Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings - January - March 2012
Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings - January - March 2012
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Post #271 - February 20th, 2012, 6:17 amAnyone know what's going on at the Old Town Brasserie spot on Wells? Paper in the window
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Post #272 - February 20th, 2012, 12:15 pmLooks like Todai in Woodfield Mall is a goner. Wondering if the recent opening of the ever-crowded Royal Buffet down the road a bit in Hoffman Estates hastened Todai's demise.Last edited by bhroselle on February 20th, 2012, 11:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post #273 - February 20th, 2012, 1:00 pmHey all--
Long time lurker, 1st time poster.
Just noticed a new Peruvian place that just opened with in the last few weeks -- 4 Suyos. Anyone been?
I apologize in advance if it's already been mentioned...I did a search and didn't find anything.
It's on Milwaukee, right by El Nandu, and the Fireside Bowl.
4 Suyos
2727 W Fulllerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 278-6525
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Post #274 - February 20th, 2012, 1:20 pmdrschwitters wrote:Hey all--
Long time lurker, 1st time poster.
Just noticed a new Peruvian place that just opened with in the last few weeks -- 4 Suyos. Anyone been?
I apologize in advance if it's already been mentioned...I did a search and didn't find anything.
It's on Milwaukee, right by El Nandu, and the Fireside Bowl.
4 Suyos
2727 W Fulllerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 278-6525
Here's your answer, thanks to last week's Chicago Magazine Dish Newsletter:Erin Slucter, who works in communications at the School of the Art Institute, battled with her Peruvian boyfriend, Humberto Trujillo, almost from the moment they met. “I fought him tooth and nail not to open a restaurant. But every day he came with ideas and recipes, and it became part of our life and I got roped into it,” she says. “I caved.” The result of the caving is 4 Suyos (2727 W. Fullerton Ave.; 773-278-6525), a 30-something-seat full-service restaurant that opened January 26 in Logan Square. Trujillo, who previously participated in the opening of Lake View’s Machu Picchu, prepares authentic Peruvian food, with all its Japanese, Chinese, and French influences. Some dishes Slucter highlighted:
• Papa à la Huancaína: an appetizer of sliced, boiled potatoes, topped with a sauce made from cheese, cream, and a Peruvian pepper called ají amarillo.
• Ají de Gallina: shredded chicken with a sauce of sun-dried mirasol peppers, pecans, walnuts, milk, and cheese. “This is actually a traditional Peruvian dish,” Slucter says. “During the French Revolution, those that came to Peru introduced the cheese and the walnuts.”
• Lomo saltado: sirloin steak strips sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and fried potato wedges. “And then they flambé the heck out of that thing,” Slucter says. The dish comes with rice. “It really looks like Chinese stir-fry.”
• Seviche: fish cured in lime, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and ginger.
• Leche de tigre: a drink made from the seviche marinade. “A lot of people are afraid to try it as a cocktail because it’s fish juice, but it is delicious,” Slucter says.
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Post #275 - February 21st, 2012, 9:53 pmBerwyn -
!6th street and Oak Park Avenue. In the old La Paisita (pollo al carbon) space, I spotted a "Coming Soon - Taqueria El Palenque" sign. There used to be a Taqueria El Palenque at Palmer and Kimball. Once in a while, the food was really great, but for the most part -standard taqueria fare. They had a "salsa crema" which was absolutely fantastic.That salsa made all of their other shortcomings overlookable.
Lyons -
Ogden Aenue just west of the Pershing turnoff, across the street from the Post Office in the spot that used to be Taqueria Al Pastor. Newish joint named "Rica's Tacos" with a banner that proudly displays "Carne Asada Al Carbon."
Carne Asada Al Carbon can be loosely translated as "Seebee has either eaten here, or will eat here within a few week's time."
Berwyn again -
My beloved Salerno's On Grove (best ultra thin, super crunchy crust pizza in the land, when ordered and made correctly, imo) has now resurfaced to make pizzas inside Brando's Beef. Not sure how that is working out. I'll test the waters.We cannot be friends if you do not know the difference between Mayo and Miracle Whip.
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Post #276 - February 22nd, 2012, 9:21 amKrystyna’s Deli on Townline Road in Mundelein is closed. I was told that last Sunday was the final day. I think there are other locations in the area.
D.
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Post #277 - February 23rd, 2012, 3:52 pmIt appears that one-time GNR-winner Maria's Bakery in Highwood is a goner. "Closed for remodeling". As if anyone couldn't predict that when Maria sold the place off and it moved, it would lose all of the appeal.
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Post #278 - February 23rd, 2012, 3:59 pmedb60035 wrote:It appears that one-time GNR-winner Maria's Bakery in Highwood is a goner. "Closed for remodeling". As if anyone couldn't predict that when Maria sold the place off and it moved, it would lose all of the appeal.
I have been documenting this on the Maria's thread on Cooking and Shopping forum. It will reopen in a few weeks under Gino, owner to Two Guys from Italy (closed) and very likely the building's owner, according to my sister, Laura.
It never had the same vibe with the new owner of Maria's.
Regards,Cathy2
"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast
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Post #279 - February 24th, 2012, 2:07 pmNFriday wrote:Hi- I wonder if Trader Joe's is going to just gut out the building where Blockbuster was, or bulldoze it and start from scratch? I just hope that they don't put the parking lot on top of the building, like the downtown Evanston Whole Food's does. I hate that parking lot, and I will usually walk to WF, but if I do drive, I'll usually park in the lot next to the Evanston library.
The location Trader Joe's is moving into is about halfway between the two Whole Foods stores in Evanston, and it might do okay there. Maybe this will finally give me an excuse to shop at Trader Joe's. Thanks, Nancy
According to the Trib Local from 2/23/12, Trader Joe's "plans to raze the existing building [at 1211 Chicago Avenue] and build a new 13,000-square-foot store along the property's southern edge, on the current parking lot.... A new parking lot would then be built to the north of the grocery store.""Life is a combination of magic and pasta." -- Federico Fellini
"You're not going to like it in Chicago. The wind comes howling in from the lake. And there's practically no opera season at all--and the Lord only knows whether they've ever heard of lobster Newburg." --Charles Foster Kane, Citizen Kane.
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Post #280 - February 24th, 2012, 5:41 pmPie Lady wrote:Pie Lady wrote:That Irish Place, formerly known as The Blue Angel at 5310 N. Milwaukee, is still closed, but they have an awning up with a shadow outline of their new name: Annegans.
Now the awning is gone and there is a metal stamped sign that says Finnegans. I swear there was an A before.
I liked "Annegan's" better. Sounded less conspicuously Paddy-Irish.
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Post #281 - February 25th, 2012, 9:56 amBack Alley Burger is now open on st charles near 83 in elm hurst. Very near portillos and the new smash burger. It is in what used to be a KFC. Signs say 'hand spun shakes' and 'fresh cut fries'. Looked pretty crowded. But as my wife says 'back alley burger' is not exactly an appetizing name but who knows?
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Post #282 - February 25th, 2012, 10:28 amDrover wrote:Pie Lady wrote:Pie Lady wrote:That Irish Place, formerly known as The Blue Angel at 5310 N. Milwaukee, is still closed, but they have an awning up with a shadow outline of their new name: Annegans.
Now the awning is gone and there is a metal stamped sign that says Finnegans. I swear there was an A before.
I liked "Annegan's" better. Sounded less conspicuously Paddy-Irish.
I took one for the team and ate there shortly after it opened. They've basically turned it into a bar serving pub food prepared not especially well. It's still run by the same Greek guys who have owned the place for quite some time. Even some of the waitresses are hold overs from the Blue Angel, unfortunately costumed in short skirts and tight tops.Steve Z.
“Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven
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Post #283 - February 25th, 2012, 1:54 pmLaurassi Restaurant is open in the former Taxco space at Elston & Montrose. Apparently serving "Mediterranean" cuisine.
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Post #284 - February 25th, 2012, 7:40 pmDKoblesky wrote:Back Alley Burger is now open on st charles near 83 in elm hurst. Very near portillos and the new smash burger. It is in what used to be a KFC. Signs say 'hand spun shakes' and 'fresh cut fries'. Looked pretty crowded. But as my wife says 'back alley burger' is not exactly an appetizing name but who knows?
Did a new restaurant ever open in the Kopper Kitchen space next door since it closed a year ago? The building owner claimed at the time that he had four or five prospects.
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Post #285 - February 25th, 2012, 8:11 pmnothing there yet, where Kopper Kitchen was. Hmmm.....maybe Rick Bayless opens an outpost of Xoco on that corner! that would be good. Or possibly a suburban Pastorale! Oh forget it, probably Denny's.
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Post #286 - February 25th, 2012, 9:26 pmstevez wrote:Even some of the waitresses are hold overs from the Blue Angel, unfortunately costumed in short skirts and tight tops.
A number of people on Everyblock have mentioned a sewer smell that is a hold over as well (one said it was so bad they left mid-meal).
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Post #287 - February 25th, 2012, 9:33 pmDKoblesky wrote:Back Alley Burger is now open on st charles near 83 in elm hurst. Very near portillos and the new smash burger. It is in what used to be a KFC. Signs say 'hand spun shakes' and 'fresh cut fries'. Looked pretty crowded. But as my wife says 'back alley burger' is not exactly an appetizing name but who knows?
Wait - there's a Smashburger in Elmhurst now?
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Post #288 - February 27th, 2012, 7:27 amVinny wrote:Laurassi Restaurant is open in the former Taxco space at Elston & Montrose. Apparently serving "Mediterranean" cuisine.
Which means, I suppose, that "Global Restaurant" which occupied the space in between is no more. Though I suspect Global Restaurant simply changed its name, given the speed with which the changeover took place.
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Post #289 - February 27th, 2012, 8:41 amPalos Park’s Plush Horse Ice Cream & Coffee Shop is opening a second location at 7903 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park.Palos Park’s Plush Horse Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, considered by many to have the best ice cream in the southwest suburbs, is opening a second location at 7903 W. 171st St. within the Tinley Downs plaza in Tinley Park.
Steve Rydberg, son of owner Ann Rydberg, said he is hoping the new location will be ready by mid-March.
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Post #290 - February 27th, 2012, 9:17 amSorry if this has been posted (didn't find it in a Google site-specific search on LTH), but when I was running yesterday, I passed a restaurant that looks like it will open soon, called Indie Burger. Here's their website; it says they will open in March.INDIE BURGER PHILOSOPHY: Our commitment is to provide Chicagoans, who already love burgers and fries, a family friendly restaurant that serves great tasting high quality and healthy organic food at an affordable price.
Our Food:
* Grass fed beef means fewer calories, lower cholesterol and saturated fat
* 4x vitamin E and higher CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) to lower risk of cancer and heart disease
* CLA also decreases body fat and creates leaner muscle
* Organic greens and veggies We fry in rice bran oil for more vitamins and antioxidants
* Sodas sweetened with cane sugar or agave nectar
Our Farms
* Local farms whenever possible
* All organic grass fed cattle
* All cattle and chicken humanely raised
* All free-range, organic chicken
Our Space
* Reclaimed barn wood from Minnesota
* Old church pews from the south side of Chicago
* Reclaimed dining tables and counter
* Chairs from recycled soda bottles
* Eco-friendly cleaning supplies and recycled paper towels
* Bamboo dishes
* We compost and recycle to create a virtually zero waste kitchen
Looks like a really simple menu, with a couple of sandwiches and soups. No prices that I could find.
Indie Burger
1034 W Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 857-7777pizza fun
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Post #291 - February 27th, 2012, 1:30 pmWent to Mac Kelly's on Wells and Lake today, and it closed, everything gone and the lights turned out.
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Post #292 - February 27th, 2012, 1:51 pmIt appears that George's What's Cooking ( Deerfield ) will be closing at the end of the week.
http://deerfield.suntimes.com/news/1083 ... field.html"Goldie, how many times have I told you guys that I don't want no horsin' around on the airplane?"
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Post #293 - February 27th, 2012, 3:39 pmzoid wrote:DKoblesky wrote:Back Alley Burger is now open on st charles near 83 in elm hurst. Very near portillos and the new smash burger. It is in what used to be a KFC. Signs say 'hand spun shakes' and 'fresh cut fries'. Looked pretty crowded. But as my wife says 'back alley burger' is not exactly an appetizing name but who knows?
Wait - there's a Smashburger in Elmhurst now?
Yes. It is directly south of the Kohls/Dominicks/Portillos mini mall area. Next to Chase and Potbelly and a Verizon store. Near the corner of 83/St. Charles. A little hidden. actually.
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Post #294 - February 27th, 2012, 5:26 pmMonti's Restaurant seems to be moving along toward opening in the space previously occupied by Cinner's, which specialized in Cincinnati-style chili, and a series of other restaurants. This location is somewhat cursed by visibility problems, which may be offset by a rather flamboyant awning for Monti's. Their web site only has a rather obnoxious page with a link to their Twitter feed. They are apparently hoping for opening on March 5. Eater had a story on February 24.Last week, James Gottwald left his position as culinary director for Rockit Ranch Productions, where he oversaw the food programs for both Rockit locations, the Underground and Sunda. Now, Gottwald and his wife, Jennifer Monti, aim to open Monti's, an authentic 50-seat Philly cheesesteak bar, in mid March near Goosefoot in Lincoln Square.
"I grew up in Philadelphia. [A cheesesteak] was one of my favorite things to have and I can't find a great one around here," Gottwald said. "I'm going to make a great one, it'll be authentic with high-end ingredients." For his, Gottwald will use shaved Angus ribeye and aged Wisconsin cheddar sauce (instead of Cheez Whiz) on rolls he'll bring in from Philly's Amoroso's Baking Company. And of course, like any proper cheesesteak, it'll be "wit" onions.
"The key I think is the bread or roll," he said. "I've heard so many different theories as to why the roll is better when specific to Philadelphia. What makes the most sense to me is that the natural yeast in the air and the water system there interacts with the structure and flavor of the bread."
The food selection as stated in the article seems somewhat unfocused in running from Philadelphia cheese steaks to pizza.
Why somebody else will need to check this one out:For seating, it's mostly high-tops with stools, but if you want to get cozy, there are three banquettes toward the back.
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Post #295 - February 27th, 2012, 9:36 pmWas driving down Foster on my way to work today and saw something in part of the old Cafe Victoria space at 3232 W Foster, Asian Kitchen. Not sure if it is open yet but it has this generic chain look from the looks of it but not even sure this is a chain.
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Post #296 - February 27th, 2012, 10:30 pmKajmacJohnson wrote:Was driving down Foster on my way to work today and saw something in part of the old Cafe Victoria space at 3232 W Foster, Asian Kitchen. Not sure if it is open yet but it has this generic chain look from the looks of it but not even sure this is a chain.
Could you mean 2 Asian Brothers at 3222 W Foster? A few days ago Kevin Pang wrote about the 6-month-old restaurant: 2 Asian Brothers' story is more than plate deep.
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Post #297 - February 27th, 2012, 10:49 pmcito wrote:It appears that George's What's Cooking ( Deerfield ) will be closing at the end of the week.
http://deerfield.suntimes.com/news/1083 ... field.html
I have never eaten at this location but it is especially noticeable due to the closure of the What's Cooking at Lincoln Village just weeks ago.
I wonder if there is a connection between the two, aside from the poor economy.
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Post #298 - February 28th, 2012, 5:57 amBonnie_Blue wrote:cito wrote:It appears that George's What's Cooking ( Deerfield ) will be closing at the end of the week.
I have never eaten at this location but it is especially noticeable due to the closure of the What's Cooking at Lincoln Village just weeks ago.
I wonder if there is a connection between the two, aside from the poor economy.
The referenced article explains the connection between the two restaurants.Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
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Post #299 - February 28th, 2012, 8:45 amRene G wrote:KajmacJohnson wrote:Was driving down Foster on my way to work today and saw something in part of the old Cafe Victoria space at 3232 W Foster, Asian Kitchen. Not sure if it is open yet but it has this generic chain look from the looks of it but not even sure this is a chain.
Could you mean 2 Asian Brothers at 3222 W Foster? A few days ago Kevin Pang wrote about the 6-month-old restaurant: 2 Asian Brothers' story is more than plate deep.
I didn't find my one meal there to be worthy of a full post - heavy breading that fell off the otherwise tasty and moist chicken wings, mediocre banh mi and flavorless fried rice. With better options in the area on all such options (Nhu Lan and Great Seas for example), I'll pass.
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Post #300 - February 28th, 2012, 3:45 pmRene G wrote:KajmacJohnson wrote:Was driving down Foster on my way to work today and saw something in part of the old Cafe Victoria space at 3232 W Foster, Asian Kitchen. Not sure if it is open yet but it has this generic chain look from the looks of it but not even sure this is a chain.
Could you mean 2 Asian Brothers at 3222 W Foster? A few days ago Kevin Pang wrote about the 6-month-old restaurant: 2 Asian Brothers' story is more than plate deep.
I don't drive down Foster often on my way to work because traffic tends to back up in that area. I had seen it one night last week when I was coming home but could not read it. So Sunday, I was curious and I was on my way to work and since Sunday morning traffic is generally nonexistant, I pulled to the side and saw a sign that read Asian Kitchen. I didn't see the other name anywhere though I probably somehow missed it. It didn't even look like a place that had been open for long. I am actually surprised that it has been open since last year.
