Indie Cafe
Say hello to this tiny Thai/sushi storefront, which just opened on a inconspicuous strip in Edgewater but is already managing to attract good-sized crowds. The decor is simple, but DIY hip–small, square plywood two-top tables are augmented by a few traditional tables and a sushi bar. Classic dishes, however, get added elegance with plating and presentation. The chicken satay ($6) even comes with those little white paper hats on the sticks and the dragon roll ($12) actually looks like a dragon. 5951 N. Broadway, 773-561-5577.
Dunlays on the Square
Look for this Dunlays on Clark spinoff to open Saturday in the space last occupied by Boulevard Cafe in Logan Square. The new owners have rehabbed the joint from floor to ceiling, including restoring the tin ceiling to its original luster. (Only the ’30s bar salvaged from the former Bismarck Hotel remains). Like its Lincoln Park sib, the American grill will be budget friendly (nothing over $20) with choices such as wood-grilled artichokes, raspberry barbecue pork tenderloin and, yes, that chocolate-chip cookie dessert served sizzling in a cast-iron skillet will be available here as well. 3137 W. Logan Blvd. 773-227-2400.
Kizoku Sushi & Lounge
Look for a wide assortment of moderately priced sushi, sashimi and maki, plus cooked Japanese cuisine with contemporary flair, at this new River North spot. The tricked-out decor features a waterfall with a tropical fish tank, swooping semi-circular suspension lighting, a triple-tier, custom-made red lantern chandelier, a 25-seat sushi bar, plus a very red-and-black rear sake lounge with cool beats playing. 358 W. Ontario St. 312-335-9888.
Picante Grill
This upscale Mexican spot brings a contemporary approach to burgeoning University Village. Expect a modern hacienda feel with sleek lighting, a dramatic high ceiling upstairs with arched windows, and a bar (liquor license still pending) with an ivy-covered motif. Chef Saul Roman, a veteran of Adobo Grill and Nacional 27, brings the same sort of stylish and exotic flair to traditional flavors. Try the arrachera arriera, skirt steak with a side of chayote, a Mexican veggie similar to squash sauteed with a cilantro cream sauce ($16.95). 1626 S. Halsted St. 312-455-8500.
Kitsch’n River North /
Volo Restaurant-Wine Bar
Jon Young, the guy who brought you Kitsch’n on Roscoe, is going to have a very hectic month as he preps two new spots for early-February bows. First up: A River North spinoff (600 W. Chicago Ave. 312-644-1500) of his popular retro spot will offer a vintage feel with ultra-modern touches, like LCD TVs built into the lounge tables. The menu will essentially be the same as the Roscoe Village locale (comfort classics like chicken and waffles, $9.50, plus its way-out brunch.) Volo (2008 W. Roscoe St. 773-348-4600), is set to start serving its brand of small plates–de rigueur these days–featuring eclectic seasonal selections. The vibe will be industrial chic. Prices runs the gamut: $4 for blue cheese mousse and house-made crackers to $16 for seared diver scallops, quail eggs and American sturgeon caviar. Wine pairings also will be a large part of the experience.
