Juno Fire Update; Japonais by Morimoto Preview; More

LINCOLN PARK—Juno ownership released a statement a few minutes ago regarding this morning's fire. In part, it reads: "the front of the restaurant and the apartments in the building were badly damaged, but fortunately Juno's kitchen, sushi bar and main dining room were not damaged by the fire. We will have to re-build the separate bar area at the front of the restaurant...we cannot immediately determine how long it will take us to open our doors again." No one was injured in the blaze. [EaterWire]

RIVER NORTH—Want to be one of the first to see the revamped Japonais by Morimoto? Just spend $150 ($250 VIP) for the soft launch party, held Jan. 29 and benefitting Common Threads. Big name chefs Paul Kahan, Stephanie Izard and Mindy Segal will also be in attendance; click here for tickets. [EaterWire]

LINCOLN PARK—Open since November 1, Lettuce Entertain You and Jeff Mahin's Summer House Santa Monica is launching brunch service tomorrow at 8 a.m. The menu includes house-made English muffins. [EaterWire]

LOOP/RIVER NORTH—Jon McDaniel (The Gage and Henri) and Dan Pilkey (Sixteen) are headed to the regional finals for the the Guild of Sommeliers' Top Sommelier competition, held on March 3. [EaterWire]