the April-June Openings and Closings thread (for basic data).

I've really enjoyed Pleasant House (savory pies), Balsan (elegantly sourced American), and Girl and the Goat lately (hip, handcrafted and farmy) - use "search" at upper right, or these names in Google before "site:lthforum.com". Can't go wrong with Birrieria Zaragoza, Franks n Dawgs, or Edzo's, which might be new to your radar as well.

I would recommend davanti enoteca on Taylor st.

thechicagomets wrote:
On another note, I see that my old standby, May Street Market, closed down. Any chatter on if chef Alex will be starting somewhere new?

Thanks!

Alex Cheswick moved to San Francisco but I don't think he's opened anything there yet.