Au Cheval Closes Temporarily For Renovations and More Intel

— Eaters won’t be able to go to Au Cheval for the line-inducing burgers and other diner-inspired delicacies for 12 more days. Brendan Sodikoff and Hogsalt Hospitality temporarily closed the ever-bustling restaurant on Randolph Row on New Year’s Day for renovations, and it’s slated to reopen on Jan. 17, according to its website. Details of those renovations are a mystery, however, as Sodikoff has yet to respond to inquiries, so it’s unknown if there are any changes in store for its dining room or bar.

— With Rockit Bar and Grill closed again for renovations in River North, acclaimed oft-traveled chef Mike Sheerin has moved on to another new post: He is now the creative director for Lincoln Square mainstay Mrs. Murphy’s and Sons Irish Bistro. In a news release, Sheerin says he will add “more seasonal and local flavors to the menu” and embrace “all the best parts of classic Irish cuisine from peat smoked meats to fresh seafood.” Sheerin, who also cooked Irish food at his short-lived Trinity Bar in Lincoln Park, was Rockit’s chef for a year.

— Impossible burgers, those “bleeding” veggie burgers that first landed in Chicago in the fall and are all the rage these days, are now available in taco form in Chicago. Tallboy Taco’s “Southwest Impossible Taco” comes in a hard shell with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and salsa arbol, RedEye reports, which cost $12 for two. The River North spot will only serve them for a limited time.

— The documentary about shuttered two-Michelin-starred 42 Grams hits the screen late this month at the Gene Siskel Film Center as part of its documentary series. Time Out Chicago reviewed the film, describing it as “fascinating” and that its “true subject” is “the thorny intersection of professional ambition and personal relationships.” Tickets are available here and more information on the film, including screenings in other cities, is here.

— And finally, Bar Cargo, the Stefanis’ Roman-style pizza restaurant in River North, kicks off weekend brunch tomorrow. Check out the menu here, which includes bottomless cocktails for $25.