Tank Sushi Closes, Chrissy Camba Filipino Spot Coming, New Bar Pastoral Chef

Folks in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood lost a longtime sushi option last night, but are gaining a Filipino restaurant in about two months. Tank Sushi closed its doors for good after service, and will reconcept into a Filipino spot, Laughing Bird, with former Bar Pastoral chef Chrissy Camba at the helm. Tank announced the change on Facebook, and Crain's caught up with Camba and owner Franco Gianni for details of the cuisine and buildout.

Meanwhile, Camba's move, which owner Greg O'Neill says happened "a week or two ago," created an opening for a new chef at Bar Pastoral, which will be filled by Brooks Hart beginning March 24. Hart is a fresh face, heading to the Lakeview cheese and wine spot from Michigan, where he worked both as a sous chef and a general manager.

O'Neill describes Hart's cooking style as "product-driven, approachable, and incredibly creative" with seasonal ingredients, which he feels is a perfect fit for Bar Pastoral. "He doesn't put together gratuitous ingredients that don't belong together," he says. "It doesn't feel forced."

Hart will also run the Pastoral commissary, which provides product for three retail stores, online business, and around 90 local restaurants.

Look for Hart's spring menu to hit Bar Pastoral soon, as well as "some other things in the works in the next month or so," according to O'Neill. Expect Laughing Bird to open in May.
· Tank Sushi closes to make way for modern Filipino restaurant [Crain's]
· Tank Sushi [Facebook]
· All Bar Pastoral Coverage [-ECHI-]
[Photo: Foursquare]