“I’m back,” says chef Tony Acri. “Same name and everything.” Well, not quite everything. The chef has resurrected his Lombard restaurant, Ristorante Lorica (which he sold four years ago to the owners of Praga), but in a new location–The Shops at Yorktown, that short strip of stores that’s part of Yorktown Center mall. It’s open for dinner only, but Acri says he plans to add lunch service eventually. 630-268-1133.
Ringo Japanese Restaurant (2507 N. Lincoln Ave.) has reopened after an expansion increased seating to 76 people from 24. A sister property to Tsuki, Ringo also has added a “kushi bar” (think cooked and skewered sushi) to its menu of sushi and full-sized entrees. BYO for now. 773-248-5788.
Alfresco updates: Saltaus (1350 W. Randolph St., 312-455-1919), Il Mulino New York (1150 N. Dearborn St., 312-440-8888) and KiKi’s Bistro (900 N. Franklin St., 312-335-5454) have opened their outdoor patios.
We’ll be counting the days: mk (868 N. Franklin St.) will close for a three-week vacation, beginning Sunday. It will reopen July 21. 312-482-9179.
Everybody must get sconed: Coinciding with Gary’s centennial celebration, this weekend will mark the opening of The Baker’s House (6004 Miller Ave., Gary), a pastries specialist in the Indiana city’s tony Miller Beach neighborhood. Owner Angela McCrovitz doesn’t even try to act modest when talking about her “out of this world” scone varieties, of which dozens will be fresh-made daily. It’s not all Brit breadstuffs, however; the bakery/cafe will serve salads, sandwiches and desserts. 866-726-6348.
A third Emmett’s Ale House has opened at 123 Washington St., Oswego, in a space overlooking the Fox River. The new Emmett’s has the same upscale American menu as its brethren in Downers Grove and West Dundee plus Emmett’s hand-crafted beers. 630-383-2020.
Geja’s Cafe (340 W. Armitage Ave.) will celebrate its 41st anniversary by offering 41 percent off all food bills Sunday through Thursday this week. 773-281-9101.
Zealous (419 W. Superior St.) celebrates its sort-of 13th anniversary (chef/owner Michael Taus counts back to the days when Zealous was in Elmhurst) by rolling back the price of Taus’ five-course degustation menu to its 1993 price–$45. Available Tuesdays-Fridays in July. 312-475-9112.
July is barbecue month at West Town Tavern (1329 W. Chicago Ave.). Each week, the restaurant will feature a special barbecue dish by chef Susan Goss and a matching glass of zinfandel selected by Drew Goss. 312-666-6175.
You figure a restaurant named 1776 (397 Virginia Ave., Crystal Lake) would be feeling extra-patriotic this week, and so it is. The restaurant will be featuring a “John Adams White House Dinner,” a four-course compilation of dishes favored by our second president, for $24. The deal is valid this Friday, Saturday and Monday. 815-356-1776.
Another “dust off that bottle night” will take place Friday at one sixtyblue (160 N. Loomis St.), wherein customers bring in their own wine (the menu is designed to accompany Oregon pinot noir) to sip during a four-course dinner. Cost is $65. 312-850-0303.
Things to do on Mondays: Swing by Vesuvio Cafe (2 Westbrook Corporate Center, Westchester), when on Mondays the $25 Vesuvio veal chop is a mere $12.50. 708-409-1111.
Things to do on Tuesdays: Check out the multi-course tasting menu, priced at $45, at the ever-inventive Kaze (2032 W. Roscoe St.), featuring such exotica as white-tuna nigiri topped with banana-wasabi puree, and mackerel garnished with fresh ginger and kimchi sauce. 773-327-4860.
Things to do on Thursdays: Dine at Carlucci (1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove; 630-512-0990), Embrace (29 E. First St., Hinsdale; 630-325-1996) or Tin Fish (17W512 22d St., Oakbrook Terrace; 630-279-0808) any Thursday night and receive a $20 gift certificate good on a return visit to any of the three restaurants.
Things to do on Thursdays and Fridays: Unwind after work at the “Three-Hour Vacation” at Alumni Club (871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg), which, from 5 to 8 p.m., will offer $2 frozen drinks, free barbecue buffet, outdoor games and live music (Fridays only). No cover, either. 847-397-3100.
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pvettel@tribune.com
