Just received this press release re: new haute hot dog joint:

FRANK’S ‘N’ DAWGS OPENS ON CHICAGO’S CLYBOURN CORRIDOR,

TAKES THE CLASSIC DOG TO NEW CULINARY HEIGHTS

CHICAGO (March 19, 2010) – Frank’s ‘N’ Dawgs, a spirited, counter-service hot dog shop that recently opened in the bustling Lincoln Park neighborhood at 1863 N. Clybourn Ave., is bringing a gourmet spin to one of America’s favorite foods. With specialties made in-house by Executive Chef Joe “Dawg” Doren, French-style buns by Nicole’s Bake Shop, “Chef Dawgs” of the month – showcasing a house-made creation from leading Chicago chefs – and so much more, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs is poised to take the city’s gourmet hot dog scene by storm.

Chef Doren – formerly of award-winning restaurants Blackbird and Sixteen at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago – utilizes his culinary training to inspire Frank’s ‘N’ Dawgs 17 menu items, infusing changes to it regularly and in some cases, daily. Sourcing the highest quality ingredients for made-fresh-daily condiments and toppings, and only prime cuts of meat for the sausages he creates in-house (six currently), he then marries modern techniques and flavors to present a contemporary, fun, and flavorful experience.

“It’s meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but it really kind of is five-star dining on a bun,” said Chef Doren. “In my previous positions, I have come to embrace the philosophy of having a menu that changes often and that brings varying flavor profiles together in its dishes. These are two important cooking fundamentals in fine dining, and I think it’s fantastic that I can apply them to something that just about everyone loves to eat.”

Chef Doren has divided the menu into several delicious categories, which consist of:

Classic Dawgs/Puppy Dawgs – Boar’s Head hot dogs served plain or dressed with various combinations (from $2.50).
Dawgs Gone Wild – Hot dogs on steroids! Sausages are provided by a local artisan sausage-maker. Two such dogs include the Spoiled Brat: bratwurst, red cabbage, beer mustard and red pepper relish ($5.50); and the Cheese Head: Sheboygan, caramelized onions, grilled portabellos and smoked gouda ($5.75).
Dawgs Gone Global – A range of hot dogs inspired by cuisines from around the world utilizing house-made sausages. The Lamb Keema: lamb, English peas, cucumber salad, pearl onions and socca ($8.50); and the N’awlins Dawg: Andouille, mustard ketchup, fried okra and shrimp and chives ($6.50) will not disappoint!
Haute Dawgs – Fine dining restaurant techniques are incorporated to create distinctive flavors utilizing house-made sausages. Guests can enjoy items such as the Beef Curry: beef, orange marmalade, orange salad, parsley; the Chicken Caesar: chicken, shredded romaine, Caesar mayo, black garlic and croutons (7.25); the Veal Percik: Veal, date chutney, carrot ginger mayo, cilantro and toasted almonds ($8) and countless others.
Frank's Dawgs – Each month, a celebrity guest Star Chef supplies a recipe that is carefully recreated and is named appropriately in his/her honor. Phillip Foss of Lockwood restaurant is Frank’s ‘N’ Dawgs March Chef with the Foss Hog, a tasty combination of pork loin and caramelized onion sausage, served with fried egg, cob smoked bacon and maple mayo ($8).
Charitable Dawg – Proceeds from the sale of a particular dog will be donated to a featured monthly charity. In March, the charity is Paws, with proceeds of the Dirty Dog, Andouille with dirty rice, hush puppies and cherry tomato relish ($7.25) benefiting the organization.
Dawg of the Day – A gourmet hot dog that changes daily based on what inspires Chef Doren.
Top Dawg – Foodies are encouraged to submit hot dog recipes online at http://www.franksndawgs.com. A winning combination will be chosen each month and featured on the restaurant’s menu board. Prizes – and a share in the sales generated – are the rewards.
While the sausages and hot dog combinations truly set Franks 'N' Dawgs apart, the old fashioned buns baked fresh daily by Nicole's Bake Shop perfectly complement the hot dogs. The slight crunch imparted by gently toasting the buns, along with their rich texture and chewiness, are a key ingredient to the unique dining experience.

Franks ‘N’ Dawgs is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sunday until April 18. Thereafter, the restaurant will be open seven days a week.

For more information, please visit http://www.franksndawgs.com or call (312) 281-5187. Click here to become a fan on Facebook.

kenji wrote:Hey Pie Lady, I work down the block behind the BP Gas Station off of Touhy.

I'd like to know the places you frequent around here.

This should be a good start! These are just the places I've been. There's a ton more, especially in Skokie.

De Jred, 4901 Oakton St., Skokie: Jamaican, closed Mondays.
Ben Tre, 3146 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago: Vietnamese, closed Wednesdays.
Anyplace in Little India
4 Hermanos, 6145 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago: Mexican
Thai Pavilion, 4654 Church St., Skokie
Sweety Pies, 4931 Lincoln Ave., Skokie: Sandwiches, dessert,
The Bagel, 50 Old Orchard Center, Skokie: Jewish Deli
Annie's Old Fashion Pancake House, 4900 Oakton St., Skokie
Tub Tim Thai, 4927 W. Oakton St., Skokie: closed Sundays.
Grazianos, 5960 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago: Italian/Pizza
Pita Inn, 3910 Dempster St., Skokie: MidEast/Mediterranean
Papa Chris' Place, 6235 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago: Dogs/Burgers, closed Sundays.
Evanston Chicken Shack, 1925 N. Ridge Ave., Evanston: closed Sunday. CALL AHEAD and TAKE OUT.
Ttowa, 5844 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove: Korean/dumplings, closed Sundays.
Jimmy John's, 5612 W. Touhy Ave., Niles
Great Beijing, 6717 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood
Patty's Diner, 3358 Main St., Skokie: everything, closed Mondays.
New York Bagel & Bialy, 4714 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood: Jewish Deli. Never, ever closed.

I'm sure there's plenty more that I'm forgetting, but I can always update. That should keep you busy for awhile!

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to pull that info together.

I've been to some of the places most are new thoughts for me.

David Hammond wrote:Just received this press release re: new haute hot dog joint:

FRANK’S ‘N’ DAWGS OPENS ON CHICAGO’S CLYBOURN CORRIDOR,

TAKES THE CLASSIC DOG TO NEW CULINARY HEIGHTS

CHICAGO (March 19, 2010) – Frank’s ‘N’ Dawgs, a spirited, counter-service hot dog shop that recently opened in the bustling Lincoln Park neighborhood at 1863 N. Clybourn Ave., is bringing a gourmet spin to one of America’s favorite foods. With specialties made in-house by Executive Chef Joe “Dawg” Doren, French-style buns by Nicole’s Bake Shop, “Chef Dawgs” of the month – showcasing a house-made creation from leading Chicago chefs – and so much more, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs is poised to take the city’s gourmet hot dog scene by storm.
...
Chef Doren has divided the menu into several delicious categories, which consist of:

Classic Dawgs/Puppy Dawgs – Boar’s Head hot dogs served plain or dressed with various combinations (from $2.50).
...

Boar's Head hot dogs? WTF?!

JoelF wrote:

David Hammond wrote:Just received this press release re: new haute hot dog joint:

FRANK’S ‘N’ DAWGS OPENS ON CHICAGO’S CLYBOURN CORRIDOR,

TAKES THE CLASSIC DOG TO NEW CULINARY HEIGHTS

CHICAGO (March 19, 2010) – Frank’s ‘N’ Dawgs, a spirited, counter-service hot dog shop that recently opened in the bustling Lincoln Park neighborhood at 1863 N. Clybourn Ave., is bringing a gourmet spin to one of America’s favorite foods. With specialties made in-house by Executive Chef Joe “Dawg” Doren, French-style buns by Nicole’s Bake Shop, “Chef Dawgs” of the month – showcasing a house-made creation from leading Chicago chefs – and so much more, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs is poised to take the city’s gourmet hot dog scene by storm.
...
Chef Doren has divided the menu into several delicious categories, which consist of:

Classic Dawgs/Puppy Dawgs – Boar’s Head hot dogs served plain or dressed with various combinations (from $2.50).
...

Boar's Head hot dogs? WTF?!

I was assuming that meant hot dogs created from the head meat of a wild boar.

That would be preferable, but unlikely. Much more likely they're coming from the company that makes cold cuts.. They show pork and beef, or all-beef franks with or without casings... but in Chicago, a non-Kosher-style brand is a pretty bold choice.

Panther in the Den wrote:
Horan's Snug
7218 Madison Street, Forest Park
(708) 366-5190

Another venerable institution has closed. Called the number and it is disconnected. Some of the menu items were OK. Homestyle cooking on the specials, pretty good bar burger. Bye.

Something else has moved in but I forgot the name for now. I'll report back. Fixed the place up nice with a big tent to the west! Maybe for the St Patty's Day festivities? Hello!

This place hasn't been in the Horan family for many years, and has been a shell of itself for a long time. I went to high school with the family, and they are happy to see it close. It was not kept up.

Following up on ekreider's post upthread, the two new places on Lawrence Avenue (at the western end of the building housing HarvesTime) both appeared to be open around 9:30 pm tonight. Rendezvous Bistro was empty, whereas a group of 3 was entering the Good Times Cafe next door.

Good Times Cafe
2658 W. Lawrence
773-561-2200

Rendezvous Bistro
2656 W. Lawrence
773-561-4400

Something's going into the Biasetti's / Cordis Brothers space at 1625 W Irving Park Rd. Signs in the window say "The Pink Pig" (or something like that). According to Everyblock.com, no business or liquor license requests have been processed yet.

Pie Lady wrote:

Dave148 wrote:JoeBox Grill - 3918 W Touhy Ave. Lincolnwood - is closed.
To be replaced by some sort of Mediterranean spot in a month or so according to my barber who's also the building landlord.

Already? Goodness. I still miss that cheapass Chinese place, Tsang's? Oh well. At least there will be a healthy option near work.

10 to 12 years ago, before my office moved I ate at Tsang's on a semi regular basis. It was cheap and good. About half the time they would get my order wrong, but I like about anything so I looked at it as an adventure in dining.

when we were finishing our late night snack @ Lao Bejing, the waiter gave us a business card mentioning Tony was opening a 4th restaurant in the Chinatown Mall area.

Lao Youju, the business card calls it a bar and restaurant, and based on the other Tony restaurants, I bet this one will be good as well. Not sure about opening date, or if its open yet(I didnt get those details)

Lao Youju
2002 S. Wentworth Unit # 100
Chinatown
312-929-6288

I see a visit in the cards very soon.

Coming to Highland Park's neighborhood in the spot formerly occupied by Sloppy Jo's: Bakery Boys. Signs says to expect cupcakes, custard and more.

Panther in the Den wrote:Meanwhile in the Tri-Village area (Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park)...

Panther in the Den wrote:At the old White Hen Pantry space on Lake St just east of Thatcher Ave.

The windows are covered in brown paper, on the awning and sign in the window announcing the coming...

Frank's Deli
7971 Lake St, River Forest

Brown paper is off the windows, shopping carts in the store.

Open!

Many of the convenience items plus some Italian specialty canned and dry goods.

In the deli, subs and paninis. Full sandwich menu in about a week.

They are under the same ownership as the pizza place next door...

Bertolli's River Pizza‎
7973 Lake St, River Forest
(708) 771-2820‎

Tried their pizza earlier in the week and it is good for what it is. Goodly amount of toppings and sauce. Crisped up nicely.

Not bad at all!

Continuing in the area...

Panther in the Den wrote:Just noticed a sign in the windows announcing the opening for Chicago's Home of Chicken & Waffles‎ on Madison just east of East Ave.

Sign said Fall 2009. Why so long? Peeked inside and there is nothing going on other than the signs.

There is another location at 3947 S Dr Martin L King Jr Dr. that used to be infamously named Rosscoe's Chicken and Waffle's.

Long, long awning has been installed all the way from the door to the street. Sign in the window has been updated to read "Opening Spring 2010". Windows still papered over.

AlexG wrote:Coming to Highland Park's neighborhood in the spot formerly occupied by Sloppy Jo's: Bakery Boys. Signs says to expect cupcakes, custard and more.

That will be a nice place to stop when we ride our bikes up the trail!

AlexG wrote:
Coming to Highland Park's neighborhood in the spot formerly occupied by Sloppy Jo's: Bakery Boys. Signs says to expect cupcakes, custard and more.

That will be a nice place to stop when we ride our bikes up the trail!

....or for a nosh after a stop at the Ravinia farmers market. Great news!

MRSM is right.. Rendez-Vous Bistro at 2656 W. Lawrence is actually open now and it is quite a nice cozy comforting place, very French Bistro-inspired, that is bringing a very needed breath of fesh air in that strip of non-gastronomic desert.

Bhabi's Kitchen on Oakley is closed.

JoelF wrote:Bhabi's Kitchen on Oakley is closed.

Meh.

alain40 wrote:MRSM is right.. Rendez-Vous Bistro at 2656 W. Lawrence is actually open now and it is quite a nice cozy comforting place, very French Bistro-inspired, that is bringing a very needed breath of fesh air in that strip of non-gastronomic desert.

Hooray for the opening of Rendez-Vous bistro. I look forward to checking it out. Booooooooooo for the comment about it being in a non-gastronomic desert, unless that's a double negative and actually means you think the area is as full of quality gastronomy as I do.

Kennyz,
Sorry if the "non-gastronomic desert" sounded offensive.
What I mean is that this whole section of Lawrence Avenue between Western and California did not seem to me as an area filled with restaurants that I could qualify as offering obvious gastronomic qualities.
Of course there are a few interesting spots, like the Vietnamese sandwich shop that every LTH reader knows by now.
But I remember with nostalgia all the good unpretentious Greek restaurants that could be found there, on that portion of the avenue, in the mid 70's.
But of course when you reach Kedzie, things get much more interesting.

alain40 wrote:Kennyz,
Sorry if the "non-gastronomic desert" sounded offensive.
What I mean is that this whole section of Lawrence Avenue between Western and California did not seem to me as an area filled with restaurants that I could qualify as offering obvious gastronomic qualities.
Of course there are a few interesting spots, like the Vietnamese sandwich shop that every LTH reader knows by now.
But I remember with nostalgia all the good unpretentious Greek restaurants that could be found there, on that portion of the avenue, in the mid 70's.
But of course when you reach Kedzie, things get much more interesting.

Not offensive, just a statement with which I heartily disagree. In addition to the fabulous Nhu Lan, there are a number of very good Mexican restaurants and one excellent pupuseria on the stretch west before you reach Kedzie. And barely a few blocks to the east starts a stretch of some of Chicago's best Thai restaurants. Just a block south is the interesting and tasty Pizza Art Cafe, as well as Beans and Bagels, serving fresh bagels from NY Bagel & Bialy, the best in town. Far from being a gastronomic desert, I think this is one of the best food areas in all of Chicago.

Kennyz

Obviously your knowledge of that area is wider than mine.
In fact I was only talking, as I stated earlier, of that specific portion of Lawrence Avenue between Western and California.
I never explored other streets North or South of that area.
Besides I have to admit that I know practically nothing about Mexican cuisine, and I never had a Bagel or Bialy in my whole life..
As far as Thai cuisine I love it, but none of my favorite Thai restaurants are located on Lawrence in that perimeter.

alain40 wrote:Kennyz

Obviously your knowledge of that area is wider than mine.
In fact I was only talking, as I stated earlier, of that specific portion of Lawrence Avenue between Western and California.
I never explored other streets North or South of that area.
Besides I have to admit that I know practically nothing about Mexican cuisine, and I never had a Bagel or Bialy in my whole life..
As far as Thai cuisine I love it, but none of my favorite Thai restaurants are located on Lawrence in that perimeter.

I better understand what you mean now, thanks. On that particular 4-block stretch, there are only a handful of places with good eats. There are probably a couple of 4-block stretches in the neighborhood with more. I'm definitely happy about the addition of Rendez Vous Bistro.

there's what I would guess to be a new Clarke's diner outpost in the old Bucktown Bar Louie space.

Open 24 hrs to cater to the drunks spilling out of Cans.

The "eco-friendly" Prasino has opened serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in downtown LaGrange, with a second location already planned for St. Charles.

"Prasino is committed to promoting organic agriculture and supporting local growers and artisanal food producers whenever possible."

Prasino
93 S. LaGrange Road
LaGrange, IL 60525
(708) 469-7058
http://eatgreenlivewell.com

4706 Touhy, Skokie.

In the NY Bagel and Bialy stripmall

Saw a sign while stuck in traffic that says "Thai restaurant Coming Soon"

kenji wrote:4706 Touhy, Skokie.

In the NY Bagel and Bialy stripmall

Saw a sign while stuck in traffic that says "Thai restaurant Coming Soon"

I think that's the spot that formerly housed Happy Kitchen.

I just walked by the Violet hour, and it appears to be no more. Mural says something about "King Fong", appears to be a new Chinese place.

TYV wrote:I just walked by the Violet hour, and it appears to be no more. Mural says something about "King Fong", appears to be a new Chinese place.

appearances can be deceiving, intentionally so in the case of The Violet Hour.

TYV wrote:I just walked by the Violet hour, and it appears to be no more. Mural says something about "King Fong", appears to be a new Chinese place.

Normally I read stuff this and take it at face value. I took the unusual step of calling and checking their website. Their phone is not disconnected with a message that sounds like they are still in business. Their website is up. While I didn't find a person to talk to. I strongly lean toward favoring they are still in business.

I just talked to Kristin who said the mural is there as art. Violet Hour is still in business.

BTW - everything is fleeting. When I said I was from LTHforum, she didn't know what it was.

Regards,