Three More Restaurants Shutter, Two New Brunches, More Intel

—’Tis one of the big seasons for restaurant and bar shutters, and three more spots have joined the scrapheap. Belmont Cafe, which took over the Clarke’s in Lakeview a little more than a year ago, is done, and DNAinfo reports that the space has already been gutted and a new ownership group is coming in, but there’s no word yet of whom.

—Meanwhile just down the street, Ramenster is also kaput, according an LTH Forum post, Yelp and Google after less than a year in.

—And finally, try not to cry too hard, but Chili’s is done at 2 E. Ontario St. downtown. An employee says on the phone that "this location is closed for good. We're just cleaning out now." Sad sad times.

—Perhaps brunch will cheer you up? Just in time for the long Labor Day weekend, Billy Lawless’ new Italian hotspot on Southport Coda Di Volpe now serves it — including bacon and egg pizza, risotto "oatmeal" and a Sicilian Bloody Mary. Full menu below.

—And in Bucktown, new spot The Tankard also is doing brunch now, according to a news release.

—Looks like that Aquanaut Brewpub in Edgewater with Budlong Hot Chicken neapolitan pizza isn’t happening after all — unless getting your nails done is your idea of drinking beer and eating pizza. DNAinfo reports that a building permit was issued for a salon and spa for the space at 1221 W. Devon Ave., and quotes the landlord terming Phil Tadros’ previous announcement for the brewpub as "premature." Yikes.

—If any of this news is making you sad, you’ll be able to fill that hole in your heart with as much ramen as you need. Starting Sept. 5 and lasting eight days over two weeks, Furious Spoon is serving all-you-can-eat ramen for $25 a person. The deal happens Sept. 5-8 and 12-15 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Just try to avoid a food coma if you’re going back to work after.

—And finally, head to Lost Lake on Tuesday Sept. 6 for a book and tiki drinkin’ party with Martin and Rebecca Cate of San Francisco’s Smuggler’s Cove. A $60 ticket gets you a signed copy of their book, a commemorative glass, and a cocktail. Tickets here.