Hot Chocolate
Can a pastry chef succeed when it comes to creating an entire menu? MK’s former dessert whiz, Mindy Segal, aims to show her savory side with a new Wicker Park spot–which she calls an “urban cafe and dessert bar.” Aiming for a Feb. 22 bow, look for what Segal calls “cleaned-up comfort foods.” Dinner entrees will feature braised short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted baby chicken served with compound butter and a honey glaze. She’ll be offering variations on her signature sweets, such as the Cake and Shake, a chocolate layer cake served with a milkshake. A case in front also will sell sandwiches, desserts and gourmet sugars such as lavender-and-vanilla bean and sea salt-and-sugar. 1747 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-1747.
Via Due
Via Carducci’s new next-door enoteca spinoff, with dramatic high ceilings, hip beats, red plush banquettes and a contemporary menu (no spaghetti with meatballs here) offers a great option for those looking for a low-key Valentine’s Day destination. The seafood-heavy menu is small, but antipasti such as beef carpaccio with black truffles ($12) and seared scallops and blood oranges ($8) demonstrates ambition. 1417 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-348-9463.
Scylla
While this seafood spot, set to open Wednesday, shares a name with a six-headed, sailor-eating sea beast from the “Odyssey,” the menu sounds absolutely heavenly. Located in the former Glory spot in Bucktown, it will offer main courses such as oven-roasted monkfish with curried risotto ($20) and brandade-crusted halibut with Brussels sprouts, wild mushrooms and tart cherries with sliced almonds ($21). This is the first venture for chef-owner Stephanie Izard, a veteran of Spring and La Tache, who says she wants to offer a fine-dining experience without the pretension. It plans to open as a BYOB but hopes to offer a list of boutique wines and imported beers soon after. 1952 N. Damen Ave. 773-227-2995.
Morton’s
Chicago’s legendary State Street steakhouse is scheduled to get a downtown sibling (its fifth Chicago-area location) on Feb. 18. What’s the biggest difference between this spot and the Gold Coast original? Windows! Though you can expect the same clubby feel as the State Street spot, the street-level mahogany-lined dining room here allows for natural light to filter in. This location also will feature a lunch menu with daily specials ($16-$20), salads, sandwiches and pastas ($13-$23), and signature entrees ($26-$44). Its lounge, Bar 12/21, is aiming to bring in younger diners with signature martinis and a “bar bites” menu (look for weeknight $3-a-plate specials from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; 9:30 to 11 p.m.), promising a nice postwork nosh-and-drink spot. 65 E. Wacker Drive. 312-201-0410.
Tanoshii
Remember Mike Ham, otherwise known as Sushi Mike, the you-name-it, I-make-it sushi chef who won raves from loyal Hama Matsu customers in Andersonville? He’s migrated down Clark Street to Tanoshii, a new spot not far from his former stomping grounds. Mike’s approach to maki is simple: Tell him what ingredients you like, and he’ll roll you one on the spot. (He finds the traditional California and dragon rolls to be a snore, though the menu features all of the usual suspects.) Tanoshii offers a cheerful, mid-sized space with lots of light wood and a 16-seat sushi bar, so come early if you want to grab a seat near the personable chef. 5547 N. Clark St. 773-878-6886.
