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Ask around and those in the know will tell you that one of the riskiest business propositions is the opening of a new restaurant. No matter how good the food, how famous the chef, or how impeccable the dining experience, the pitfalls in the restaurant business are numerous and potentially treacherous. That said, the following new eateries are poised for long and successful runs.
Shochu has become quite a popular spot in a short amount of time, appealing to a diverse urban clientele. A romantic dinner destination for couples, Shochu becomes a lively bee hive of social activity with a late-night kitchen and a large full bar area that closes at 2am (3am on Saturdays) Shochu 3313 N Clark St | 773.348.3313 | www.shochuchicago.com | Open daily for dinner @ 5pm; Sat & Sun brunch 10:30am-2:3-pm.
Styled after a classic speakeasy with a twist, Fitzgerld's is devoted to using the freshest ingredients to cook up international comfort food at reasonable prices. In addition to American rib-sticklers (such as crab cakes and Mac & cheese), the menu features cuisine from England (fish & chips and shepherd's pie), France (cassoulet and steak frites), and Italy (zesty bucatini Bolognese). To wash down all this fantastic food: a full bar serving classic cocktails and an impressive wine list that features the fragrant Argentinean Torrontes by Alta Vista, a robust rose from Rioja, a classic white burgundy, and a plummy Châteauneuf du Pape. In addition to providing a marvelous dining experience and proving that a truly good meal can be had outside Chicago city limits, Fitzgerald's features "Live Jazz Thursdays" and is the home to the monthly "Swank" dance party (every third Saturday) featuring DJs such as Ralphi Rosario and Greg Haus. Thus when it comes food, drink or entertainment in southwest Michigan, Fitzgerald's is the place to be. Fitzgerald's 5875 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer,
Michigan 49125 | 269.426.3489 | www.fitzfood.com |
More Cupcakes | 1 E. Delaware Pl |
312.951.0001 | www.morecupcakes.com ). |
Shochu (pronounced show-chew)
opened up this past spring next to Mia Francesca in the 3300
block of North Clark. Owned by Lynne Wallack and John Handler,
who also own Deleece, this new venture is a unique small plate
restaurant and lounge, named for shochu, the #1 Japanese distilled
spirit typically made from rice, barley, sweet potatoes or black
sugar. The food offerings feature contemporary American cuisine
with an Asian edge and include signature maki rolls like lobster
and truffle aioli or shrimp with bacon; three curry dishes; five
different types of chicken wings; and grilled skewers of meat
and vegetables called Yakitori. The cocktail menu features a
large selection of shochu-based libations mixed with combinations
like guava and ginger or green apple and lychee, and of course
at brunch they serve shochu Bloody Marys and shochu Mimosas.
Given Chicagoans penchant
for second homes in, or weekend visits to, cities and burgs east
of the city along the shores of Lake Michigan, it only makes
sense that someone would open a high-quality restaurant in southwestern
Michigan to serve both locals and visitors alike. The someones
are Jim Schuman and Jo Webster, owners of Berlin Nightclub, and
their restaurant is called Fitzgerald's Bistro, Pub and Lounge, a stylish and comfortable
smoke-free eatery in Sawyer, Michigan, a city close to nearby
resort communities New Buffalo, St. Joseph, and Saugatuck. 
Everyone likes cupcakes
and everyone is bound to like - no, love - More Cupcakes, recently opened in downtown Chicago.
In addition to the traditional cupcake varieties (including
chocolate, yellow and red velvet), More offers gourmet
twists such as Ganache filled chocolate, Passionfruit Poppyseed,
Pink Grapefruit, and Creme Brulée. As well they have savory
flavors that include Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato; Fig, Blue Cheese
and Port, and a Madras Curry cupcake. More is a fantastic
addition to Chicago's dining scene and a place you're sure to
visit time and time again. 