This small -- seating for 36 -- but cute Ravenswood storefront features exposed brick with bright, perky hues and cutesy faux egg accents. Chef-owner Jon Cignarale, who clocked time in the kitchens at M.Henry, Tweet and Karyn's Cooked (among others), has created a menu full of inspired takes of breakfast faves like banana-spiked French toast, upside down apple pancakes and "frazzled " eggs with bologna (yes, bologna) with herbs and a spicy maple mustard. Lunch moves into salads and burgers, plus sandwiches like the Vietnamese pate sandwich and muffalatta. The Sunday brunch menu changes weekly; look for options like chocolate raspberry French toast and lemon poppy seed pancakes. Ravenswood 4943 N. Damen Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 506-2605 Premiered 11/14/2008

MK features an innovative new American menu with global influences that focuses on the freshest ingredients available. Near North Side 868 N. Franklin St. Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 482-9179 Premiered 2/6/2009

Located in the Blackstone Hotel, Mercat a la Planxa creates Catalan style tapas. South Loop 638 Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 765-0524 Premiered 1/23/2009

Eclectic diner food with a kitschy decor. Evanston 514 Main Street Evanston, IL 60202 (847) 869-4964 Premiered 1/30/2009

Los Nopales offers a full menu of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties and luscious desserts. Lincoln Square 4544 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 334-3149 Premiered 2/6/2009

Seasonal full-service Riverwalk concession (with wait staff), which is an offshoot of Auburn Greshama's Lagniappe Creole Cajun Joynt, specializes in Creole and Cajun fare. The opening menu includes dishes such as Cajun chicken wings and waffles (they call them wangs and waffles), jambalaya, fried green tomatoes, blackened chicken and po'boys. Englewood / Auburn / Gresham 1525 W. 79th Street Chicago, IL 60601 (773) 994-6375 Premiered 11/14/2008