Chilam Balam Expands with Sister Restaurant Shaman

1438 W. Chicago Ave.
Phone: 312-226-4175
Status: Grand opening tonight to those who have RSVP'd; opens to the public tomorrow.

Chilam Balam, the wonderful Mexican small plates restaurant in East Lake View, made famous by the former chef's appearance on Top Chef, welcomes a little sister today. Chicago Mag notes that Shaman, another small plates Mexican, BYO, cash only spot will open tonight at 1438 W. Chicago Ave. This iteration will have 65 seats to Chilam's 45 and will offer outdoor dining in the summer.

Chuy Valencia, the Top Chef Texas cheftestapant that ran Chilam Balam before splitting from his partners earlier this year is, of course, not involved in this venture. Natalia Oswald, a Chilam Balam veteran, will be its executive chef and will serve an ever-changing menu of sopes and flautas as well as guacamole, seviches, and specialty items like "butternut squash tamal with pecan mole and cranberry sauce."
· Dish Flash: Shaman, a Sister Restaurant to Chilam Balam, Opens Today [Chicago Mag]

[Photo: Chilam Balam]