Best New Restaurants of 2012

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Japonais Alum Gene Kato to Open Sumi Robata Bar, Among Other (Still-Secret) Things

05/23/12 at 3:22 PM

Gene Kato has big plans. “I want to introduce five concepts in the next five years in Chicago,” he says...

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Reviews: Nellcôte and Balena

Reviews: Nellcôte and Balena

ROCK AND ROLL: Nellcôte makes Randolph the official epicenter of glam; Balena breezes onto Halsted as the essence of casual cool

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A quick guide to Chicago's best restaurants

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What Penny Eats

From hot dogs and hamburgers to lobsters and foie gras, a photo blog of what our dining editor is eating

Crab Cakes @ Wilmette Chop House Wedge Salad @ Wilmette Chop House Salmon @ Wilmette Chop House Spaghetti @ Argent
Salmon @ Argent Pork Stroganoff @ Argent Steak Tartare @ Paris Club Hamburger @ Paris Club

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The Hot List

10 places everyone's talking about—and dining at—in May. In order of heat:

TAVERNITA The menu: crudos and platos. The vibe: throbbing. The gals: spandex and bustiers. The guys: Nobody cares. 151 W. Erie St.; 312-274-1111
RELATED: Ryan Poli visits Spain for Tavernita ideas

NELLCÔTE It’s got something to do with “rock ’n’ roll bohemian chic,” a French Riviera mansion, and the Rolling Stones. Of course the whole world wants in. 833 W. Randolph St.; 312-432-0500
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Nellcôte

RPM ITALIAN The new Lettuce formula: a gorgeous room full of gorgeous food and gorgeous people gorging. 52 W. Illinois St.; 312-222-1888

AU CHEVAL Randolph Street groupies pig out on fried bologna sandwiches; Brendan Sodikoff deletes “diner” from his to-do list. 800 W. Randolph St.; 312-929-4580
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Au Cheval

ADA STREET Everyone is begging everyone not to tell anyone about Ada Street. Too late. 1664 N. Ada St.; 773-697-7069
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Ada Street

STOREFRONT COMPANY A currency exchange sign across the street beams pink neon over the entire scene in this slick spot, like a ghost of Wicker Park past. 1941 W. North Ave.; 773-661-2609

PUBLICAN QUALITY MEATS Another first for Paul Kahan: a butcher shop with communal tables and a liquor license. 825 W. Fulton Market; 312-445-8977

GOOSEFOOT We read on Yelp that it’s easy to get a rez at Goosefoot. Was that for next May? 2656 W. Lawrence Ave.; 773-942-7547
RELATED: Read our review; Best New Restaurants 2012: Goosefoot

BALENA Boka boys (Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm) and Bristol guy (Chris Pandel) swamp Halsted Street with rustic Italian. Pizza-and-pasta mania ensues. 1633 N. Halsted St.; 312-867-3888
RELATED: Check out photos of Balena’s Peter’s breads, orecchiette, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats »

OMBRA How is Ombra different from all other Italian wine bars? It keeps everyone in Andersonville in Andersonville. 5310 N. Clark St.; 773-506-8600
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Ombra

 

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