Chalkboard
This small, elegant North Center spot opened Dec. 19 in the former Tournesol space. Based on our outstanding recent dinner, we’re expecting it to become one of the hotspots of the new year. Chef-owner Gilbert Langlois, whose resume includes the well-regarded Rushmore, lists about 10 entrees per night on an oversized chalkboard. The entrees, which so far have ranged from filet mignon with lobster-filled tortelloni to a fried chicken dinner, average between $15 and $23 and rotate frequently. “The concept is less is more, and fresher is better,” says Langlois. The wine list, with personal tasting notes from Langlois alongside the selections, is moderately priced. 4343 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-477-7144.
Smoque
When it comes to barbecue, passions run strong. Just ask Barry Sorkin, who ditched a nice job with an IT tech firm to pursue his real goal: finding the perfect ‘cue. After a tasting tour around the country, Sorkin, originally a North Suburban Chicago boy, opened Smoque near his home in the Old Irving Park neighborhood. He sells pulled pork, chicken, and a Texas-inspired brisket that’s smoked for 15 hours in a mix of oak and applewood. Smoque also offers St. Louis-style ribs (ribs with trimmed tips, as opposed to a baby back cut). The place is BYOB, and when we asked Sorkin for the best beer to bring, he said simply, “a cold one.” 3800 N. Pulaski Rd. 773-545-7427.
Simply It
This Vietnamese spot slated to open this week has a distinguished pedigree: Co-owner Tuan Nguyen has been in the biz for more than two decades and is a partner at Uptown’s Pasteur (5525 N. Broadway. 773-878-1061). At his newbie Lincoln Park spot, Nguyen aims to please the budget-minded–most entrees are under $13 and it’s BYOB. The menu includes entrees such as roasted duck curry and a whole red snapper with chili-garlic-lime sauce, plus there are Vietnamese faves such as pho and banh mi. 2269 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-238-0884.
Caliente
Vicky Medina, chef-owner of Caliente (3910 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-525-0129), has opened a second location in Logan Square. The menu features favorites from the Lakeview outpost, including seafood enchiladas with a plum tomato-poblano pepper sauce, plus a lineup of bocaditos, or “little bites.” Choices include camarones borrachos, jumbo grilled shrimp with tequila, and almejas en chile de arbol, mussels in a spicy saffron sauce. 2556 W. Fullerton St. 773-772-4355.
THREE OF A VINE
Three words to sum up current dining trends: Chocolate. Cheese. Wine. The Hotel Intercontinental goes for a hat trick with its new lounge, Eno (505 N. Michigan Ave. 312-321-8738), where all three indulgences are specialties of the house. Look for a well-stocked cellar and an upscale, afterwork crowd. Hipsters in search of a wine fix can check out Juicy Wine Company (694 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-492-6620), located in the original Iggy’s location in West Town. It features a downstairs retail shop selling olives, pates and wine, and an upstairs lounge with DJs and a chill vibe. Finally, after a long buildup, popular Boystown bar Minibar popped the cork on its next-door sibling, Minibar | Winebar (3339 N. Halsted St. 773-871-6227). The two bars have separate entrances but are connected through a back hall. Winebar offers a selection of inexpensive wines, plus salads, sandwiches, bruschetta and desserts. Winebar serves food from 5 to 11 p.m., then it turns into a lounge.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
