Another closing—and an opening

There's yet another popular restaurant closing on New Year's Eve. If you dig the Nuevo Latin fare, make your reservations for the last dinner service at Mas (1670 W. Division St., 773-276-8700) in Wicker Park. No word on what they're doing yet on Dec. 31, but expect them to make a lasting impression. And remember that they still own Motel Bar (600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-2900), which is right down the street in the River North neighborhood.

So, in with the new: Takashi finally opens on Dec. 30. The award-winning chef Takashi Yagihashi melds contemporary French and American cuisines with Japanese influences to bring on this exciting new Bucktown option. You'll want to indulge in hot small plates like the soy-ginger caramel pork belly or crispy organic chicken wings; or large plates like the sauteed skatewing, roasted New York strip steak or seared local loin of pork "on the bone." The wine list offers a unique sake program featuring sake (and beer) from Ibaraki Prefecture, Yagihashi’s hometown. Look for this one to win many awards in 2008. 1952 N. Damen Ave., 773-772-6170.