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The Empire-Building Au Cheval Owner Plans Two New West Loop Restaurants

Plus, a fondue-like “Chicago pizza” dish is trendy in Japan and more morning news

A portrait of Brendan Sodikoff in a black suit.
Brendan Sodikoff is working on opening two new restaurants
Hogsalt Hospitality [Official Photo]

Brendan Sodikoff and Hogsalt plan to open two new West Loop spots

Brendan Sodikoff (Au Cheval, Aster Hall) has two new projects planned for the West Loop near his company’s (Hogsalt Hospitality) Green Street Smoked Meats and High Five Ramen. Sodikoff texted that they’re “actively planning two concepts” at 112 N. Green Street and around the corner at 110 N. Peoria Street in the central alley. On Monday, Crain’s reported that Hogsalt was opening a supper club and Italian restaurant in the spaces. Sodikoff said he hasn’t finalized what’s going in the spaces and called the report “misinformation.” He added that Hogsalt should finalize plans in the next two months or so. Whatever they open in those spaces, Sodikoff plans for fall openings.

A fondue-like “Chicago pizza” dish is trendy in Japan

Chicago pizza purists may want to avoid Japanese food-focused Instagram feeds for the foreseeable future. That’s because a dish called “Chicago pizza” — which is more like a fondue — is very trendy in Japanese restaurants right now, Chicago magazine reports. The dish, which appears to be more meant for photo ops than actual consumption, consists of “a deep-dish-like crust containing a pool of melted cheese that’s meant to ooze free upon incision” and is often served with sausages, raw vegetables, and other items meant for dipping.

Police shutters South Side bar after shooting

Popular Grand Crossing bar Reynold’s Lounge has been temporarily closed by police following a shooting early Sunday morning that resulted in two people dead and five injured, the Sun-Times reports. The shuttering of the bar at 938 E. 75th Street is a result of the Summary Closure Ordinance where owners of businesses that are deemed a public safety threat need to take “reasonable steps to protect its employees, patrons and members of the public from future harm.”

Chicago Restaurant Week extended five days

And finally, following last week’s polar vortex when many Chicagoans hibernated, Chicago Restaurant Week has been extended for an extra five days through February 12. Choose Chicago has a list of restaurants participating in the extension and other information, and head here for a list of good and bad deals by cuisine.

High Five Ramen

112 North Green Street, , IL 60607 (312) 344-1749 Visit Website

Green Street Smoked Meats

112 North Green Street, , IL 60607 (312) 754-0431 Visit Website