– We reported this deal a year ago, but now the papers have been signed: Mango owners Steven Chiappetti and George Guggeis, and Jim Horan of Blue Plate Catering, will run Rhapsody, a restaurant to open in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s new Symphony Center, 67 E. Adams St. The 250-seat restaurant, with a 50-seat wine bar, will feature contemporary American cuisine; among other features, the dining room will include a community table for single diners. It’s looking at a late October opening.
– Construction is under way for another Cucina Roma, this one in The Village Green, 185 Milwaukee Rd., Lincolnshire. At 300 seats, it’s the largest Cucina Roma yet. Look for it in November.
– Bice Grill, the casual adjunct to Bice at 154 E. Ontario St., is now open for dinner — with table service, unlike lunchtime’s counter-service format. Salads, pizzas, pasta and grilled dishes are the specialties.
– It’s Maine lobster month at Shaw’s Seafood Grill, 660 Lake-Cook Rd., Deerfield. There will be various activities and menu specials; one standout is the lobster boil, featuring a 1 1/2-pound Maine lobster with corn, coleslaw, potatoes and a souvenir claw cracker for $17.95. Call 847-948-1020.
– Soul Kitchen, 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., now features a three-course prix-fixe dinner from 5-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. Prices, including cocktail or glass of wine, range from $21.50-$26. Call 773-342-9742.
– The four-star restaurant Trio, 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston, now serves lunch — a four-course prix fixe at $26 — Fridays only. Call 847-733-TRIO.
– Francis Leroux, who closed his Cafe du Midi restaurant this year, is now giving private cooking lessons at all levels of expertise. Call 773-779-7126.
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email: pvettel@tribune.com
