Sunnyside up: New spots for breakfast including Kith & Kin's replacement, Webster Street Cafe

In addition to Jam and Honey (opening on the corner of Sheffield and Webster in Lincoln Park), Brunch in River North, and City Provisions in Ravenswood two more breakfasts spots are on the horizon for hungry Chicago go-getters. The first is the hotly anticipated restaurant replacing Kith & Kin. While owner of the restaurant, Moe Taleb, admitted that he was unsure of what would become of former Kith & Kin space and concept, we doubt he could have predicted this. While we could be wrong, from the exterior it appears a jazzed-up Nookies or John's Place is moving in to serve-up ordinary American fair. High hopes for Chicago foodies everywhere can be laid to rest. Best bet is to follow Kith & Kin's head chef Andrew Brochu to high-end tasting menu driven El. We'll be eager to give Webster Street Cafe a try when they open with a review to follow.

{Former Kith & Kin is now W Street Cafe}

Right around the corner at Kenmore and Armitage, Butcher and Burger is getting ready to open its doors. The only preview they've made available is their breakfast menu. At this point it's unclear if the restaurant is going to focused solely on breakfast or will expand to lunch and dinner. Take a look below.

{Vintage apparel store Out of the West gets an internal make-over and will be Butcher and Burger}

"One laughs when joyous, sulks when angry, is at peace with the world when the stomach is satisfied." -Hawaiian proverb

A critical eye: Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

Yuzu

 1715 W. Chicago ave {between Paulina + Hermitage}
(312) 666- 4100


While the hustle and bustle of street traffic and pedestrians doesn't come close to that at Union Sushi and Barbecue in River North, Yuzu Sushi and Robata Grill in Ukrainian Village is serving up some fantastic maki specialty maki rolls and robata grilled skewers (meat, seafood, vegetables) worthy of a visit. Bottom line, Yuzu is a terrific value (skewers at $1.5-$2, maki rolls are $5-$12) for the quality and innovation you're getting, any sushi-snob connoisseur wouldn't dislike the classic spider roll or South Beach roll (pictured below). The BYOB no corkage fee is also a huge plus if you're dining on a budget. Parking in the area is relatively easy to find (for paying on Chicago ave) and the neighborhood isn't zoned. 

The ambiance is clean, unassuming, tight-knit, and rather gray. Hopefully young Yuzu (opened in May) can find a way to make the decor match the vibrant food and Japanese flavors. A little heat hitting something else besides the robata grill could liven things up. Speaking of that robata grill, while the grilled meat, vegetable, and seafood we ordered for the majority tasted fantastic, some more showcasing of the traditional Japanese preparation or explanation of the grill's capabilities would have been appreciated. If you've got a robata grill, flaunt it. In sum, Yuzu was a great value and the sushi was top-notch, we'll be back.

{South Beach Roll. Super white tuna, albacore tuna, cucumber, Japanese pepper, sesame oil, masago, mayo, red & black tobiko, lime}

{Spider Roll. Soft shell crab, marinated crab meat , cucumber, masago, mayo, black tobiko, pepper vinegar sauce}

{Avocado Mango Salad. Avocado, mango, seasonal greens with a creamy ginger dressing. Beautiful presentation}

{This is a one order skewer, appetizer portion of: (from top to bottom) marinated chicken wing with curry sauce, shitake mushroom brushed with ponzu sauce, and miso tuna (ahi tuna brushed with white miso and Japanese mustard. By far the winner here were the mushrooms and chicken wing}

 If teetering on whether to go here's one more reason to give Yuzu a go: Mention "YUMMY" for $10 off (min purchase of $40) Dine-In only. Must mention before order. Excluded tax. Offer available Thursdays 6/24 -9/24/2011.

A critical eye: Davanti Enoteca

Davanti Enoteca

1359 W. Taylor Street

(312) 226-5550

Head Chef: Jonathan Beatty

Davanti Ecoteca is an experience all of us in Chicago must have at some point.  An authentic, romantic Italian-inspired setting breathes new life into familiar flavors and relationships as enjoying dinner with a special someone, a group of friends, or family is rejuvenated.  When we first dined here, dead in the middle of winter, it exuded a warm, cozy feel, so we were skeptical that it would feel too dark and wintery when we went back in June. Pleasantly surprised, we couldn’t have been more wrong. Davanti echoed the vibrancy of spring, as lovely as ever, and we cannot wait to make a third summer trip to experience their upstairs retractable roof area that seats 40!

Props to Davanti’s wine program for its vast selection and more than reasonable price point. Their astute eye and palate for great wine sold at retail price is nearly unheard of in other Chicago born Italian eateries half as nice as Davanti. We got a bottle of 2007 Chianti from their Reserve list for a mere $30 dollars; normally it’s more than twice that amount. 

We started with the Escarole salad with gala apples, pecorino dolce, celery, and hazelnuts bathed in a fruity, light vinaigrette.  This was the perfect, refreshing start to our meal as it forecasted heavier dishes to come.  A must try, the Ragu of the day (something Davanti has mastered and are known for) was a braised Brisket with wild mushrooms in a white wine reduction sauce poured onto a layer of polenta. To round out the meal, sans dessert, we shared the perfectly portioned Paccheri conSalsiccia e Pomodori al forno (Giant Rigatoni, rustic, smoky sausage, oven fire-roasted tomato, and parmigiano cheese). Flawlessly al dente pasta and homemade tomato sauce certified that we will never enjoy pasta sauce from a jar ever again; Davanti is the real deal and far less expensive than springing for the red eye to Positano, Italia. 

1 bottle of outstanding wine and sharing 3 plates enough to satiate 2 diners, our total bill was $62.  Exceptional value, we’re thinking we need to go more often than once a season. See you at Davanti!

Via

Via

Via

Match made in heaven: Boka restaurant group and The Bristol work together to introduce Balena

In the wake of the sudden closing of Landmark on Halsted in Lincoln Park the Boka group posted a video announcement of their newest concept: Balena. While details haven't been hashed out yet they did reveal the face of a celebrated Chicago chef, Chris Pandel of the Bristol in Bucktown. A respectable, Italian-inspired restaurant driven by a prominent chef is set to move in Landmark's space sometime in fall. We'll have more details to share when they become available. Until then, here's a preview of the menu courtesy of GrubStreet Chicago.

Balena's Preview Menu
- Tuna Conserva, Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Artichokes, Tomato Vinaigrette,
- Kale Panzanella, Imported Sardines, Pecorino
- Fire Roasted Duck Bruschetta, Vinegar Cherries
- Trofie Pasta, Snap Peas
- Whole Roasted Bass, Roasted Potatoes, Salsa Verde,
- Pizza Margherita

Giant (5 feet wide) wood-burning ovens capable of cooking whole pigs, lambs, goats is just one exciting feature of Belana. Since the announcement of Tavernita, this may be the hottest new restaurant in town. Just imagining an Italian feast created by the genius' behind Girl and the Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Boka, and the creative, tenacious talent of The Bristol is making our stomach rumble and our heart race with excitement.

Via

Tavernita Follow-up

Tavernita's website is up and running!

If you want to get a sneak peak at the concept and purveyors behind Tavernita (including Chef Ryan Poli) click on one of the videos posted. Here's a brief synopsis: Poli shares his excitement for an elaborate oyster and crudo bar and the riff on classic Spanish dishes featuring breads- think crostini and flatbreads. He says most of the plates will be small and shareable.

Here's a visual:

Those ropes on the left look awful familiar

http://www.tavernita.com/

Girl and her Goat or Guy and his Sheep?

The Black Sheep 

1132 W. Grand ave {Grand + May}
(312) 997-5134

Self-described as "Progressive American cuisine albeit twisted and distorted" The newly opened, not taking reservations yet, Black Sheep in West Town marks the return of James Toland. Former chef de cuisine at ritzy Lockwood in the Palmer House Hilton, Toland hopes to do this by mixing refined dining with your neighborhood gastronomy vibe. He hopes to achieve this dichotomy with a stark division; the front of Black Sheep is a bar for crafty cocktails and micro-brews, with a limited small plate menu. The posterior of Black Sheep will be a "formal" dining room overlooking an open kitchen with plates running from $20- $50 a piece.

Another interesting touch is the free dining policy for any band on tour that breezes through Chicago. Toland is hoping to attract musicians and service-industry type clientele.

Am I crazy or does this sound like a bad cover of Girl and the Goat?

Dark, exclusive dining room, small and large plates emphasizing local farmers, progressive American, trendy dishes like pan-fried soft-shell crayfish or veal sweetbread with tongue... The websites even look similar. Even the price points are identical! And the list can go on and on. Stephanie Izard, you're getting ripped off!

{The original, Girl and the Goat}

{The Black Sheep will open on June 17th in West Town}

Via

Dishes you may see on the menu at Black Sheep include:

Main: Veal Sweetbread and Corned Beef Tongue... 24

Dessert: Strawberry, Rhubarb, St. Germaine, Root Beer Sponge Cake, Rhubarb Foam... 10

We've been to Girl and the Goat and will be glad to give you a full report on her Black Sheep cousin.

CG Food Flash: Rick Bayless loves Milk & Honey

Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco) just announced his unlikely collaboration and creation after working with Chicago's own Milk & Honey granola company spearheaded by owner Carol Watson of Cafe Milk & Honey on Division. Bayless championed his own granola (featuring amaranth, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, cacao nibs, and raisins) with an earthy-Mexican twist and we're sure it's going to be a hit if you already enjoy Milk & Honey's good stuff.

Should be coming to a Whole Foods/ supermarket/ anywhere you can get granola soon!

East-West BBQ collaboration

Union Sushi + Barbeque

230 W. Erie ave {Erie + Franklin}
(312) 662-4888

If Sushi Wabi is listed on your resume you're well on your way to pioneer a sushi spot of your own in Chicago these days. Worachai Thapthimkuna (also known as Chao) of Union and Yut Vong of Yuzu have each opened up a sushi and BBQ/ robata (Meaning Japanese charcoal grill) menu-centered restaurant this May. Delectable meats, seafood, vegetables, and the exotic (see alligator below) on miniature skewers are fired to perfection in a traditional robata grill; it's kind of like an Asian-inspired meat lollipop for $1.5 -$4 a piece. The rolls reflected the excellence that Sushi Wabi procured like the Osaka Central roll (fishcake, eel, crispy potato, togarashi + eel sauce... 5) or the Belly Roll (hamachi, cucumber, orange tobiko, scallion, chili paste aioli, crispy tempura crumbs, fried pork belly strips + eel sauce... 7).

Take a trip to the far east without having to leave summer and your love of the BBQ behind at Union or Yuzu.CG will be at Yuzu tonight, review to follow.

{Japanese Barbecue and sushi done right}

{The scene inside Union. Funky Japanese street art and graffiti play well against the metallic detailing}

{The inside of Union}

{Alligator skewer. Sublimely hot and smokey, we'll admit it- it tasted like moist chicken wrapped in bacon. Delicious and adventurous}

{Osaka Central roll, top. Old City Market spicy tuna, seared salmon, spicy ponzu, cilantro, green onion, fried okra + wrapped in collard green... 7, below}

{Surprise & Delight. Effen Cucumber, Pimm’s No. 1, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Muddled Lemongrass, Muddled Strawberry, Seltzer... 10.Effen Cucumber  is the new Effen Black Cherry is the new black}

{South of the Border, west of the Sun.  Chinaco Blanco Tequila, Aperol, Grapefruit, Lime, Amber Agave Nectar... 10 New spin on an old classic: Margarita meets far east. This is a must try}

{Inside Yuzu Sushi BYOB in Ukrainian village, review to follow}

Union's Menu

Yuzu's Menu
Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill BYOB no corkage fee
1715 W Chicago ave {Chicago + West of Paulina ave}
(312) 666- 4100

Pinkberry is coming to Chicago!

Set to open in July, Pinkberry is moving into the former berry chill space at 635 N. State street. Another delightful, crowd-pleasing New York hand-me-down. Pardon the lack of enthusiasm, really delicious frozen yogurt and ice cream treats can do no wrong, especially since we'll be experiencing a heat wave!

menu of fro-yo below:
So many combinations!

Something is in the air: Bistro 110 closes its doors

This morning The Stew broke news that Bistro 110 will be closing for good this August. Hold back your tears, Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia and Terzo Piano, is moving in! While Bistro 110 had a long run, around for nearly 24 years, the quaint yet grandiose, French-focused Gold Coast fixture will be missed.  A la Paris Club and Bistronomic, it's apparent that less stuffy, heavy-hitting restaurants like Brasserie Jo and Cafe Des Architects are being given new life through a visionary chef.

Montuano recognizes the need for constant re-invention and leaped at the opportunity to scoop up Bistro 110's space. Nameless for now, his new venture "will feature small-portioned, lighter dishes suitable for a quick bite with a nice glass of wine." Sounds spot on as more and more Chicago eateries move toward modest, shared portions complimented by authentic wine and spirits.

With Chef Tony Mantuano, President Obama has often proclaimed that Spiaggia is his favorite restaurant

Bistro 110 closes in August of 2011

CG Food Flash: Firkin and Pheasant gets a new name

You only get to make one first impression once, right? My first impression, name included, of Firkin and Pheasant was something like, "Oh! I didn't know Bennigan's was interested in expanding their empire under a covert title!" Granted I went around the time they opened and moving into a fast-paced neighborhood like Lakeview on Diversey is a challenge due to the varying tastes of eclectic patrons. Everything at Firkin and Pheasant was cheesy from the depressing carpet (see below), to the forced flair of the servers, and the gimmicky logos and Chicago paraphernalia strewn about. The food was your typical freeze-dried and re-friend meat and potatoes. Beer list was unoriginal.

Walking past on Monday I stopped and said, "Aha! New place! Michael Diversey's, what's that?" Turns out it's the same restaurant, same menu, with a few shifts on the beer list. Are they trying to pull a fast one? I don't think Chicagoans will fall for it, considering the feeling, taste, and experience from a first impression always permeates a name.

Bottom line: If you love Firkin and Pheasant you'll love Michael Diversey's. If you love exceptional quality when it comes to food, drinks, and ambiance you will dislike Michael Diversey's.

Bennigan's back from the dead (bankruptcy)? No, just Michael Diversey's.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firkin and Pheasant no more.