Niche invited to bring a taste of suburbs to N.Y.
Congratulations to chef Jeremy Lycan and wine director Jody Richardson of Niche Restaurant, 14 S. Third St., Geneva, for their recognition by the James Beard Foundation. Both have been invited to showcase their American contemporary cuisine and wine list in New York later this month.
Niche previews the meal Lycan and Richardson will prepare at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Guests have an opportunity to enjoy the exact six-course wine dinner they'll present in New York, for a price of $125 per person. Make reservations at (630) 262-1000.
Opening, closing
D.O.C. Wine Bar opened its second location last month at the Yorktown Center Shops on Butterfield, 326 Yorktown Center, Lombard. Like the D.O.C. in Lincoln Park, its focus is an extensive collection of wines from around the globe and classic American fare. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner and late night options daily. (630) 627-6666 or www.docwinebarchicago.com.
El Pollo Loco continues to expand with a location that opened recently at 7310 Barrington Road, Hanover Park. Get used to "the crazy chicken," as this is the third of 30 El Pollo Locos planned for the area. The California-based, Mexican-inspired fast casual eatery is famous for its citrus-marinated grilled chicken and self-serve salsa bar. (630) 372-4618 or www.elpolloloco.com.
Takashi opened its doors last week at 1952 N. Damen Ave., Chicago. Chef/owner Takashi Yagihashi melds contemporary French and American cuisines with Japanese influences, utilizing seasonal ingredients and locally farmed or organic items when possible. Takashi also offers sake and beer from Ibaraki Prefecture, Yagihashi's hometown. (773) 772-6170 or www.takashichicago.com.
La Strada Ristorante, 155 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, and its sister eatery J. Randolph's Bar & Grill close this weekend due to redevelopment. A new apartment high rise is moving into the property on which the Italian restaurant stood for 28 years. Owner Michael Mormando hopes to reopen in the new residential building by 2010. For La Strada die-hards needing a fix, there's still a suburban location at 2380 Lakewood Blvd., Hoffman Estates. (847) 765-1700.
This week only
Salad Creations offers a free "create your own" salad, normally priced at $6.99, to anyone who visits today and announces "I want to eat more salads in 2008." Stick to that New Year's resolution by visiting their location at The Promenade Bolingbrook, 635 E. Boughton Road, Suite 135, Bolingbrook, or in downtown Chicago at 555 W. Monroe St., 60B E. Jackson Blvd. or in the Citigroup Building at 500 W. Madison St . For further details, visit www.saladcreations.net.
Gabriel's Restaurant, 310 Green Bay Road, Highwood, showcases wines and cuisine from the Italian Piedmonte region. Sommelier Bob Bansberg selects and discusses wines made with the Nebbiolo grape, including Barolo and Barbaresco, which Chef Gabriel Viti pairs with a six-course menu. The meal costs $125 and begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Make reservations at (847) 433-0031 or visit www.egabriels.com.
Café Matou, 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, celebrates the French region of Normandy. The restaurant's first wine dinner of the year pairs five courses designed by chef Charlie Socher to complement wines selected by wine director James Rahn. It starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday and costs $71 per person. Make reservations at (773) 384-8911 or visit www.cafematou.com.