To hold tabs on each Chicago restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to preserve tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s operate, and we’re happy to do it. Thus we existing Desk Stakes, a monthly rundown of the 5 (or so) have to-know places that have swung broad their doors in the previous thirty (or so). Bon appétit.
Chicago is ramping up for what appears to be another calendar year of rebuilding its neighborhood dining scene. The city’s latest concepts include things like a style of Mexico City from chef Jonathan Zaragoza in Logan Square and a Greek hotspot in the West Loop from DineAmic Hospitality.
And even though entirely new places to eat are getting their begin, other individuals are reinventing on their own. Consider Omakase Room, a 10-seat sushi knowledge housed within Sushi-San, or Aikana, a “Pan-American” location that just opened with the identical area and owners from Grace and Yugen.
With that, in this article are 5 of the ideal restaurant openings of 2022 — so considerably.
You’re below due to the fact: You’re a fan of chef Jonathan Zaragoza and simply cannot hold out to attempt what he has in retailer on his hottest menu, which is takeout and supply only.
You’re dining on: Mexican-American eats like tacos with al pastor, brisket, or fish, additionally tangy hen wings with Valentina butter. More substantial appetites can opt for the smash burger torta with all the fixings or a grilled adobo chicken served with handmade corn tortillas.
2852 N. Kedzie Ave. (map)
Sandwiches from TriBecca’s.
TriBeccas Sandwich Store
You are in this article simply because: You have fallen in really like with the sandwiches from Sunday Meal Club sous chef Becca Grothe at her pop-ups all over the city.
You are eating on: Artistic sandwiches and potato-centered donuts from husband-and-spouse group Becca Grothe and Cam Waron have located their long lasting household in Avondale. Order TriBecca’s famed cubano (available in its common condition or with tofu), a present day take on the horseshoe sandwich with Slagel beef patties and pepper jack cheese sauce, or the spicy tuna with pickled banana peppers and white cheddar. Cam’s Tuber’s Donuts will also be accessible in flavors like lemon pepper poppy seed and vanilla ice’d.
2949 W. Belmont Ave. (map)
A platter of spreads from Lyra.
Lyra
Lyra
West Loop
You are here for the reason that: You’re in search of a taste of the Greek lifestyle in the useless of Chicago’s winter season. The workforce powering Bar Siena and Prime & Provisions brings a massive eating area to the West Loop, fantastic for a night time out with friends.
You are dining on: Wood- and charcoal-grilled dishes from a pair of chefs straight out of Greece. Check out the saganaki prawns, charcoal grilled meatballs or grilled octopus to start off, sluggish roasted lamb gyros with “60 second” pita, and a modern day consider on pastitsio served deconstructed with black truffle bechamel. Sip on playful cocktails with a Greek spin like the Santorini spritz with Greek vermouth or a glass of wine from a list emphasizing modest Greek producers.
905 W. Fulton Market (map)
Sushi from Omakase Home.
Omakase Area
You are right here because: You’re a sushi aficionado who by no means turns down an omakase practical experience.
You’re eating on: An 18-study course omakase organized by master sushi chef Kaze Chan in a calm, intimate setting. Everyday fish deliveries make certain you are going to have a exceptional eating encounter each time. Recent programs include things like akami (lean bluefin tuna), sawara (Spanish mackerel), wagyu beef, and uni ice product. Drink solutions are considerable, which includes 100 bottles of whisky, a range of sakes, and an à la carte cocktail checklist. Wine and sake pairings can also be additional to your encounter. Seatings only get place 5:30pm and 8:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays, so be sure to ebook ahead.
63 W. Grand Ave. (map)
Interior of Aikana.
Aikana
You’re here for the reason that: You are usually 1st in line for the city’s hottest fantastic-dining dining places.
You are dining on: Latin fusion fare served in a jungle-like ambience. Aikana’s menu is exclusive in that it combines a selection of Latin influences from Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina and additional. Menu picks include things like an octopus tiradito to start, churrascaria with peanut chimichurri or pork shank with beans and cabbage slaw to share, and flan with guava cotton candy for dessert. Properly-regarded beverage director, Benjamin Schiller, is driving the imaginative cocktail record that includes drinks this kind of as the Aikana with rum, starfruit, citrus and dehydrated watermelon. Late night time, Aijana morphs into a cocktail lounge with a menu of snacks which includes ceviche and arepas.
652 W. Randolph St. (map)
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