End of an era, Part One: The folks at Papa Milano (951 N. State St.) have gotten the word that the building the restaurant has occupied (but not owned) since 1951 is coming down, and the restaurant has until Nov. 2 to clear out.
“I have no conception at all as to what I’m going to do,” says owner Rosemarie Sciaccotta. “Tell them I’m sad about this.” Her son, John, an attorney, says, “It’s our last hurrah. There’s a possibility of my forming another entity to keep the restaurant going–maybe there’s a new location for us somewhere.
But as of now, we’re on our six-month swan song.” The closing would mark the end of an era for a neighborhood that once–with such places as Embers and Mister Kelly’s–was the epicenter of Chicago nightlife. Heck, Oak Street from Rush to State Streets bears the honorary name Papa Milano Drive.
End of an era, Part Two: After 17 years, Bistro Banlieue (44 Yorktown Convenience Center, Lombard) is calling it quits–at least temporarily. Owner Steve Byrne, citing growing competition from chains in the area (“It’s been a struggle these last two years,” he says), will close the bistro on July 31.
But he’ll open a new restaurant in the same space in mid-November, promising a new name and concept, fewer tables, fancier stemware and plenty more.
Fans of the bistro can enjoy the restaurant for another month or so–and check the new concept’s progress at www.bistrob.com. 630-629-6560.
After nearly half a year of going smoke-free, the bar Big Chicks (5024 N. Sheridan Rd., 773-728-5511) has given up–halfway, at least. Owner Michelle Fire, citing an “unlevel playing field” (i.e., nearby clubs continued to allow smoking), has instituted a new policy. Before 9 p.m., Big Chicks will be totally smoke free; after 9 p.m., smoking will be permitted in the main bar, with the Salon remaining smokeless. Big Chicks’ companion restaurant, next-door Tweet (5020 N. Sheridan Rd., 773-728-5576) remains smoke-free.
Pastry chef Alex Stupak has given notice at Alinea (1723 N. Halsted St.); he’s heading to New York (his fiance took a job in NYC; Stupak will become pastry chef at the acclaimed WD-50 there). For now, that means that chef/owner Grant Achatz will be handling dessert duties. But if you’re a pastry chef with a super-creative bent (ability to levitate desserts helpful), you might want to dust off that resume. 312-867-0110.
There’s a new concept in the old JP’s space, with the opening of Tokyo 21 (901 W. Weed St.). Marc Bortz, who owned JPs and next-door Sangria (as well as Cabaret and Jet Vodka Lounge), has teamed up with Guilia Sindler of the Kamehachi restaurants to create an inventive sushi and sashimi menu (by chef Toku Iwamoto) along with a sizeable selection of cooked items (by chef Jason Im). Sounds more than a little Japonais-y to me. 312-337-2001
Here’s a shocker: One of the area casinos is opening a new restaurant and it’s not a steakhouse. Mosaic, which embraces, American, Asian and Tex-Mex cuisine (lemongrass-turkey burritos, perhaps?), has opened at Harrah’s Casino & Hotel (151 N. Joliet St., Joliet). 815-740-7800.
Pops for Champagne will close its North Side location (2934 N. Sheffield Ave.) after Sunday (preparing for its move to River North in August), but fear not; Bastille Day will be celebrated 5-10 p.m. July 15 one last time in the neighborhood. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned. 773-472-1000.
Lei, lady, lei: A Hawaiian luau will take place this weekend at The Canoe Club (15200 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park) with live music, fire eaters, island buffet, a screening of Elvis Presley’s “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii”–all this and a lei greeting and complimentary cocktail for $51.25. The luau begins at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; an all-ages luau will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday ($19.75 ages 5-12). 708-460-9611.
The 14th annual “Masters of the Grill” dinner will be held Sunday at Mangia Trattoria (5717 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha). Seatings are at 2 and 6 p.m. for the event, which will feature an all-grill menu by chef/owner Tony Mantuano and guest chefs John Hogan, Jimmy Bannos, Patrick Concannon and more. Tickets are $85; proceeds will benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation. 262-652-4285.
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pvettel@tribune.com
