Paul Virant, wearing his Gaijin shirt/ Photo: Regan Baroni
Former general manager of Grace, Michael Muser, who will soon open Ever in Fulton Market, noted other restaurants that will open in the months to come. Here’s an idea of what to expect at three.
Gajin Paul Virant (Vie, Perennial Virant) has a venture, Gaijin, that will focus on okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake. Although associated with a region that includes Hiroshima and little-known in the West, okonomiyaki is an extremely versatile platform for experimentation, so expect Virant’s signature Midwestern ingredients in the mix.
Kostali Cousins Carrie and Michael Nahabedian gained local recognition at now-closed Naha and their thriving Brindille in River North. James Beard Award-winner Carrie Nahabedian will next be in the kitchen at Kostali when it opens on the fifth floor of The Gwen. She says the food will be a mix of ethnic influences, including French, North African, Italian and Spanish.
Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar Jason Vincent and members of his squad at Giant are planning Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar, which they say will be a love letter to the Chinese food they ate as kids in Cleveland. They’re working with local Phoenix Bean Tofu. Although some decry American-Chinese as “inauthentic” (yawn), the guys behind Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar intend to show how delicious it can be.
Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity, David also writes a weekly food column for Wednesday Journal in Oak Park and is a frequent contributor of food/drink and travel pieces to the Chicago Tribune, Plate Magazine and other publications. David has also contributed chapters to several books, including Street Food Around the World, Street Food, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. Contact: dhammond@newcity.com
Can’t-Miss Dining & Drinking Events (Fall Arts Preview 2021) Undoubtedly, there has rarely been a time in U.S. history when it was more challenging to open a restaurant. Still, the wheels are in motion to open the doors on three very promising Chicago restaurants before the end of the year.
After Blackbird: Restaurateur Donnie Madia says “We Are In a Different World” (Fall Arts Preview 2021) Donny Madia of One Off Hospitality Group and I met in the dining room of avec River North. I wanted to hear what transformations—aside from closures—have been wrought upon One Off Hospitality by the recent health catastrophe. Throughout this conversation, common themes emerged around the communication and newfound sense of community spirit that has been established.
