The principal charm of the restaurant Sorriso (later known as Blandino’s Sorriso) was its tree-shaded, riverfront patio. But this summer (sometime this month) the space will have a new name with the opening of Flatwater (321 N. Clark St.). Owner Jay Vohra (Narcisse) has recast the restaurant’s interior (whose glass doors open to the patio) in stone and hardwood, anchored by a flagstone fireplace. Executive chef Todd Ryan Downing will oversee a global menu that includes mango-avocado egg rolls, flatbread pizzas and a quartet of burgers (including a vegetarian option). 312-644-0283.
Cafe Bionda (1924 S. State St.) opens Thursday. Chef/partner is Joe Farina, last seen at Ballo; expect rustic Italian food, a Farina specialty, but not the gut-busting portions of his previous gig. 312-326-9800.
Already open is Citizen (364 W. Erie St.), which features light bites (crostini and bruschetta by the piece, a variety of panini), 16 wines by the glass and outdoor dining space, including a rooftop deck. 312-640-1156.
Also open is The Terrace (521 N. Rush St.), a light-fare and cocktails outdoor spot on the fifth floor of the Conrad Chicago hotel. Sundays and Mondays after sunset, the hotel will screen classic movies under the stars. 312-645-1500.
Congrats to Lem’s BBQ (311 E. 75th St., 773-994-2428); the South Side rib palace was listed among the “Best BBQ in the USA” in Stuff magazine’s June issue.
Sister restaurants Meritage Cafe (2118 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-6434) and Fixture (2706 N. Ashland Ave., 773-248-3331) are bidding farewell to foie gras (as per the Chicago ordinance that will ban the stuff as of late August) with extravagant tasting menus. At Meritage, there will be a seven-course foie-gras menu, $85, on Monday. Fixture is offering a five-course tasting menu, $35, through June 30.
A benefit dinner featuring heirloom Red Wattle pork will take place at 7 p.m. June 8 at Blackbird (619 W. Randolph St.). The five-course wine dinner with cocktail reception will cost $125, and proceeds will benefit the Terra Madre project of Slow Food USA. 312-715-0708.
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pvettel@tribune.com
