From comfortable places to knock back a couple of cocktails to the long-awaited opening of a raved-about burger joint, there's no shortage of new arrivals to our city's food scene, courtesy of industry novices and vets alike. And, they couldn't be coming at a better time. As the mercury gradually drops, and collective winter dread quickly rises, put these new spots on your cool-to-cold-weather agenda, and you just might make it to spring. We'll see you there!
Bascule Wine Bar
Cool weather turns the focus from rooftops and rum drinks to red wine and warm, cozy spaces. Which is why this Taylor Street spot is high on the fall hangout list. Named for the style of bridge that crosses the Chicago River (fun fact: our city is home to the most bascules in the world), it unites the considerable talents of sommeliers Jason Prah (Acadia) and Scott Harney (ENO), and chef Michael Burkauskas (Gibson's, Luxbar), who have created a menu of rustic American food and Old World-focused wines.
Bascule Wine Bar, 1421 West Taylor Street (at Loomis Street); 312-226-3547.
Momotaro
Their roster of restaurant hits (Girl & The Goat, GT Fish & Oyster, Boka, etc.) make Boka Restaurant Group a clear contender for food scene MVP. This season, they swing for the fences again with Momotaro, a two-floor, 8,500-square-foot West Loop Japanese spot. Executive chef Mark Hellyar and sushi chef Jeff Ramsey both spent significant time working in Japan, and the small-plates menu — complete with snacks, rice, noodles, skewers, and grilled entrees — reflects traditional, day-to-day Japanese dishes. Then, there's the sushi. We love a good spicy tuna roll, but we can't wait to try unique, super-seasonal fish such as Kinki, a fatty member of the snapper family; or Noresore, young Conger eels that look like clear noodles.
Momotaro, 820 West Lake Street (at Green Street); 312-238-9896.
The Duck Inn
We've admired (and devoured) Kevin Hickey's food for years, first at the Four Seasons, then at River North restaurant Bottlefork (popcorn sweetbreads, anyone?) — his inaugural collaboration with Rockit Ranch Productions. So, we can't wait for The Duck Inn, the Michelin-starred chef's next project, opening in a pre-Prohibition Era tavern in Bridgeport. The second venture for the Hickey/RRP partnership will feature both drink-friendly small bites and seasonal entrees, plus wine, craft beers, and cocktails. Don't miss the Duck Fat Dog, which took home first prize in the "Franks & Beats" competition at last month's Food Network in Concert event.
The Duck Inn, 2701 South Eleanor Street (at Hillcock Avenue); no phone yet.
The Betty
With Bangers & Lace and The Anthem, Footman Hospitality Group proved it knows what Division Street denizens want in a watering hole. On the heels of Bangers & Lace's Evanston expansion, the Footmen (Jason Freiman, Nick Podesta, and Chris Haisma) are stretching into the West Loop. They've tapped former Avec sous chef Rachel Dow to create small plates that pair with craft cocktails (think lots o' bourbon), wine, and beers. So, will The Betty end up being a total Monet? As if! With Karen Herold of Studio K (Embeya, Girl & The Goat) in charge of design, this spot is sure to live up to its moniker.
The Betty, 839 West Fulton Market (at Green Street); no phone yet.
Formento's
When the cold wind is a-blowin', nothing hits the spot like a big bowl of pasta with red sauce. Or, butter-loaded garlic bread. Or, rich chicken Parmesan. So, we're extra-grateful this old-school-inspired Italian restaurant is set to open in the West Loop before winter hits. Housing a dining room, bar/lounge, event space, and patio, the latest offering from B. Hospitality Co. (The Bristol, Balena), has chef Tony Quartaro creating dishes that are reminiscent of 1950s American-style Italian dining. Don't leave before trying a shot of house-made Limoncello.
Formento's, 925 West Randolph Street (at Sangamon Street); no phone yet.
Tippling Hall
With six kegged cocktails, two wines on draft, giant beer steins and growlers, more than 20 craft cocktails, and 50 to 60 wines to choose from, this long-awaited spot from the Tippling Brothers (Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci) embraces drinking traditions from around the world and gives them an innovative spin. It's easy to stay bellied up here for hours, so sustenance is mandatory. Thankfully, Guillermo Tellez — a Charlie Trotter's alum and the man behind Little Market and Tavernita — serves up globally inspired dishes all day and well into the night.
Tippling Hall, 646 North Franklin Street (at Erie Street); no phone yet.
Shake Shack
Bust out the elastic pants. Restaurateur Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group — the crew behind NYC spots such as Gramercy Tavern and Maialino — are finally bringing their world-famous "modern day roadside burger stand" to Rush Street, serving up signature fresh-cut crinkle fries, frozen custard shakes, hot dogs, beer, wine, and burgers smothered in a completely addictive Shack Sauce. And, there's more delicious news: A second Chicago location is already in the works, opening in the Chicago Athletic Association building in 2015.
Shake Shack, 66 East Ohio Street (at Rush Street); no phone yet.
The Kitchen
The Colorado restaurant concept brings its "Community Through Food"philosophy to Chicago with its first venture outside of its home state. While the doors don't open until mid-October, The Kitchen has had a presence in Chicago since 2012, creating 100 learning gardens at Chicago Public Schools, and giving nearly 65,000 kids a chance to get their hands dirty while learning about science and nutrition. But, these do-gooders also serve food that's plenty good, too. They've brought in chef Johnny Anderes (formerly of Avec, Telegraph, and Reno) to spearhead a menu that includes cheese and charcuterie, a raw bar, and classic dishes made with super-fresh ingredients — all locally sourced, of course.
The Kitchen, 316 North Clark Street (at the river); no phone yet.
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