Opening Alert: Michael Taus Gets Back into the Game Tonight in Wicker Park

Tonight, former Zealous proprietor and Trotter protege Michael Taus opens his first restaurant as owner in more than 20 years. As evidenced by its name, Taus is employing a personal back to basics return to his cooking roots at Taus Authentic, eschewing fine dining for a comfortable vibe in both a front lounge and long dining room, as well as the style of food. "It's like family," Taus says. "We're trying to be homey here." Take a look around the space.

The menu: Taus utilizes a variety of global flavors in a bistro-esque menu. For starters, there's a selection of raw seafood, small plates for both vegetarians (sunchoke dosa with red curry; ricotta tart) and meat-eaters (foie gras club sandwich; duck cavatelli), alongside the requisite cheese and charcuterie plates.

Entrees are broken into fish and meat sections, the former available in two portion sizes where trout is served with celery root-leek latkes and fluke comes alongside Korean shrimp pancakes. The carnivorous side includes pork shoulder with kimchi stew, fried chicken with lemon honey butter, and the requisite burger. Read the full menu below.

Taus Authentic opens at 5 p.m. A late night menu (11 p.m. - 1 a.m.) and brunch could be in the works soon, but don't expect lunch service.