Openings

The guys behind Real Urban Barbecue have taken Nashville hot chicken to Highland Park. Honey’s Hot Chicken (1791 St. Johns Ave., 847-432-6300) offers plenty of other sauces and spices to season your bird, plus sandwiches, southern comfort dishes, and unique sides. Read more.

Because you can never have too many options for falafel, Rumi Middle Eastern Grill (1534 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park, 773-666-5119) entered the fray with a fast-casual spot that also promises several gluten-free options.

Piccolo Sogno Due’s reconcepting is complete, with the opening of the more casual Nonnina (340 N. Clark St., River North, 312-822-0077). The full-service/grab-and-go hybrid offers regional Italian dishes and an adjacent counter-service component with subs and salads dubbed Nonnina To Go. Read more.

Expanding on his success in Albany Park, Chef Dudley Nieto has opened another location of taco joint and cantina Rojo Gusano (3131 N. Central Ave., Belmont-Cragin, 773-736-1812). The identical menu at the BYOB (for now) second spot includes ceviches and globally inspired tacos.

From the Pearl Tavern crew comes Whiskey Thief (616 Davis St., 847-859-2519), bringing small bites, burgers, pasta, and—yes—lots of whiskey, to Evanston.

Morsels

Dos Urban Cantina (2829 W. Armitage Ave., Logan Square, 773-661-6452) has added a new spirits pro to its team: Larry Rice, who’s best known for his work at Louisville spots El Camino and the Silver Dollar. His cocktail menu for the modern Mexican spot will start tomorrow and includes sippers such as the Golden Maria, a yellow-tomato take on the Bloody Mary.

RIP, Embeya (564 W. Randolph St., West Loop). The Asian-leaning stunner struggled since the messy departure of chef Thai Dang last year, a split that led to an eventual lawsuit.