Thu. April 19, 2012
By Rick Karlin
Spring always brings with it many openings, not just flowers and buds, but restaurants as well. Here are a few soon to open and recently opened spots we're looking forward to checking out.
A new, wine-focused bistro named Southport & Irving is moving into the old Deleece space at the eponymous intersection, with an opening date scheduled for Friday, April 20. Geri and Tom Foley, owners of the acclaimed Broadway Cellars, are behind the neighborhood spot, which will offer dinner seven days a week, and brunch Friday through Sunday. Frankie Bocardo, who has experience most recently at Ceres Table, rounds up the team as chef de cuisine.
(Rate | Review Southport & Irving)
Top Chef's Dale Levitski's new Lakeview spot, Frog N Snail, is now serving up morning, lunch and dinner fare. Sidewalk seating is expected to begin soon. I hear that the ricotta dip with bacon, broccoli and herbs is killer. Other dishes that've gotten raves are both classic "continental" dishes, croque monsieur and comforting chicken Kiev. The bakery component will be up and running in the next few weeks. Success couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
(Rate | Review Frog N Snail)
Speaking of Top Chef, Chuy Valencia, another contestant on the show, and until recently the chef at Chilam Balam, said he's in talks with Philip Tadros (Dollop, Kickstand) to team up on a new cafeteria/microbrewery idea. He wants to stay on Broadway and is in the process of securing a location just south of Belmont. No news on an opening date yet.
Mario Maggi, who opened the legendary Bice more than 20 years ago, is back in town to open La Bricola on Damen in the Ukrainian Village space formerly occupied by Jam sometime this month.
Chef Dominique Tougne didn't waste much time when Bistro 110 closed. He started working on his own bistro, taking over the Cafe Bernard space. Tougne will open Chez Moi in early May and will focus on somewhat non-traditional French bistro dishes
Premise, a new Andersonville space focusing on bar snacks and light meals, just opened in the space that formerly was home to In Fine Spirits. Chef Brian Runge (formerly of Graham Elliot) in the kitchen.
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