Exposure Tapas Supper Club
1313 S. Wabash Ave. 312-662-1060
Don’t come to this South Loop spot expecting traditional Spanish tapas; this newcomer goes contemporary-American with small plates — with full-sized entrees and a raw bar to boot. Highlights include the Lobster Cocktail, fresh Maine lobster tail served atop of bed of greens, gingered veggies and chive creme fraiche ($19). Other options: braised oxtail gnocchi ($9) and a bacon-wrapped filet mignon with rosemary demi-glace ($29). The bi-level restaurant still is waiting on a few finishing touches, but already has perky punches of red velvet and glitzy oversized chandeliers. Owners will add music to the mix when they open a live music-focused lounge beneath the restaurant later this year.
Paramount Room
415 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-829-6300
Jon Young and Stephen Dunne, the partners who produced Roscoe Village’s Volo, are putting finishing touches on their latest enterprise, this two-level space in River West (located at the former 4Taste address); they hope to open by next week. Young says he’s trying to create a stylish, comfortable nightlife ambience (there will be pool tables on the lower level, for instance), without skimping on Dunne’s chef-driven approach to cuisine. “You won’t have to sacrifice on the menu for the atmosphere,” he says. The menu will have everything from duck confit ($18) to Kobe tri-tip steak ($22), but Dunne is trying to keep the food beer-friendly; Paramount will serve beer flights and “shorty glasses” for those times when you just want a taste.
Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge
332 E. Illinois St. 312-527-2888
This handsome Streeterville Asian spot (pronounced “new”) makes a good pre- or post-movie option for those headed to the AMC River East (it’s located next door in the former home of the short-lived Max & Benny’s). The interior is sleek and minimalist, with warm, dark tones pervading. The menu offers plenty of maki basics — California, spider, etc. — but also a full page of fun, fusion twists such as the Sexy Mexican, a roll of shrimp, spicy crab and jalapeno, topped with avocado. There’s also a late-night lounge featuring signature cocktails and nibbles.
Su-Ra
2257 W. North Ave. 773-276-9450
Don’t get confused: This new Wicker Park BYOB, named Su-Ra, which owner Euiha Hwang tells us means “royal feast” in Korean, is not related to Sura (3124 N. Broadway 773-248-7872), the new Thai-fusion spot in Lakeview with a name that ironically translates to “liquor” in Thai. (And which, more ironically, still is waiting for a liquor license.) The menu takes traditional Korean dishes in a modern direction. You’ll find heirloom pork in the dae ki bulgogi ($16) and free-range chicken in the dak kalbi ($15) — high-end ingredients you don’t see at most corner Korean joints.
Franconello Italian Restaurant
1301 S. Halsted St. 312-421-1301
Fans of Franconello Italian Restaurant won’t have to trek to Beverly for their fix anymore. Owners recently launched a sib in the old Maxwell Street Market near UIC. The menu offers banana peppers stuffed with crumbled sausage ($9), sun-dried tomato and smoked mozzarella pizza ($14), braised short ribs with creamy polenta ($22) and, of course, tiramisu ($7). The stylish space features burgundy booths, expansive windows and an open display kitchen; owners hope to debut a spacious off-street outdoor cafe around Labor Day weekend.
Pannenkoeken Cafe
4757 N. Western Ave. 773-769-8800
We’re looking forward to the opening of this Lincoln Square breakfast-and-lunch-only spot — hey, it’s not like we can get pannenkoeken (PAN-eh-kook-en), a Dutch-style pancake, at every breakfast boite. What makes these cakes different from the typical buttermilk pancake, you ask? Mostly, it’s the size and thickness — co-owner Gina Salgado tells us they measure about 11 inches in diameter and they’re slightly thicker than a traditional crepe. Plus, the cakes come with atypical toppings such as chocolate and banana or bacon and cheese. Target opening date: early September.
———-
Chris LaMorte is the Metromix dining producer. Terri Mooney is a Metromix special contributor
clamorte@tribune.com
