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The Chicago Traveler

Fresh Faces in Food

by Matt B on August 28th, 2008

The restaurant scene in Chicago is constantly evolving, always keeping up with people's new tastes or trends. Here are a few restaurants that have only been around for a year or so, but they have already made a name for themselves in the dining biz.

chalkboardChalkboard, a contemporary American restaurant in North Center, is just that: a restaurant with oversized chalkboards that list the specials of the day. Rather than constantly reprinting menus, the owners are able to easily change these boards on a daily basis. Aside from the namesake wall-length chalkboard, the small dining room features white molding, linen-clad tables, and chandeliers. The menu includes beef stew, crunchy Southern-fried chicken, and tasty pork tenderloin. There's even a decent wine list' with its own chalkboard, of course.

suraSura is an upscale establishment without the upscale prices. Between Cupcakes and Intelligentsia, its Thai-inspired cuisine with a French influence is offered in small dishes, enabling diners to try a variety of flavors in one sitting. If the plates appear like little works of art, it may be due to the very modern d'cor of the restaurant itself. Feeling a bit like an art museum, Sura is dressed all in white, except for the occasional accent or accessory. While most of the menu consists of tapas like coconut-crusted shrimps or scallops ceviche, there are entrees available, like the teriyaki-glazed tilapia and tamarind cashew chicken.

cordis brothers supper clubFinally, the term 'supper club' may sound old-fashioned, but the Cordis Brothers Supper Club is far from old and dusty. Beneath the brass chandeliers and tinted mirrors, families and couples of all ages enjoy the establishment's concept: pay one price for a complete meal. Unlike many other restaurants where salads, soups, and side dishes are all listed a la carte and priced separately, here you can find an affordable way to enjoy a great-tasting dinner. I recommend the restaurant's signature dishes: baby back ribs or the pork chop parmigiana (butterflied, flattened, sauteed, and buried under marinara sauce and mozzarella).

With great flavors and excellent service, these restaurants are sure to last the long haul.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex (1, 2, 3)

Chalkboard ($$): 4343 N Lincoln Ave; 773-477-7144
Afternoon Tea
Sat ' Sun: 2:00 p.m. ' 4:00 p.m.
Dinner
Weds ' Mon: 5:00 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult (Do NOT park in the lot across the street)
Public trans: Bus # 11, 78
http://www.chalkboardrestaurant.com/

Sura ($): 3124 N Broadway Ave; 773-248-7872
Mon ' Thurs: 4:00 p.m. ' 11:00 p.m.
Fri ' Sat: 11:00 a.m. ' 12 midnight
Sun: 11:00 a.m. ' 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 36, 77
http://www.surachicago.com/

Cordis Brothers Supper Club ($$$): 1625 W Irving Park Rd; 773-935-1000
Sun, Tues ' Thurs: 5:00 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m.
Fri ' Sat: 5:00 p.m. ' 10:30 p.m.
Free parking lot; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 80, X80
http://www.cordisbrothers.com/

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POSTED IN: Restaurants

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