New Restaurant Roundup: March
By Amy Cavanaugh
With new restaurants opening seemingly every day, how are you supposed to keep track of them all? We've rounded up some of the most notable Chicago openings of the past few months so you can better focus your dining energy.
The latest purveyor of Vietnamese sandwiches is Lakeview's Banh Mi & Co. The sandwiches, served on a baguette with pickled veggies, jalapenos, and mayo, include meats like ham, grilled beef, shredded chicken, or BBQ pork. The small shop also offers spring rolls and wonton soup, and delivery is available.
Hours: Wed to Thurs 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri to Sat 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
South Loop eatery Acadia features American fine dining. Headed up by exec chef Ryan McCaskey, Acadia offers dishes like truffle risotto, pork belly with caraway pudding, and lobster pot pie in the dining room, burgers and charcuterie at the bar, and inventive cocktails.
Hours: Mon to Wed 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Thurs to Fri 8 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Tony Mantuano's pizzeria offers all day food and drink, beginning with espresso and pastries. For lunch or dinner, try wood-fired pizzas with toppings like pork belly meatball, goat cheese with hazelnuts and leeks, or clam with garlic and chilies. Small plates include shrimp meatballs, charred carrots, and goat cheese crostini. Sip a glass of wine while you eat and finish with gelato to channel a day spent in Rome.
Hours: Mon to Thurs Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri to Sat Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Sun Dinner 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
The hottest recent opening is Slurping Turtle, which boasts a menu of ramen bowls, grilled meat, seafood, and vegetables, and hot and cold tapas. Start with the crispy curry croquettes or pork-stuffed gyoza before moving onto a satisfying bowl of noodles. The tan tan men overflows with noodles, pork sausage, and spicy miso for a warming dish. Vegetarians can opt for a bowl with tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. The large bowls are perfectly sized so you can get both dinner and lunch the next day out of it.