We’re not quite ready for trick-or-treating, but impending crisp temps, a new TV roster and college football rivalries signal autumn is here. The change of season also inspires chefs to give us fresh menu choices; we checked out these new spots’ lineups.
Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave. 773-252-1466
This seasonal eatery just opened in Wicker Park, and chef-owner Michael Carlson is squeezing the last of summer on to his menu. For now, nods to fall include diver scallops with apples, fennel and cider broth ($22); look for venison with winter squash and chocolate sauce to debut in early October ($26). It’s BYOB, so swing by Wine Discount Center (18261 1/42 N. Elston Ave. 773-489-3454) for a 2002 Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer ($13.49), a perfect complement to fall favors.
Grazer’s Gourmet
5333 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-561-5500
You may have unknowingly sampled this shop’s goods; Siobhan Straka has been hawking her delish granolas at farmers’ markets while planning her new store. Other goodies include brownies, shortbreads and cookies, and she’s upping the inventory for the postmarket season. New fall flavors include granola choices such as apple spice with candied walnuts ($8 per pound), cinnamon cider shortbreads ($6 for a half-dozen) and toffee apple mini-loaves ($5).
Bouffe
2312 W. Leland Ave. 773-784-2314
This gourmet grocery opened last month in Lincoln Square, and owner Libby Bonahoom is already working the fall fare. She’s adding La Yerbera, a Spanish goat’s milk cheese that’s covered with crushed almonds; the nutty, earthy flavor screams fall ($18.99 per pound). New offerings include pumpkin corn bread ($8.99) and sweet potato pecan bread ($7.50). She’s also adding gelatos such as chocolate peanut butter ($9.99 per pint).
Brioso
4603 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-989-9000
Brioso, Lincoln Square’s newbie Mexican spot, launches its fall menu the first week of October; look for butternut squash soup with spiced crema ($4.95), and slow-roasted pork tacos with pineapple and tomatillo-chipotle salsa ($8.95).
Eno
1851 W. Addison Ave. 773-248-7560
The team behind Brioso recently took over Roscoe Village’s La Bodega; they’re adding dinner service and changing the name to Eno this week. This season, they’ll be serving a garlic-crusted pork roast with caramelized fennel and apple compote ($13.95) and duck confit and turnip risotto ($12.95).
Ritter’s Breakfast Delivery Service
2665 N. Clark St. 773-665-4700
We’re psyched to play hooky on weekdays and get our breakfast-in-bed fix; this just-opened Lincoln Park location delivers daily. Specialties include quiche and breakfast pizzas, plus a rotating variety of stuffed French toast; autumn options include apple-cinnamon and caramel-pecan ($7).
Kaze
2032 W. Roscoe St. 773-327-4860
Roscoe Village’s sushi spot, which just celebrated its first birthday, features cuts with unique toppings that flatter the fish sans soy sauce. Chef Macku Chan’s new nigiri offerings include bonito with enoki mushrooms, fried garlic and pickled onion; Chan tells us September and October are the best months for bonito because it’s extra oily and fatty after the summer spawning season ($4). He’s also adding salmon with enoki mushrooms, Japanese white pepper and truffle oil ($3); the Alaskan salmon fall harvest is in full swing.
Sage Restaurant
2465 N. Clark St. 773-348-7243
Although it’s from the folks behind Lincoln Park’s Italian-inflected Basil Leaf Cafe, this spot is not about pasta. Instead, look for a cafe/grocery combo that stocks organic and gourmet products in addition to grab-and-go grub. Owner Sean Tehrani tells us he’s adding seasonal spice to the rotating game selections including Cornish hen with a persimmon glaze ($13), and duck breast with pomegranate sauce ($14.95).
Carnivale
702 W Fulton Mkt. 312-850-5005
Scheduled to open Wednesday in the Warehouse District, this dining destination will feature classic Nuevo Latino dishes from South America and the Caribbean, but chef Mark Mendez also is adding seasonal flair. Look for a scallop ceviche with coconut milk, curry, basil and chili peppers over walnut and ginger-laced sweet potatoes ($10), and a hearty Argentine stew with corn, plantains, yucca, blue potatoes, squash and hominy in an acorn squash bowl ($14).
