Park 52
5201 S. Harper Ave.; 773-241-5200
Now that he’s finally settled on a name, Jerry Kleiner’s long-anticipated Hyde Park spot is set to pop on April 8. Kleiner (Room 21, Red Light, Carnivale), who partners with Marc Brooks for this venture, says Park 52 will offer a toned-down version of his signature style. Executive chef Chris Barron, who has worked at Kleiner’s Red Light, is preparing classic American comfort food: burgers, steaks, chicken and salads, topping out at $36 for a bone-in rib-eye. The half-pound burgers are $12, but that includes hand-cut fries, blue cheese and “whatever else you want on the damn thing,” says Kleiner. Sounds good to us.
Take Me Out
1502 W. 18th St.; 312-929-2509
Karen Lim, a former schoolteacher and part of the family behind Albany Park’s Great Sea Chinese Restaurant, runs this cute, mostly carryout quick-serve Chinese spot in Pilsen. The super-compact menu lists only egg rolls, crab Rangoon, fried shrimp, spicy noodle soup, a beef bowl, shrimp fried rice and chicken wings. The absolutely addictive wings are the star of the show.
Shochu
3313 N. Clark St.; 773-348-3313
This upscale Wrigleyville small-plate restaurant and lounge opens in the former Platiyo space April 21 (the opening date as published has been updated in this text). So what exactly is Shochu? It’s a distilled spirit that, as the saying goes, is big in Japan. Shochu’s menu will list 16 varieties of the signature spirit, which also makes its way into mixed drinks. But it’s the Asian-inspired menu that sounds most intriguing to us. Executive chef and partner Josh Hansen (the name as published has been corrected here and in a subsequent reference in this text) playfully interprets Asian flavors. Look for items such as blueberry teriyaki quail with quinoa spaetzel and a miso-lychee aioli. Don’t worry, it’s not all chichi: “I wanted something for the dudes,” says Hansen. Expect fancy chicken wings, from miso mild to habanero hot.
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Jackson Park Bar and Grill
444 N. Wabash Ave. 312-644-7200
Jason Paskewitz, who’s cooked at a million and one places in town — including now-shuttered JP Chicago, Wave and very briefly SushiSamba Rio — is going big for his latest. At the end of April, Paskewitz and business partner Phillip Lotsoff plan to open this 9,000-square-foot spot focusing on what Paskewitz calls “contemporary Chicago cuisine” — a blend of Italian, French and American influences. The interior sounds grand: Beaux Arts design, travertine floors, marble tiles and a floor-to-ceiling glass wine cellar that can hold 5,000 bottles. Despite the luxe design, entrees will run $16 to $34. Just don’t get lost on your way: Jackson Park Bar and Grill is not located anywhere near Jackson Park. It’s in River North — go figure.
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