Segnatore, California Clipper grow closer to opening in Humboldt Park

The restaurant replacing Cafe Marie-Jeanne, a favorite within Chicago’s restaurant industry and locals in Humboldt Park, has an opening date. Segnatore, an Italian restaurant serving squash-stuffed ravioli, fried chicken, and small plates is set to debut on November 16 at the northeast corner of August and California.

Segnatore is from the same owners of Good Measure, the rock ‘n’ roll-themed gastropub in River North where chef Matt Troost created a casual menu that includes a burger and his signature fresh-cut fries covered in bolognese sauce. The latter is a carry over from Three Aces in Little Italy, where Troost made a name for himself in Chicago. Three Aces would close and Troost, with investors from that restaurant, would open the pasta-focused Charlatan in West Town. That restaurant has since closed to make room for Vajra.

A white bowl holds a lasagna noodles topped with sauce and cheese — Freestyle “lasagna” (garlic mafaldine, mushroom Bolognese, whipped ricotta, parsley)

Cavatelli (broccoli sauce, toasted almonds, parmesan)

In Humboldt Park, Troost and company will double down on their pasta making with items like a freestyle “lasagna” (garlic mafaldine, mushroom bolognese, whipped ricotta, parsley) and the aforementioned squash-stuffed ravioli (honeynut squash, sage-brown butter sauce, golden raisin, toasted hazelnuts). The Midwest approach to pasta is something Troost toyed with at Charlatan, and it’s similar to the menu at fellow Logan Square restaurant Daisies. For example, Segnatore subs in leeks and Midwest-grown beef in its gramgina (a wheat pasta that resembles bucatini). Ownership says part of the restaurant’s inspiration comes from Italian and Italian-American folk healers who would often use herbs like oregano, rosemary, and bitter greens to improve health.

The sweets are from pastry chef Hillary Grossman (Quiote, Bang Bang Pies, Monteverde, Publican). Grossman’s offerings include a squash and almond torte; and a butterscotch budino (figs, pear caramel, whipped ricotta, oat). The breads will be made on premises.

The bar program features a special beer made at Pilot Project, the beer incubator down the street. One of its tenants, Brewer’s Kitchen, has made Il Serpente, an Italian-style pilsner. They’ve also secured Luxardo Aperitivo in a can, claiming it’s the only bar or restaurant in America that carries the canned item.

Celery & Walnut Salad (poppy seeds, creamy gorgonzola dressing, white anchovy)

Fennel & Citrus Salad (Castelvetrano olives, radicchio, Sicilian pistachio, blanco vinaigrette)

A small dish of olives on a marble bar next to a cocktail in a clear glass tumbler with orange peel. — Cherrywood-smoked olives with citrus zest.

San Danielle Prosciutto with Bosc pear and aged balsamic.

Local design house Siren Betty (the Hi-Lo, Claudia, Giant) has retained the previous tenant’s layout and given the space a slight refresh with vintage artwork that “contains imagery of both mysticism and the female form.”

Segnatore is one of two projects for the restaurant’s ownership, which now goes by Orbit Group. They’ve also taken over the dive bar across the street, California Clipper; both spaces have the same landlord. Orbit Group is determined to leave the storied tavern’s history, which dates back to the 1930s, intact. They’ve reportedly decided to nix plans to offer food at the bar, but will likely convert the coffeeshop space — known as C.C. Ferns — into a dance floor. Stay tuned for more details, including an opening date. The Clipper has been closed since May 2020 after Au Cheval owner Brendan Sodikoff’s company, Hogsalt Hospitality, departed the space. There’s no official opening date yet, but a spokesperson says it should happen around New Year’s Eve. It’s currently being renovated.

Take a look at the restaurant space below.

Segnatore, 1001 N. California Avenue, planned for a November 16 opening.

California Clipper, 1002 N. California Avenue, planned for open around New Year’s Eve.