Openings
Open now: Though walk-in service doesn’t start until next week, former Publican chef de cuisine Brian Huston and the crew at Boltwood (804 Davis St., Evanston, 847-859-2880) are now accepting reservations-only diners.
Open now: Whisk (2018 W. Chicago Ave., Ukrainian Village, 773-252-9060), a project from brothers Rick and David Rodriguez (Rick was the former chef at Rocking Horse) that’s taking over the Chickpea space, will serve brunch until 3 and burgers until close.
Open now: The newest Doc B’s (55 E. Grand Ave., 312-999-9300) is in, setting up camp with their menu of classic American sandwiches, salads, and burgers in River North.
Open now: Former Moto and Baume & Brix chef Nate Park has joined forces with former Perennial Virant GM Carissa Shaffer are ready to go with Knife & Tine (1417 W. Fullerton Ave., Lincoln Park), a mix of bar-friendly starters (deviled eggs, cheese balls) and moderately priced mains (duck thigh, escolar) in the former Sprout space.
Thursday, June 12: Enolo Wine Bar (450 N. Clark St., River North, 312-477-7674), which replaces the River North location of Bombay Spice, is ready to pour and fix up Italian-ish bites and sides.
Wednesday, June 18: Finally. California-based brewing company Lagunitas (1843 S. Washtenaw Ave., Douglas Park) is opening its Chicago taproom after months of beer-lover anticipation. The massive facility has been bottling and brewing here since April.
Morsels
A new option for noodling around on your lunch hour: Ramen-San (59 W. Hubbard St., River North, 312-377-9950) has added an express lunch menu Monday through Friday, with a half portion of shoyu or tonkotsu ramen, a rice plate (with chicken, salmon, or steak), a small salad, and kimchi for $15. The deal’s available for dine-in only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Instead of lighting candles on a birthday cake, Mott St. (1401 N. Ashland Ave., Wicker Park, 773-687-9977) is lighting a fire to roast a whole suckling pig for a first-anniversary barbecue on their patio. Diners who swing by between 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday can get half a pound of meat with steamed bao and slaw for $15 plus à la carte sides and shaved ice cocktails.
As of now, MAK (1924 W. Division, Wicker Park, 773-772-6251) has a liquor license—and they’ve added a slew of Asian beers such as Hitachino Nest White Ale and Tsingtao as well as sakes to their menu.