Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings - April - June 2012

Please post all related news on this thread.

For last quarter's Openings and Closings, please this thread:

Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings - January - March 2012

Please, remember, that per our Posting Guidelines, posts pertaining to health code-related issues are not permitted here unless they include a link to a credible, third-party source.

Thanks,

=R=
for the moderators

The owners of Standard Market in Westmont will open a stand alone "high-end steak and seafood eatery" in mid-to-late May. It will be called Bakersfield and is located at the old Bailey's Restaurant site on Ogden Avenue.

They have a website for the new venture but right now all it has is an artist conception of the restaurant's exterior and a link for job applicants.

read more: http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/westmont/topstories/x1612618689/New-steak-and-seafood-restaurant-set-to-open-in-Westmont-this-spring


Bakersfield Restaurant
330 E. Ogden Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
http://www.bakersfieldrestaurant.com./

There's a sign up for Black Cat Coffee coming to the old Starbucks site in Port Clinton Square in Highland Park next to the DQ.

I've been lurking awhile, but this is my first post (I love to eat, but I'm only 21 so who am I to divvy out opinions?). I have some info about a couple Evanston restaurants though, so I figured I'd share.

A new pizza joint called Ice & a Slice is opening soon on Noyes Street in Evanston in the space formerly occupied by the catering company Rollin' in Dough. They are across the street from the Noyes L stop and next door to GNR Al's Deli. Advertising Chicago-style pizza both whole and by the slice, they had a banner announcing an upcoming taste testing with date TBD. It was closed when I walked by, so I couldn't get any more info.

I also dropped in to Fraiche just down the road this afternoon, and there are a bunch of changes in the works. They just got a new chef and are transitioning to a "fancier" menu and experience. Instead of ordering at a counter and serving yourself water, grabbing utensils, etc., I was told that they are starting full table service. Their new spring menu is up, and notable items include Shrimp and grits (breakfast) and a whole slew of new sandwiches for lunch, such as a Veggie Bahn Mi and a Buffalo Mozzarella. Lastly, they are starting to source as many ingredients locally as possible (such as a side of various potatoes from a local farmer) and are pickling their own vegetables for several of the dishes. On a side note, while scoping out the changes at Fraiche, I ordered the chocolate bread pudding as a snack and it was delightful!

815 Noyes St
(at Sherman Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-5467
http://fraicheevanston.com/

wjb302 wrote:I've been lurking awhile, but this is my first post (I love to eat, but I'm only 21 so who am I to divvy out opinions?). I have some info about a couple Evanston restaurants though, so I figured I'd share...

Welcome, young man!

Thanks, for the info.

=R=

wjb302 wrote:I also dropped in to Fraiche just down the road this afternoon, and there are a bunch of changes in the works. They just got a new chef and are transitioning to a "fancier" menu and experience. Instead of ordering at a counter and serving yourself water, grabbing utensils, etc., I was told that they are starting full table service. Their new spring menu is up, and notable items include Shrimp and grits (breakfast) and a whole slew of new sandwiches for lunch, such as a Veggie Bahn Mi and a Buffalo Mozzarella. Lastly, they are starting to source as many ingredients locally as possible (such as a side of various potatoes from a local farmer) and are pickling their own vegetables for several of the dishes. On a side note, while scoping out the changes at Fraiche, I ordered the chocolate bread pudding as a snack and it was delightful!

815 Noyes St
(at Sherman Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-5467
http://fraicheevanston.com/

Welcome, wjb, and thanks for the info! I stop in to Fraiche a couple times a month (always order ahead as even the simplest of sandwiches takes 20-30 minutes to prepare), and have always found their food pretty good.

For those interested, I always take a photo of their menu as their website has been 'under construction' for years.

Plush Horse Now Open in Tinley
The second location for the Plush Horse ice cream parlor opened March 19 at 7903 W. 171st St. in the Tinley Downs Plaza in Tinley Park.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but that may change. “We’ll probably extend our hours to 10 p.m. for the summer,” she said.
For information, call 708-444-1800.

Nhu Lan's new location on Belmont just west of Broadway is officially open.

Ivy, a hot dog/burger/fry joint, will be opening at 5425 W. Devon "soon".

Open now.

The Subway that was directly across the street is papered over with a sign that says "closed temporarily". I don't know any chains that take down the signage above the door for temporary closings.

A restaurant called "The Point" seems to be close to opening next to Paramount Room in River West at the corner of Milwaukee, Desplaines and Kinzie. There are taps on the bar and bread inside, implying maybe staff training? Anyone else have any information about this place?

Found this description that seems accurate from what I can tell by peering in the window: http://chicago.metromix.com/venues/mmxc ... oint-venue

Looks like it could be a nice addition to a neighborhood that needs more casual bar+good food options.

I know Matt Harris, the owner, from going to Clutch on Ogden/Grand. He told me some months ago that he's been working on that space for about 3 years and feels this is their year. Gauging by your spotting, they should be opening before the summer season hits full swing. He said there is a basement space for "night life" as well as the parking lot which he's planning on being a large beergarden. Hopefully the city will cooperate and we'll have another great spot for food, drink and socializing!

As pictured in this post...

Chickie's Express
5836 W Cermak, Cicero

... has taken down the Coming Soon! sign and it looks ready to open...



Door is still locked though...

WJB - don't feel bad, I'm only 22.

A little birdie told me that a new Catering / Restaurant is opening this month or next that goes by the name of the Finicky Cat.

One of the chefs is Katie Garcia who was the head chef over at Zebda, and used to have her own restaurant (I forget the name, but it used to be right by the 18th street stop on the Pink line).

I'll have more details as I get them. But having seen the rough draft of the menu, it looks good

A recent closing.... Regina's on Rte 31 in West Dundee. IMHO it served really great Italian at very reasonable prices.
Sorry to see this one go.

jsmit86 wrote:A recent closing.... Regina's on Rte 31 in West Dundee. IMHO it served really great Italian at very reasonable prices.
Sorry to see this one go.

Damn! I liked that place. Too bad I moved down to the city last year and sold my car.

matada wrote:WJB - don't feel bad, I'm only 22.

It's you guys who shouldn't be trusting us "older" folks. I say post away and welcome to the conversation.

BR wrote:

matada wrote:WJB - don't feel bad, I'm only 22.

It's you guys who shouldn't be trusting us "older" folks. I say post away and welcome to the conversation.

I actually found out about LTHForum from one of the head girls that worked for Thyme way back when I'll let you figure out who.

This article from the Redeye indicates that Chuy Valencia is no longer with Chilam Balam. It also describes his new concept:

Valencia is teaming up with coffeehouse entrepreneur Philip Tadros (Dollop, Kickstand) on a new concept that he describes as “a really hearty, Midwest, but kind of modern-day Chicago take on diner classics and cafeteria food.” The spot will fresh-roast coffee up front, operate a two-kettle brewery in back, and serve up old-school dishes like buttered noodles, lasagna, patty melts and meatball sandwiches, cafeteria-style (and undoubtedly updated).

Very interesting considering that it seems he's only (or largely) cooked Mexican food - both at Chilam Balam and Frontera, and also during his short stay on Top Chef. I hate to sound pessimistic, but . . .

According to an email (text below), Rich's Chocolates and Candies is closing this May. No word on what this means for Sweet Collective, which I believe will be just Ruth & Phil's now.

Greetings!
After almost 5 sweet years, Rich Chocolates & Candies will be closing this May.

I have loved the process of creating delicious confections, knowing that they were making my customers smile. I started this business back in 2007 with the sole purpose of making people happy, and I loved being a part of your weddings, Christmas stockings, Valentine's Days, and everyday treats. However, I feel that it is time to move on, both personally and professionally. My passion has grown to encompass more than just sweets, and I hope to spend the future tackling the big food issues of our city, and help to make a real difference.

I will continue delivering to your favorite stores- the Marion Street Cheesemarket, Provenance Food & Wine, and City Provisions- through the first week in May. After that I will make time available for you to place an order through the website and arrange for a pick up at the kitchen (stay tuned for more information about this). And you will see Rich Chocolates & Candies again around the holidays, at the One of A Kind Show in December.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm over the last few years. It has truly been a pleasure providing the great people of Chicago (and beyond) with delicious, handmade sweets.

Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Lauren Pett
Chocolatier/Owner
Rich Chocolates & Candies

BR wrote:This article from the Redeye indicates that Chuy Valencia is no longer with Chilam Balam. It also describes his new concept:

Valencia is teaming up with coffeehouse entrepreneur Philip Tadros (Dollop, Kickstand) on a new concept that he describes as “a really hearty, Midwest, but kind of modern-day Chicago take on diner classics and cafeteria food.” The spot will fresh-roast coffee up front, operate a two-kettle brewery in back, and serve up old-school dishes like buttered noodles, lasagna, patty melts and meatball sandwiches, cafeteria-style (and undoubtedly updated).

Very interesting considering that it seems he's only (or largely) cooked Mexican food - both at Chilam Balam and Frontera, and also during his short stay on Top Chef. I hate to sound pessimistic, but . . .

I guess it's possible to do a creative mexican version of buttered noodles, lasagna, patty melts and meatball sandwiches (cafeteria-style of course) but yeah, pessimism abounds.

Also in Evanston, a sign for Pita Inn went up in the old Pomegranate space yesterday... then promptly disappeared. Odd.

AlekH wrote:

BR wrote:This article from the Redeye indicates that Chuy Valencia is no longer with Chilam Balam. It also describes his new concept:

Valencia is teaming up with coffeehouse entrepreneur Philip Tadros (Dollop, Kickstand) on a new concept that he describes as “a really hearty, Midwest, but kind of modern-day Chicago take on diner classics and cafeteria food.” The spot will fresh-roast coffee up front, operate a two-kettle brewery in back, and serve up old-school dishes like buttered noodles, lasagna, patty melts and meatball sandwiches, cafeteria-style (and undoubtedly updated).

Very interesting considering that it seems he's only (or largely) cooked Mexican food - both at Chilam Balam and Frontera, and also during his short stay on Top Chef. I hate to sound pessimistic, but . . .

I guess it's possible to do a creative mexican version of buttered noodles, lasagna, patty melts and meatball sandwiches (cafeteria-style of course) but yeah, pessimism abounds.

He's a trained chef who has lived in the US all his life. I'm guessing he's been exposed to more than just Mexican cuisine in that time.

Something is going on at the old Hackney's on Milwaukee in Wheeling. There's workers going in and out the doors, taking out (or is it adding?) windows, etc.

That's not enough to be news -- they could just be grooming the building for sale. But it's all I've got.

Asia2Go, 6467 N. Cicero Ave., appears to be closed. The sign is down, the place is dark, and the open sign is off.

cilantro wrote:Also in Evanston, a sign for Pita Inn went up in the old Pomegranate space yesterday... then promptly disappeared. Odd.

Noooo! They need to put on in Lake Zurich/Barrington, where I work. There's pretty much no options for healthy food around here.

I went to the Point for the soft opening on St. Pat's Day, they were only serving beer, whiskey, and corned beef that day. It's a very nice space, and one of the Clutch owners is an investor. They were still working on some issues, like shades on those windows, it was HOT with the sun beating in, and it was terribly loud in there. The patio is very nice, but they don't have permits yet.

Pie Lady wrote:Asia2Go, 6467 N. Cicero Ave., appears to be closed. The sign is down, the place is dark, and the open sign is off.

Bummer. They weren't especially good, but they were fast. Looks like it's Great Beijing from now on.

Paula Deen’s Kitchen Opens at Casino
Southern celebrity chef Paula Deen’s Kitchen will hold its grand opening on Thursday at Harrah’s Joliet Casino.
The restaurant and adjoining retail store have been open for a couple of weeks in redesigned space at the casino.
The restaurant features buffet stations and an ala carte menu modeled after some of Deen’s other eateries including Lady & Sons, Deen Brother’s Barbeque and Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House.
For reservations, call 815-740-7800.
======================
Blissful Banana Café
15447 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Park.
http://www.southlandsavvy.com/2012/04/b ... -open.html

JoelF wrote:Something is going on at the old Hackney's on Milwaukee in Wheeling. There's workers going in and out the doors, taking out (or is it adding?) windows, etc.

According to a Dec 2011 bit in the Daily Herald:

A new pizza restaurant will be coming to the vacant former Hackney’s building on Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling. D’Agostino’s Pizza, which has four locations in the Chicago area, will open next spring.

That's a disappointment. I like Dags, but I'm getting tired of chains.