Jimo`s on the Park, 1100 N. State St., is the latest restaurant from John Grbac. The new place, which either already is open or is just about to open
(no one was completely sure by press time), is a virtual re-creation of Grbac`s original Jimo`s Cafe, at 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave. Jimo`s on the Park will have a couple of extra features, though; the entertainment area is much larger (Jimo`s Cafe has live entertainment every night), and there`s a comfortable, 40-chair bar-something Jimo`s Cafe could use.
The restaurant is in the space formerly occupied by the nightclub F/X;
Grbac says he has no immediate plans for that building`s rooftop patio, but he`d dearly love to operate a rooftop cafe there next summer. Call
312-587-0460.
– Also coming to the neighborhood is Blue Agave, 1050 N. State St., aiming to open the first week of October. Owner is Mario Gonzalez, who also owns Fernando`s at 3450 N. Lincoln Ave.; Blue Agave`s menu will be the same as Fernando`s.
– Another new place is Louie Linguini`s, a casual Italian concept (or did you guess that already) opening Thursday at 3131 Finley Rd., Downers Grove, attached to the Oliver`s nightclub. Barry Brooks, late of Levy Restaurants, designed the restaurant`s family-oriented menu (i.e., good prices and a children`s menu) for owners the Gatziolis Brothers (Tom, Louis, John, Alex).
– A touch of North Carolina has opened on the North Side; Brother Jimmy`s BBQ, 2909 N. Sheffield Ave., has a tobacco-warehouse decor and a menu that includes pork BBQ (served as a sandwich with a vinegary sauce), three kinds of ribs (sweet sauce, spicy or dry rub), blackened catfish, collard greens and mashed potatoes. Drinks are served in Mason jars, there`s live blues Thurs.-Sat., and kids under 12 eat free. Call 312-528-0888.
– French wine and Mediterranean food blend in a special dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Tuttaposto, 646 N. Franklin St. The $60 dinner (tax and gratuity included) features six courses and five wines from Chateau de Jau and Reserve St. Martin. Call 312-943-6262.
