In September, the La Tache space in Andersonville morphed from French bistro to Amsterdam dining hall in the form of Vincent. But if you’re picturing an über-rowdy room filled with burly men singing and clinking hunky beer steins, you’re way off. Joncarl Lachman, the chef/owner—and the man behind Lake View’s popular HB Home Bistro—promises “easy sophistication.” This apparently means a classic bistro menu with Dutch flair, focusing on seafood—Prince Edward Island moules frites prepared five ways—and rijsttafel, a traditional feast of various shared plates with rice. Cocktails are also infused with Dutch influences, thanks to a gin list highlighted by jenever martinis. 1475 W. Balmoral Ave.; 773-334-7168.
Prasino is poised to open a second all-organic outpost in downtown St. Charles with a chef lineup from venerable restaurants: The sous-chef, Rob Dudek, is from Tru, and the executive pastry chef, Todd Feitl, is a five-year veteran of Vie in Western Springs. Scott Halverson, the exec chef and Texas native, makes his mark in Chicago with signature selections such as a Southwest black bean burger and the playfully named Crab Cake Benny—blue crab cakes served with poached eggs and hollandaise over an English muffin. With gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly options on the wide-ranging menu and an organic espresso/smoothie/juice bar, Prasino sounds like a poster child for trend du jour dining. 51 S. First Street, St. Charles; 630-908-5200.