That national upscale steakhouse chain Fleming's is opening an outpost on Ohio just west of Rush (next to the Tokyo Hotel).

Of great interest to LTHers, I'm sure, is the news that a Dick's Last Resort is opening in the Marina City Complex on the river & Dearborn.

riddlemay wrote:That national upscale steakhouse chain Fleming's is opening an outpost on Ohio just west of Rush (next to the Tokyo Hotel).

It's at 5 E Ohio, website is here

I went in to say hi and it's a massive place with lounge on street level and big dining room upstairs. They plan on opening this week.

Fleming's . . . it's hard to hide one's excitement of the thought of Fleming's coming to Chicago. Just what we need!

Well, there's probably nothing wrong with Fleming's on a whole -- I ate at the one in the Palm Springs area and had an awful meal, but that could have been a problem with only that location and on only one occasion (out of 8 people, they failed to cook any of the steaks to order -- hardly even close -- and even screwed up a couple of the second attempts. Luckily, they comped the entire meal for all of us).

Anyway, is there anyone here that thinks we need (or want) Flemings?

BR wrote:Anyway, is there anyone here that thinks we need (or want) Flemings?

Actually, I'm quite pleased at the location as it will be a convenient spot for a pre Ginza Fish House drink when the bar at Uno's is overly crowded, which is most of the time.

Enjoy,
Gary

BR wrote:Anyway, is there anyone here that thinks we need (or want) Flemings?

Can't say I'm excited about it (never been to one) but I can see where if I just saw a late afternoon movie with a friend at 600 N. Michigan Theater and we felt like a couple of martinis and meat with a minimum of effort, it might be something we'd try.

(someone should invent a way to search this thread.... or get rid of the pagination at least with an "all" so the browser can search it.)

...somewhere in a prior page there's mention of a new place opening in the former Andy's Deli space at 1721 W Division in East Village...

there's now a sign up saying it's going to be Angels And Mariachis.. then under it, it says Rock Cantina ... *oh boy*

according to metromix they're opening this month some time.

Chicago Ave. in West Town is becoming an eclectic restaurant row --

Opening next to the new, amazingly-swank-for-this-stretch-of-West Town, Natalino's, and kitty corner from Rockstar Dogs is "Mexique," which proclaims, on its small sign, to be Mexican with a French twist (or something like that) . . .

I can't wait for steak tacos frites.

d4v3 wrote:

riddlemay wrote:

d4v3 wrote:Driving up Ashland yesterday, I noticed an attractive new awning advertising "Mixteco Grill". Unfortunately, I didn't make a note of the cross-street (maybe Wilson?). Anybody know anything about it? Judging by the name and the fancy awning alone, I might guess upscale Oaxacan?

Beat you to it.

So you did, but we spelled the name differently (which is why it didn't show up in a search). I will have to drive by there again to verify the name (I have been known to be lysdexic on occasion ).

It is "Mixteco". Just FYI.

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:

d4v3 wrote:

riddlemay wrote:

d4v3 wrote:Driving up Ashland yesterday, I noticed an attractive new awning advertising "Mixteco Grill". Unfortunately, I didn't make a note of the cross-street (maybe Wilson?). Anybody know anything about it? Judging by the name and the fancy awning alone, I might guess upscale Oaxacan?

Beat you to it.

So you did, but we spelled the name differently (which is why it didn't show up in a search). I will have to drive by there again to verify the name (I have been known to be lysdexic on occasion ).

It is "Mixteco". Just FYI.

I make no claim to knowledge about regions of Mexico, so I bet you're right that the proper spelling is Mixteco--but I could swear the sign I saw on Ashland said Mextico. The reason I remember it this way is that at the time, I had a little mental conversation with myself that went, "Hmm, that word looks almost exactly like Mexico, except there's a t in it." It could be my old brain playing tricks on me again, though.

riddlemay wrote:

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:

d4v3 wrote:

riddlemay wrote:

d4v3 wrote:Driving up Ashland yesterday, I noticed an attractive new awning advertising "Mixteco Grill". Unfortunately, I didn't make a note of the cross-street (maybe Wilson?). Anybody know anything about it? Judging by the name and the fancy awning alone, I might guess upscale Oaxacan?

Beat you to it.

So you did, but we spelled the name differently (which is why it didn't show up in a search). I will have to drive by there again to verify the name (I have been known to be lysdexic on occasion ).

It is "Mixteco". Just FYI.

I make no claim to knowledge about regions of Mexico, so I bet you're right that the proper spelling is Mixteco--but I could swear the sign I saw on Ashland said Mextico. The reason I remember it this way is that at the time, I had a little mental conversation with myself that went, "Hmm, that word looks almost exactly like Mexico, except there's a t in it." It could be my old brain playing tricks on me again, though.

Whatever the name is, that corner has been any number of short-lived restaurants. Hopefully Mextico/Mixteco finds the right formula.

I drove by last night. It's definitely Mixteco.

Little India Restaurant on Bryn Mawr just east of redline stop ... opened last week -- no menu posted -- adds to the cosmopolitan culinary variety of the street. Habibi's location is now a sushi restaurant.

riddlemay wrote:

BR wrote:Anyway, is there anyone here that thinks we need (or want) Flemings?

Can't say I'm excited about it (never been to one) but I can see where if I just saw a late afternoon movie with a friend at 600 N. Michigan Theater and we felt like a couple of martinis and meat with a minimum of effort, it might be something we'd try.

That's one of the things that drives me nuts about River North. Other cities, like New York or San Francisco, have white table-cloth restaurants that cater to tourists and businessmen on conventions in their hotel districts, but it's mixed with oddball ethnic restaurants that still have local color but offer more exotic fare within close walking distance.

River North's become even more of a culinary desert in the midst of plenty than it was: other than Sayat Nova/Kan Zaman and some hole in the wall Chinese, there's pretty much nothing else but chains and visitor-friendly restaurants between Michigan and Wells these days. Not that this is a revelation, but getting yet another steakhouse or churrascaria just re-emphasizes the point. Either that or I'm missing Erewan (the upscale, but sometimes overpriced Thai that was replaced by a steakhouse) more than usual. Although in the right mood, Cyrano's or the Melting Pot's OK.

We live in Streeterville, and except for convenience, we've been heading out more and more to the neighborhoods in search of greener pastures - like Elephant Thai and Demara. It's enough to make you move to Roscoe Village.

sdrucker will undoubtedly be excited to learn that the Texas de Brazilchain is moving in to an open space on the south side of Grand, just east of State Street On that very same block, one can already choose among Cosi, Jimmy John's, and Buca di Beppo! Welcome to Chicago, Texas!

Pick a different neighborhood-Roscoe Village looks better than it tastes. El Tinajon is the only place I would recommend. (I know this may not be a popular opinion, but that's been my experience over the past 5 years.)

nr706 wrote:I drove by last night. It's definitely Mixteco.

I sit corrected.

stewed coot wrote:Pick a different neighborhood-Roscoe Village looks better than it tastes. El Tinajon is the only place I would recommend. (I know this may not be a popular opinion, but that's been my experience over the past 5 years.)

I think that's a little harsh on the neighborhood. I've had a fantastic meal (phenomenal bread) at Turquoise Cafe. Four Moons for brunch or late night snacks. Village Tap for good sandwiches and a damn good beer selection - strange service though sometimes. Although overpriced, Kitchn does a decent job with what they do. I've had two decent meals at Frasca. Fernando's for ameri-mex done well with a side of Cubs talk. Riverview Tavern does decent burgers, and some good french fries. Add in Terragusto, Volo, and the sushi place I can't think of right now and Roscoe Village definitely isn't a culinary wasteland.

I will admit there are places to stay away from - Orange, Piazza Bella, and the thai place. I also have never been a big fan of Costello's, I just don't get it.

Pizano-you make a good point-there are some places-4 moons, Frasca, Riverview, that are fine. I have no experience at Turquoise, and need to go.

I know my comment was harsh, but my experiences at Volo(aside from wine) have been lackluster, Village Tap doesn't hold their beer properly,or doesn't clean the lines properly. (Admittedly, it's been awhile since I've been-but I got burned too often.) Kitchn I found very hit and miss-particularly at lunch. I found Kaze to be pretentious and overpriced. Terra Gusto can be fine, but also overpriced(I'm still trying to forget a $9 small bowl of flavorless soup. With the exception of Volo, I haven't been to these places recently, mainly because they turned me off sufficiently after visiting all of them a number of times over the years. Hopefully they all have improved, because I don't particularly like avoiding my own neighborhood. End of ranty post.

so in east village/wicker park, there's been "a star will be soon be born" signs papering a storefront for quite a long time... this morning walking by, it was taken down and it seems to be a fruit stand of some sort... the all moderny bright cheery kind..

Starfruit
1745 W Division

here's what metromix has on them "Fans of kefir, the yogurt-like dairy product that allegedly fights fatigue, enhances the immune system, promotes gastrointestinal health and might even cure a hangover, should be in heaven when this Wicker Park spot opens this spring. This is the first cafe from the folks behind Morton Grove-based Lifeway Foods; look for a lineup including kefir parfaits, kefir-based smoothies and frozen soft-serve kefir sundaes. Aiming to please both the snack and dessert crowd, there’ll be an array of toppings and mix-ins like cereal, crushed Oreo cookies, blueberries and strawberries. Target opening date: April 15"

Taylor Street, which is on Central in Evanston and has been mentioned upthread a couple of times, is scheduled to open on Friday April 11, according to signs posted in their window.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Taylor Street, which is on Central in Evanston and has been mentioned upthread a couple of times, is scheduled to open on Friday April 11, according to signs posted in their window.

=R=

I had dinner at Taylor Street a couple of weeks ago.

I'm going to reserve a more detailed review until I visit again, the service was uneven and so was the food. Its shows promise the owner/chef seems like a great guy with enthusiasm for his food, so for sure I'm giving the place another try once things come together a little more.

EvanstonFoodGuy wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Taylor Street, which is on Central in Evanston and has been mentioned upthread a couple of times, is scheduled to open on Friday April 11, according to signs posted in their window.

=R=

I had dinner at Taylor Street a couple of weeks ago.

I'm going to reserve a more detailed review until I visit again, the service was uneven and so was the food. Its shows promise the owner/chef seems like a great guy with enthusiasm for his food, so for sure I'm giving the place another try once things come together a little more.

Ok, so this April 11 dealio must be some sort of formal 'official' opening.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:

EvanstonFoodGuy wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Taylor Street, which is on Central in Evanston and has been mentioned upthread a couple of times, is scheduled to open on Friday April 11, according to signs posted in their window.

=R=

I had dinner at Taylor Street a couple of weeks ago.

I'm going to reserve a more detailed review until I visit again, the service was uneven and so was the food. Its shows promise the owner/chef seems like a great guy with enthusiasm for his food, so for sure I'm giving the place another try once things come together a little more.

Ok, so this April 11 dealio must be some sort of formal 'official' opening.

=R=

Yes that's what I would guess. We decided one Friday to walk over since the place is only a few blocks from our house and they were open. There seemed to be many people the owner/chef new as friends so the place may be only open limited days unitl the "official" opening.

Maybe they will have a liquor license then, when I was there it was BYOB.

dddane wrote:so in east village/wicker park, there's been "a star will be soon be born" signs papering a storefront for quite a long time... this morning walking by, it was taken down and it seems to be a fruit stand of some sort... the all moderny bright cheery kind..

Starfruit
1745 W Division

As a longtime kefir fan, I've been looking forward to this. Are they actually open or is it just taking shape?

Kennyz wrote:sdrucker will undoubtedly be excited to learn that the Texas de Brazilchain is moving in to an open space on the south side of Grand, just east of State Street On that very same block, one can already choose among Cosi, Jimmy John's, and Buca di Beppo! Welcome to Chicago, Texas!

You know it. I was going to mention that but blanked out on the name. Forgive me but I'll walk past Texas in Chicago on the way to Kan Zaman or Berry Chill:-).

The irony is about 10 years ago, I would go to NYC on business and stumbled into Churrascaria Platforma in mid-town Manhattan. I remember thinking "wow, this is unique" and wondering why we didn't have places like that in Chicago. That was in the pre-Chowhound/LTH days. Be careful what you wish for.....If we go eat Brazillian when in NYC now, we'd go to one of those little restaurants in Little Brazil, not anything in the Theatre District. That's 10 years and too many overwhelming steakhouses later.

And locally we're in love with Al Primo Canto in Edgebook, thanks to the spice-crusted lamb and marinated chicken. George and his Brazillian wife are awesome, and he whipped up fresh hummus for our 10-year-old Middle Eastern food addict when he didn't go for the baba ganoush. You can't beat personal service like that.

EvanstonFoodGuy wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Ok, so this April 11 dealio must be some sort of formal 'official' opening.

There seemed to be many people the owner/chef new as friends so the place may be only open limited days unitl the "official" opening.

Yes, as I posted a couple of months ago, the owner had been unexpectedly hospitalized after their "soft opening" in November, and they were waiting to have what his wife called their "grand" opening. Tonight's grand opening features an appetizer buffet for $6 a plate, and $2 from every entree ordered will be donated to the Evanston Community Foundation. They are still BYOB, and the hours below are still valid. If the owner is as friendly and enthusiastic as his wife, that's one friendly and enthusiastic crew!

>>When I called to find out the hours, an extremely pleasant woman who identified herself as the owner's wife told me that they had been open since November, but had not yet had their "grand opening," as the owner had been hospitalized (but is now OK).... While they wait for their liquor license, it's BYOB with no corkage fee, she told me.

Taylor Street
2916 Central Street, Evanston
847/570-0188
Hours: Tu-Th 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Fri 11:30 am -9:00 pm
Sat 4:00 - 10:00 pm
(closed Sunday and Monday) <<

PS. I have no interest in this restaurant except as someone who hopes to find good food and as an Evanstonian eager to bring more tax dollars--other than property tax $$$--into the city!

Does anyone know if Johnny's Uncle Jim's Diner on Montrose and Central has reopened anywhere?

The windows are papered over and I haven't noticed a sign any sign saying "closed for remodeling" at Los Niches, 6619 N. Clark.

Goose Island on Clybourn will close at the end of the year. Problems with the lease.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ ... 9030.story