Hot New Restaurants - December 2010

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The Florentine; Photo: Steven Johnson Photography

The Florentine

Funny how the most talked-about thing at a brand new restaurant in a brand new hotel is not new at all. Todd Stein's bucatini carbonara--with pancetta, cracked pepper, pecorino and a duck egg--followed him from Cibo Matto at the Wit onto the menu at The Florentine, and has fans old and new experiencing it in a brand new way. But there's much more to this BLT Restaurant Group newcomer than its signature dish. Other standouts include pumpkin risotto with carmelized scallops, veal porterhouse and arctic char. For a lighter meal, opt for the lounge menu with options like scrambled egg, lobster and truffle crostini, goat cheese pizza with bacon and roasted garlic, meatball sliders and burrata.

Nick's Fishmarket Grill and Bar

Carrying on the tradition established decades ago with the long-running Nick’s Fishmarket in the Loop, closed in 2009, this more casual offshoot in the Merchandise Mart aims to appeal to today’s less-formal clientele. While the atmosphere has changed, the devotion to stellar seafood and service has not. Steaks and other non-fish foods are also served. Private dining rooms seat up to 80. Hours are weekdays only except during Mart trade shows.

Gyu-Kaku

A fusion of Korean charcoal barbecue and Japanese-style grilling comes to Streeterville with the first Chicago location of this prolific Japanese chain with outposts in Hawaii, California and New York. Meant for communal dining, Gyu-Kaku outfits each table with a smokeless grill for guests to cook their own raw morsels of marinated meats, fish and vegetables. Guests choose from eight marinades, and small portions encourage trying many different foods, tapas-style. Refreshing libations and desserts such as lychee sorbet and black sesame ice cream cool the palate.

Haymarket Pub & Brewery

Finally opening at Randolph and Halsted streets, this brewpub is named for the infamous Haymarket Square Riot on this site in 1886. Commemorating that event with a workingman’s vibe, this casual, welcoming establishment will serve such hearty fare as housemade sausages, chili and pizza. Award-winning brewer and co-owner Pete Crowley hails from Rock Bottom Brewery.

The back bar dining room, which can be reserved for private parties, preserves the legend of the hard-drinking writer with its Drinking & Writing Theater. Darts and other games will be played in this neighborhood watering hole.

Crumbs Bake Shop

Crumbs Bake Shop, a sweet transplant via New York and Los Angeles, is scheduled to open any day now in the West Loop. Featuring some 50 signature varieties baked fresh daily, Crumbs offers full sizes in six-packs and taste portions by the dozen. Decorated cakes can be personalized for special occasions. Corporate catering and limited delivery are likely to be coming soon.

Grahamwich

According to Twitter, it's really happening this time: Grahamwich is opening this month! The introductory menu consists of eight sandwiches ranging from beef shortrib to turkey confit to pork belly banh mi. I am optimistic that it will be worth the wait.

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