Like Michael Jordan or Brett Favre, Erwin Drechsler couldn’t stay away for long. Almost before the stove was cold at Erwin, his culinary home for almost two decades, he speculated about a nutrition-focused restaurant, but now he’s poised to light the burners at Mitra Ryndak's Cafe Aroma in Winnetka. Tuesday through Saturday, Drechsler will serve dinner with his own staff, his own menu, and even his own name: Erwin @ Aroma (749 Elm St., Winnetka, no phone yet).

A few highlights from Drechsler’s opening menu:

• Roasted cauliflower with prosciutto, shallots, golden raisins, and balsamic syrup ($8)
• Grilled asparagus with chicken livers, ricotta salata, and an organic egg ($9)
• Great Lakes whitefish, kale and rutabaga chowder, and smoked paprika aïoli ($19)
• Erwin's famous burger, with homemade pickles, russet fries, and horseradish coleslaw ($13)

Drechsler’s dinners begin April 17. Much better than seeing him with the Washington Wizards or New York Jets.