Latinicity
Latin cuisines feature dishes that combine savory, sweet and (sometimes) spicy flavors and it’s those dishes that renowned chef Richard Sandoval is bringing to the Loop with Latinicity, his food hall and lounge opening Nov. 5.
The restaurant-retail complex will have a cafe, tapas restaurant, retail market, 12 innovative eateries, a full bar plus a number of other components highlighting the “flavors, food and wares from the regions of Latin America, Spain and Portugal,” said Scott Harney, director of operations.
“Guests will find tortas, tacos, churrasco, salads, ceviche, and more at the food eateries,” he said, “and globally-inspired tapas, cheeses and charcuterie at Pata Negra, our full-service tapas restaurant.”
Guests can also expect chicken mole cazuela, a Cubano sandwich (pit ham, carnitas, Swiss cheese, pickles and habanero mustard) and a Mexico dog (bacon-wrapped Vienna hot dog, smoked chili mayo, black bean puree and coleslaw). Expect to also find arepas, seafood, as well as Asian influences in some of the ceviches and rice dishes called chaufas.
“What makes Latinicity so unique is the variety of offerings available. We were inspired by the food and drink stalls of street vendors in Latin America and hope to bring that culture to Chicago,” Harney said.
Latinicity will be spread over more than 20,000 square feet of space. “With Latinicity, we want to recreate the Latin spirit of togetherness that you feel gathering around a large table for a great festive meal,” he explained. “It will be a place a diner can come back to time and time again and try something different.”
108 N. State St. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; www.latinicity.com.
Ballaro
Does cauliflower with roasted garlic and red chili flakes sound too tempting to pass up? How about crispy eggplant or risotto with wild Gulf shrimp, lemon and parsley? These are just glimmers of the dishes planned for Ballaro, a restaurant serving Italian contemporary cuisine, when it opens in early November in Highwood.
“The food, wine and atmosphere — it’s all an extension of our personalities,” said Josh Kaplan, one of the owners. “We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; it’s our vision of what we love about dining out.”
Opening in Highwood was ideal for Kaplan and his business partner-executive chef Mark Newman.
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“The space really spoke to our shared vision for a restaurant,” Kaplan added. “We’re here for the long haul and can’t wait to see (guests).”
214 Green Bay Road. Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tues.-Thur., 5 to10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 5 to 9 p.m. Sun. Closed Mondays. www.ballarohw.com.
The Warehouse Bar & Pizzeria
Pizza and sports are truly a successful pair, and this new location is offering just that and more.
Recently opened in Lincoln Park, the restaurant features a 23-foot long bar and over 15 large screen TVs and, of course, a large selection of dishes to choose from. Most predominately will be pizzas, which include The Truffle Mac (white cheddar mac, button and portobello mushrooms, meatballs, truffle oil); The Rustica (dry figs, caramelized onions, gorgonzola cheese, balsamic glaze); The Warehouse Combo (Italian beef and sausage, tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone, wuth choice of sweet peppers or giardiniera).
The menu also includes salads, appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, beers, non-alcoholic drinks, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.
1419 W. Fullerton Ave. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to midnight Sun. www.thewarehousechicago.com.
Compton is a freelance writer
lcompton@tribpub.com
Twitter @LindseyCompton