A family operation has taken shape in the former Sola space in the form of Kick (1943 W. Byron St., North Center, 773-236-8886), a venture dedicated to all things spicy.

Now officially open, the new spot from twins Kim Prusa and Kristin Albert (plus their respective better halves) aims to sling a vast array of entrées held together by global spice. With little kitchen experience between its four owners, Kick is "not chef-driven at all," says Prusa, who assembled a team of consultants and guest chefs to write the restaurant's red-hot menu. Dishes run from $7 (soup) to $23 (Chimichurri steak), with the restaurant's fiery theme even bleeding into the dessert and drink menus (chocolate cake with cayenne pepper mousse and a cocktail called the "KICK'n and Scream'n" respectively).

Kick will also boast a serious burger program. Prusa expects the half-pound Wagyu beef Pit Fire to be a top seller, but also highlights an Island Burger (pineapple relish and chipotle barbecue glaze). All five burgers will be served with "FireFries"—french fries served with Kick's eponymous house spice blend. To cool your palate, the spot will offer 12 "offbeat and local" beers on tap.