Dining Tidbits

For May 2008: Union Pizzeria, Summer Noodle & Rice, Soul, Shochu

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OPENING
Shochu
Deleece's owners, Lynne Wallack and John Handler, have staked their claim on the old Platiyo space in Wrigleyville for a "unique" small-plates restaurant and lounge. More small plates? Give us a break. But shochu is the hottest spirit going in izakayas, Japanese pubs, and its début in Chicago is tantamount to a cocktail coup. (For the uninitiated: Shochu is similar to vodka but with fewer calories, a lower alcohol content, and various health benefits.) Wallack and Handler have it in combos like guava-ginger and green apple with lychee—and as for the small plates, chef/partner Josh Hansen plans an array of maki, yakitori, pokes (Hawaiian fish salad), and tartares. Let's give shochu a chance. 3313 N. Clark St.; 773-348-3313. –Penny Pollack