Chalkboard
4343 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-477-7144
This small, elegant North Center spot opened Dec. 19 in the former Tournesol space. Based on our outstanding recent dinner, we’re expecting it to become one of the hot spots of the new year. Chef-owner Gil Langlois, whose resume includes the well-regarded Rushmore, lists about 10 entrees per night on an oversized chalkboard. The dishes, which so far have ranged from filet mignon with lobster-filled tortelloni to a fried chicken dinner, average between $15 and $23 and rotate frequently. “The concept is less is more, and fresher is better,” says Langlois. The wine list, with personal tasting notes from the chef alongside the selections, is moderately priced, but interesting.
Smoque
3800 N. Pulaski Rd.; 773-545-7427
When it comes to barbecue, passions run strong. Just ask Barry Sorkin, who ditched a nice job with an IT firm to find the perfect ‘cue. After a tasting tour around the country, Sorkin, originally from the north suburbs, opened this quick-serve joint in the Old Irving Park neighborhood. He sells pulled pork, chicken, and a Texas-inspired brisket that’s smoked for 15 hours in a mix of oak and applewood. Smoque also offers St. Louis-style ribs (spare ribs, as opposed to a baby back). The place is BYOB, and when we asked Sorkin for the best beer to bring, he said simply, “a cold one.”
Simply It
2269 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-248-0884
This Vietnamese spot slated to open this week has a distinguished pedigree: Co-owner Tuan Nguyen has been in the biz for more than two decades and is a partner at Uptown’s Pasteur (5525 N. Broadway; 773-878-1061). At his newbie Lincoln Park spot, Nguyen aims to please the budget-minded; most entrees are under $13, and it’s BYOB. Entrees include roasted duck curry and a whole red snapper with chile-garlic-lime sauce, plus there are Vietnamese faves such as pho and banh mi.
Caliente
2556 W. Fullerton St.; 773-772-4355.
Vicky Medina, chef-owner of Caliente (3910 N. Sheridan Rd.; 773-525-0129), has opened a second location in Logan Square. The menu features favorites from the Lakeview outpost, including seafood enchiladas with a plum tomato-poblano pepper sauce, plus a lineup of bocaditos, or “little bites.” Choices include camarones borrachos, grilled shrimp with tequila, and almejas en chile de arbol, mussels in a spicy saffron sauce.
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