Le Lan
What do you get when you cross the French flare of Roland Liccioni from Les Nomades and the Asian inflections of Arun Sampanthavivat from Arun’s? Le Lan, the much-anticipated River North high-end dining destination, which opened Friday. The menu features an intriguing blend of East-West sensibilities such as lemongrass-grilled bass ($27), with water chestnuts, fava beans, bell peppers, shiitakes, and prawn tempura. 749 N. Clark, 312-280-9100.
Hema’s Kitchen II
After nearly 14 years of running Hema’s Kitchen on Devon, Hema Potla opened the doors at a second location in Lincoln Park last Thursday. Expect the same menu you’ll find at the original. Specialties include buna gosht ($8.99), lamb sauteed with fresh peppers, onions, curry leaves and pepper; and curried fish with tamarind ($7.99). 2411 N. Clark St. 773-529-1705.
Lucky’s Sandwich Company
No time for a side of fries? Lucky’s Sandwich Shop shoves its hand-cut fries right into “overstuffed” sandwiches for your convenience. These tater-topped masses cost $5-$6, and come layered with your choice of meat–roast beef, ham, turkey, Italian or Polish sausage–cheese, tomatoes and an oil-and-vinegar cole slaw. The spot’s name salutes “Lucky” Charlie Weeghman, the man who built what later became nearby Wrigley Field. 3472 N. Clark Street. 773-549-0665.
GP Franklin’s
Just finished reading “Devil in the White City” and want a more literal taste of the time? This new spot recreates Columbia Exposition-era Chicago in explicit detail, complete with a general store, soda fountain (real egg creams!) and, of course, a pickle barrel. The large menu features a host of standard fare: burgers, pizza and “Grandma’s Sunday Dinners,” including Picnic Fried Chicken ($9.95). 4767 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-293-1900.
Adobo Grill Wicker Park
Adobo Grill is set to open a second location in the former Fortunato space tomorrow. But with no pizza to serve, what to do with that wood-burning oven? Well, get ready for platos del horno de lena (that’s “wood-oven plates”), including rack of roast pork ($16.95) and ceviches of ahi tuna, sea scallop and shrimp, marinated with roast pepper-infused citrus ($8.95 each; $14.95 tasting flight). 2005 W. Division St. 773-252-9990.
