Risque Cafe

I saw there's a smokehouse going up on Clark just north of Roscoe called Risque Cafe. I read on Metromix it's supposed to open today (bad timing with the horrendous weather). It's in the space formerly occupied by Improv Kitchen. Does anybody know anything about this BBQ newcomer?

Dan

It's from the owner of Meritage according to Chicago Magaznine's Dish Newsletter:

One Down, Two to Go
As reported here last week, Meritage (2118 N. Damen Ave.; 773-... ) will close on January 1st. But even before the owner, Chris Peckat, turns the key for the last time, he plans to launch his next venture, Risqué Café (3419 N. Clark St.), an American smokehouse. While Drew Neimeyer (Peckat’s Meritage chef) bones up on ribs, duck wings, turkey legs, and pulled pork, Peckat keeps busy with the selection of 200 to 300 American craft beers to go with the ’cue. But that’s not all. Peckat’s got the space next door to Risqué ready to roll out as Purgatory Pizza (3415 N. Clark St.) by early February. That will be yet another thin-crust pizza joint for our town. Jeez, this guy has every trend in the book covered.

Interesting. I always liked Meritage, though some of my friends overrated it. These two new restaurants will greatly improve the dining options in that area. Not since Outpost was in its prime has that area had an interesting dinner option.