Penny Pollack

The chef/partner of the upcoming Tavernita hit Madrid, Barcelona, and places in between, where he found a surprising Mexican influence. One inspiration: Tickets and 41, a restaurant/bar combo from Albert Adrià (brother of Ferran) that's reminiscent of Next and the Aviary. Read more

The old Bar Louie in River North has a new tenant with a French accent: Bistro Voltaire. We made the acquaintance of Claudine Hubert, the chef, and got enough details to whet our appetites. Read more

Phillip Foss, owner of the Meatyballs food-truck fleet, is planning a sometimes-restaurant called El in the Meatyballs prep space in Douglas Park. It's technically open, though they have no plates, forks, or glasses, and aren't taking reservations. Read more