Quick looks at some of the newest and soon-to-open restaurants.
Improv Kitchen
Struggling comedy actors now can practice their craft while waiting tables. The Improv Kitchen in Wrigleyville offers interactive dining: Waiters take your order over closed-circuit TV cameras from the restaurant’s in-house studio, then entertain you with comedy while you wait for your order. Owners weren’t joking around with the food, however, describing it as “upscale-American with a twist.” The steak sandwich ($10) is the bestseller, and comes with a blue cheese aioli, cabernet-sauteed onions and crispy fries. 3419 N. Clark St. 773-868-6423
Essence of India
This new Lincoln Square Indian spot features several popular dishes like tandoori chicken ($9.95) and shrimp ($19.95), traditional breads like naan ($2.50) and paneer kulcha ($3.95). Biryanis ($10.95-$13.95), basmati rice layered with meats or vegetables, are a rave and appetizers include samosas ($3.95), crispy stuffed-potato turnovers. They don’t take reservations, but if you call ahead you can be placed on the preferred seating list when there’s a line. BYOB. 4601 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-506-0002.
Masck
Downtown fans of Deerfield’s Masck are in luck: A city location of the popular North Shore restaurant is set to open toward the end of September. Don’t expect a big shift from the original’s seafood-heavy menu–dishes like garlic-bathed prawns, sesame-crusted ahi with wasabi cream. Chef/Owner Kevin Nierman tells us that after the Chicago location opens, he’d like to set up shop in Miami and Las Vegas as well. 35 W. Ontario St. No phone yet.
de cero
Sure, de cero–which translates to “from scratch”–is pricey compared to your favorite corner burrito joint, but tantalizers like ahi tuna with mango-habanero salsa ($3.50) and braised duck ($3.50) make it worth your cash. Plus, it’s still cheaper than the other spots along Randolph Restaurant Row. Cocktails include a peach-and-chamomile colada ($8). The decor is Mexi-chic, and Latin beats create a hipster groove. 814 W. Randolph St. 312-455-8114
The Goddess and Grocer
As if she weren’t already busy enough running Feast, Half & Half and Cru, Debbie Sharpe has opened a high-end store and takeout deli in Bucktown. It features 30 sandwiches and popular choices include the California Dreaming ($7.50) with turkey, avocado, Swiss, sprouts and lemon mayo. A small patio seats about 16, and Sharpe is planning to add additional indoor seating next month. 1646 N. Damen Ave. 773-342-3200.
Cafe Furaibo
Intriguing maki like the Rock ‘n’ Eel with baked smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, cilantro and eel ($9) set this mid-priced spot apart from the sushi restaurant swarm. Raw fish not your thing? Try the Furaibo steak, a “hamburger” made with panko, white onion and served with ponzu sauce. 2907 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-7017.
