Dave148 wrote:

Graham Elliot and Matthias Merges to Open a West Loop Restaurant. Gideon Sweet will replace Graham Elliot Bistro

https://chicago.eater.com/2017/9/5/1625 ... et-chicago

Has Kenny been banned yet?

Marisol Restaurant Now Open At The Museum of Contemporary Art

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2017090 ... en-pearson

Update on the Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai coming to Hoffman Estates..... stopped by today with my business partner (who is Japanese), and got to peek inside at the progress. Just so happened that Mr. Akira Nakahara, the Chairman of the Mensyoku Company that owns the Kitakata chain was in town from Tokyo, and was at the Hoffman location to watch over the construction. They are shooting for an October 1 opening. Given that his English was very limited, my biz partner translated to him that the LTH forum folks are very much looking forward to the opening. He was very pleased to hear this!

DNA Info reports that Goosefoot Ice Cream is open.

On Thursday, Goosefoot owners Chris and Nina Nugent introduced the newest sibling to their fine dining restaurant — an ice cream shop.

And yes, Chris Nugent, Michelin-starred chef, is doing the scooping, affably serving up cups and cones of rainbow sherbet and moose tracks ice cream with the same care he gives to Instagrammable dishes like a rosewater shooter served inside a replica of Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion.

The scoop shop at 2654 W. Lawrence Ave. replaces Goosefoot Food & Wine, which opened in 2014 but couldn't realistically compete with larger markets like nearby HarvesTime, Nugent said.

An ice cream shop not only fills a need in the area, but is also more family-friendly, he said.

"We want to do something for kids," added Nina.

They'd been aiming for a spring debut to capture warm-weather business, but inevitable delays pushed the grand opening to an unseasonably cool week in September.

"In Brazil, it's summer," joked Chris Nugent, a nod to his wife's native country.

The couple, who recently celebrated their 16th anniversary, will be staffing the shop themselves for now, with Chris on scooping duty and Nina handling the cash register.

Because the two still have Goosefoot to run next door, hours for the ice cream shop will be limited initially to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Ice cream is from Homer's.

I never did get to the food and wine store largely because of the limited hours, such as opening at 4 pm IIRC on days the restaurant is open. The impression I got, rightly or wrongly, was that the store was basically to sell wine to diners at Goosefoot as corkage was waived for wine bought at the store. I have no idea what food they sold that competed with HarvesTime, which has never had a liquor license.

bhroselle wrote:They are shooting for an October 1 opening.

Great update, thanks!

Iliana Regan, chef/owner of Elizabeth and Kitsune restaurants, is taking her act on the road. Straight to your house, if you're interested. She's launching a meal-delivery service, sold via monthly subscription, supplying Kitsune Kits of her signature Japanese-inspired dishes every Sunday.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct ... story.html

DNA Info reports Nazca Wok is closing permanently.

Less than two months after celebrating the opening of Nazka Peruvian Wok, owner Eni Cadena is pulling the plug on the fast-casual restaurant.

"It is with great sadness that I have decided to close the business due to unforeseen and very difficult family circumstances," Cadena told DNAinfo via email.

"Me heart is grateful for everyone's unsurpassed support, and it is torn for having to make this difficult decision," she said.

Nazka opened in late July at 4024 N. Lincoln Ave., replacing Cadena's previous enterprise, the more upscale Via Lima.

Per Eater:

Perez Restaurant will close on Sept. 30... The casual restaurant at 853 W. Randolph

I always wondered about this place and Jaipur (no word on closing of that, to be clear) as lost in the crowd. They've hung in there. I hope the owners of both made out like bandits, but when they're renting it's tough to see it being huge profits over time.

bweiny wrote:Per Eater:

Perez Restaurant will close on Sept. 30... The casual restaurant at 853 W. Randolph

I always wondered about this place and Jaipur (no word on closing of that, to be clear) as lost in the crowd. They've hung in there. I hope the owners of both made out like bandits, but when they're renting it's tough to see it being huge profits over time.

Aw man, this is super sad to me. I'm on record around here for my love of Perez

I've been eating there since '99 when I had an internship at a mosaic studio at 119 Peoria. That was right around when the Kleiner places were the only fine dining game in the hood. It was around then that the first art galleries popped up in the West Loop, then more and more, which set off the classic gentrifying domino effect, and the rest is history. Sad to see the old places go. It seems like JPG's has caught up to the times (ownership too I imagine.) But they're the last spot that I'd be willing to brave parking around there for lunch.

Before the subs, though– as a poor art student, when I had extra scratch for lunch, it was usually a steaming plate of huevos at Perez. Still my favorite plate of huevos in town– their machacado (which is not always easy to find around town). And that salsa negra...

Hopefully their Pilsen outpost survives. Some of the food has been a bit bolder there– nicer torts and hotter sauces. But its never seemed as vibrant and popular as the flagship. End of an era.

Jefe wrote:Hopefully their Pilsen outpost survives. Some of the food has been a bit bolder there– nicer torts and hotter sauces. But its never seemed as vibrant and popular as the flagship. End of an era.

Unfortunately it looks like the Pilsen location at 1163 W 18th St closed at some point in the last couple years (http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/19980550/1163-W-18th-St-Chicago-IL/). I was about to jump on Eater for leaving out such crucial information since they quoted the owner who was taking it pretty well (lease expiration, no chance to renew; not a lack of business).

Get to Randolph for a last meal if possible. The owner did allude to a seafood restaurant possibly in his future. So it may not be a permanent goodbye if you don't make it this month.

New Loop food hall plans business incubator for minority entrepreneurs.
http://trib.in/2f67Jye

Looks to be about 2 weeks old, but I hadn't heard of it until today.

Sushi World
6251 N. McCormick Blvd
Chicago, IL 60659
(773)977-7189
http://www.sushiworldchicago.com

Hadn't seen anything in the media, but noticed it as a new opening on Yelp. The full menu is on their website, but the AYCE Sushi option appears to be a deal (unfortunately usually a red flag of low quality) at $15.95-L/$21.95-D.

The reason my interest is piqued on the AYCE is that a photo of the AYCE menu on Yelp shows pretty much everything being available (Rainbow Roll?! if it's edible, that's a great deal; gyoza, shumai, yellowtail nigiri too). It appears to be 1 door east of the Chinese buffet. I may have to get a carry-out roll or two (maybe tack it onto a Pho Lua carry-out order) before I start my pre-AYCE fast.

Sign seen in the window at 4929 Irving Park Rd:

"Coming Soon: Promimente Mexicana -- Mexican and American Food"

Cookies & Carnitas is still at Green City Market, but their storefront on Broadway is temporarily closed. From their Facebook page:

Cookies and Carnitas will be closed till November 1st but we will still be at the Green city market. And we will still be servicing Bennett day school and Sacred Heart School and we are still available for corporate catering. Sorry for the inconvenience we really want to be open asap. Also we are actively looking for a manager to run the restaurant we pay well and have a great environment please contact us if interested

Two new places, with seemingly high potential for authenticity and big flavor, have opened on a 2 block stretch of Davis Street in downtown Evanston.

Shang Noodle & Chinese
608 Davis (former Phoenix Inn space)
(847)859-6868
*No independent website, but full menu and some photos are on their facebook page.

Red Hot Chili Pepper
500 Davis St Ste #102
(847)563-8085
*Haven't found an online menu, just front cover (site is rejecting the image, don't know why).
This was incorrectly reported as taking the place of the Giordano's at Davis/Chicago when it was announced 15 months ago. Obviously the Giordano's reopened (under a different franchisee, I believe) in the same space. This location is east, towards Hinman, featuring Indo-Chinese Cuisine.

Shang isn't open on Mondays, but tonight might be my intro to RHCP.
UPDATE
Sign in the window of RHCP says "temporarily" closed on Mondays. I knew they weren't opening til 5pm for dinner. But there was nobody in there because of this, and I am still without a menu.

^ Was going to try both and post reviews, but looks like you'll beat me to it. Shang claims house-made noodles -- it replaces the hot pot place that was there for, what, 6 months? RHCP has the same owners as Mt. Everest (I found out about it from an ad in the Mt. Everest window).

Trying not to get my hopes up. Best case: One or both are great and fold within a year. More likely: Nakorn Thai.

cilantro wrote:^ Was going to try both and post reviews, but looks like you'll beat me to it. Shang claims house-made noodles -- it replaces the hot pot place that was there for, what, 6 months? RHCP has the same owners as Mt. Everest (I found out about it from an ad in the Mt. Everest window).

Trying not to get my hopes up. Best case: One or both are great and fold within a year. More likely: Nakorn Thai.

Yea, I should've stated the Mt. Everest connection (which I find to be a respectable Indian restaurant), since I did see that during my research, but I forgot.

A further glance at Shang, after my post, revealed it to have the same owners as Chef Ping on Algonquin Rd in Rolling Meadows. For me, that means it won't be life-altering, but well run and dependable. I've been a fan of Ping's noodles, Moo Shu pork, and pot stickers for a few years. Just too damn far. Not anymore?!

Here is a link to the website of the Red Hot Chili Peppers outpost in the Bay area: http://www.redhotchillipepperca.com/ Perhaps the menu here will be along the same lines?

If so, looking forward to trying it.

bw77 wrote:Here is a link to the website of the Red Hot Chili Peppers outpost in the Bay area: http://www.redhotchillipepperca.com/ Perhaps the menu here will be along the same lines?

If so, looking forward to trying it.

I saw that there was a California restaurant by the same name, but figured it was just a coincidence. Hot damn, that menu looks good! When I just went by the space 15 minutes ago, the full bar on the left looked like it only added to the potential. Given Mount Everest's longevity, and the fact it is part of restaurant group, this place could be a game changer!

bweiny wrote:Red Hot Chili Pepper
500 Davis St Ste #102
(847)563-8085

This was incorrectly reported as taking the place of the Giordano's at Davis/Chicago when it was announced 15 months ago. Obviously the Giordano's reopened (under a different franchisee, I believe) in the same space. This location is east, towards Hinman, featuring Indo-Chinese Cuisine.

The original reports were correct. RHCP is at the original Evanston location of Giordano's. They opened at 500 Davis in 1981 and stayed there until 2011 when they moved to the Chicago Ave location.

http://evanstonnow.com/story/business/b ... -500-davis

https://northwesternbusinessreview.org/ ... 6630659dee

scottsol wrote:

bweiny wrote:Red Hot Chili Pepper
500 Davis St Ste #102
(847)563-8085

This was incorrectly reported as taking the place of the Giordano's at Davis/Chicago when it was announced 15 months ago. Obviously the Giordano's reopened (under a different franchisee, I believe) in the same space. This location is east, towards Hinman, featuring Indo-Chinese Cuisine.

The original reports were correct. RHCP is at the original Evanston location of Giordano's. They opened at 500 Davis in 1981 and stayed there until 2011 when they moved to the Chicago Ave location.

http://evanstonnow.com/story/business/b ... -500-davis

https://northwesternbusinessreview.org/ ... 6630659dee

There were conflicting reports around the announcement in May, 2016.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/chicago.eater.com/platform/amp/2016/5/10/11649274/evanston-red-hot-chili-pepper-indian-chinese

RHCP will go inside a former Giordano's at 500 Davis St. that closed last year.

I certainly recall the Giordano's prior to the new space at the intersection with Chicago, but I thought they moved prior to 2015. It's definitely possible I'm mistaken though.

New addition to sleepy downtown Riverside - the previously short lived Erika's Deli has been transformed into a Mexican outpost (utilizing the same name at this point). Tamales and tacos are spot on (pastor is superb) and a delicious apple salad dessert to sweep the heat away.

Cubano Latin Street Food has opened in the seemingly cursed spot at 176 N Franklin.

Following previous short lived Piggyback BBQ and Adobo Grill (among others), it's a bold move being 2 blocks from Cafecito.

Review to follow shortly.

stoutisgoodfood wrote:Cubano Latin Street Food has opened in the seemingly cursed spot at 176 N Franklin.

Following previous short lived Piggyback BBQ and Adobo Grill (among others), it's a bold move being 2 blocks from Cafecito.

Right by my office, hope it's good. Piggyback BBQ couldn't stand up to Blackwood and I never tried Adobo.

scottsol wrote:

Dave148 wrote:

blipsman wrote:

Noticed a Whistle Pig banner on the former Honey1 BBQ spot on Western... another BBQ joint? Anybody know anything? Google shows a Whistlepig BBQ in Michigan -- any connection?

Hoping it's somewhat close in quality to Honey 1... one of my favorites, and relocated to Bronzeville just a couple months after I moved within walking distance

The Whistle Pig is bringing back barbecue to the restaurant space that Honey 1 BBQ once called home. Ownership mixes Texas-style barbecue with Creole

https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/23/158 ... ummer-2017

Executive summary of the above:

Whistle Pig at 2241 N Western is now open for business.

Chef/Owner of Whistle Pig charged with first degree murder.

http://www.forestparkreview.com/News/Ar ... 's-murder/
http://abc7chicago.com/chef-charged-wit ... k/2444771/

Whistle Pig's owner /& Chef-
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2017092 ... her-murder

A new Italian restaurant – that will also have a store inside – is scheduled to move into the former Kabul House restaurant site in downtown Skokie with the help of a village grant, after village trustees approved an economic development grant for the owner.

Sugo Italian Street Food, will offer food served "Chipotle-style" with homemade breads, sauces and meats along with a grocery area featuring "grab and go items," said owner Martin Castro of the Babbo Restaurant Group.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/s ... story.html

Tambreet wrote:

stoutisgoodfood wrote:Cubano Latin Street Food has opened in the seemingly cursed spot at 176 N Franklin.

Following previous short lived Piggyback BBQ and Adobo Grill (among others), it's a bold move being 2 blocks from Cafecito.

Right by my office, hope it's good. Piggyback BBQ couldn't stand up to Blackwood and I never tried Adobo.

I think the address is WELLS not Franklin (176 N Wells St)

Also, not a good sign from the posting on there facebook page today:

Code: Select all

Cubano: Latin Street Food
Thank you to everyone who has tried our restaurant and spread the good word about our cubanos! Unfortunately, the menu will be changing this week due to culinary and owner change. Our apologies.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Cubano-Lati ... e_internal

Dave148 wrote:

A new Italian restaurant – that will also have a store inside – is scheduled to move into the former Kabul House restaurant site in downtown Skokie with the help of a village grant, after village trustees approved an economic development grant for the owner.

Sugo Italian Street Food, will offer food served "Chipotle-style" with homemade breads, sauces and meats along with a grocery area featuring "grab and go items," said owner Martin Castro of the Babbo Restaurant Group.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/s ... story.html

Am I wrong in remembering that Kabul House had been seeking a development grant to stay in that location and was denied?

leek wrote:

Dave148 wrote:

A new Italian restaurant – that will also have a store inside – is scheduled to move into the former Kabul House restaurant site in downtown Skokie with the help of a village grant, after village trustees approved an economic development grant for the owner.

Sugo Italian Street Food, will offer food served "Chipotle-style" with homemade breads, sauces and meats along with a grocery area featuring "grab and go items," said owner Martin Castro of the Babbo Restaurant Group.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/s ... story.html

Am I wrong in remembering that Kabul House had been seeking a development grant to stay in that location and was denied?

Skokie provided the Qazi family with interior grant assistance and design funds as well as promotional and marketing assistance to open at 4949 Oakton St., the village said in a statement. During the past several years, Skokie and the Qazi family worked together to try to find a new location for a larger restaurant.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/s ... story.html