Honky Tonk BBQ serves up Memphis-style barbecue. All of the briskets and ribs are lightly seasoned, allowing the flavor of applewood to spice the meat. Heart-healthy side dishes counter all the cholesterol, including an amazing salad of mixed greens, walnuts and blueberries. Pilsen / Heart of Chicago / Little Village 1213 W. 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 226-7427 Premiered 10/17/2008
Hamburger Mary's, the popular chain that started in San Francisco in 1972, has opened a Chicago outpost in Andersonville. Mary's spans two floors; the focus downstairs is dining, upstairs look for entertainment like cabaret singers and karaoke, plus late night dining (the upstairs lounge is dubbed Mary's Attic). Andersonville 5400 N. Clark Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 784-6969 Premiered 11/21/2008
The regional French cuisine and the wide selection of wines lure foodies to this North Shore staple. Original artwork by Jacqueline Lefeuvre, wife of the chef/owner, lines the walls and is available for sale. Order individual entrees or try the chef-selected menu of hot and cold appetizers, sorbet, entree and dessert, which is available for a fixed price at lunch and dinner. Vegetarian options are also available for dinner and meals can be prepared to accommodate other dietary needs. Highwood 306 Green Bay Road Highwood, IL 60040 (847) 433-7080 Premiered 10/31/2008
Seafood-centered, modern Mexican cuisine. Logan Square 3749 W. Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 489-3748 Premiered 2/13/2009
The menu changes frequently, but recent antipasti offerings included favorites like caprese salad, plus more unusual options such as salmon and spinach quiche. Half a dozen thin-crust pizzas -- including a quattro formaggio (gorgonzola, Taleggio, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano) -- are baked in a wood-burning oven. Several pastas, including a risotto of the day, are available, as well as entrees like veal scaloppine with porcini mushrooms and New York strip steak with fresh rosemary. Desserts are made in-house and generally include at least one chocolate treat. Fulton Market District 953 West Fulton Chicago, IL 60607 Premiered 11/14/2008
Bradley Rubin (ex-MK, Ghost Bar, Arnie's and more) is behind this South Loop eatery. Breakfast is served all day and includes options like stuffed challah French toast and steak and eggs. Other perks include a soda jerk who'll whip up goodies like cherry phosphates (served with the mixing tin), plus there's a barista station featuring custom-blended coffee (from Intelligentsia). There's also a deli area where you can grab goods by the pound (like sliced meats and salads). South Loop 1112 South Wabash Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 212-1112 Premiered 11/7/2008