Openings

Just a single outpost of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams cannot possibly be enough for one city, so now there’s a second location (1505 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park) for lovers of the Ohio-based dairy maven’s salty caramel scoops.

Though the Avenue is gone, the space it once occupied is destined to be forever serving Italian food—its replacement, Contadino (1146 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-920-5962) is focusing on region-specific dishes rather than Italian-American staples.

Morsels

Today is M Burger’s (multiple locations, see mburgerchicago.com) fifth birthday, which, naturally, means any purchase at any of the restaurant’s outlets will net you a free burger of your choice all day long.

In further burger news, the Chicago region’s about to add another Shake Shack to its map. Location number three (the first is in River North, the second is coming this summer to the Loop) will be at Westfield Old Orchard Mall (4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie). Look for it by the end of the year.

About seven months after the Pierogi Wagon food truck opened its brick-and-mortar offshoot, Polak Eatery (1043 N. California Ave., Humboldt Park, 312-675-8385), both store and truck are rebranding as Pierogi Street. The name change also comes with some menu updates—house-baked baguettes and a new brunch menu in the restaurant, breakfast sandwiches on savory paczki on the streets. The updates take effect Friday.

Aaron Cuschieri has taken over the kitchen at Kinmont (419 W. Superior St., River North, 312-915-0011), and the Takashi vet has already started to add his own spin—the new fish charcuterie board, with house-smoked seafood, is all him.

Each year, Chicago’s May issue crowns the city’s best new restaurants. We’ve picked our winners for this year, and the full list will be available when the issue hits stands next month—but do you want to get a sneak peek at who will be number 1? RSVP ASAP for Secret Supper on April 13, where you’ll get a five-course meal with your choice of specialty cocktail and wine pairings at the city’s best new restaurant before the list goes public. (How will you know where to go? You’ll get an e-mail the day of the event with the restaurant’s name and address.) All-inclusive tickets are $90 and they’re available now.