BICE Returns; Introducing MEDI . . .

The newly renovated BICE plans to resemble its San Diego sibling, pictured here. (Photo: The Bice Restaurant Group)


Looks like matters are finally coming together in the old BICE space in Streeterville, where MEDI is set to open in mid-September.

Sources tell 312DD exclusively that the upscale Italian eatery will flip its script for a more casual venue offering seasonal, Mediterranean Coast cuisine with entrees ranging $6-$10. Apparently it took them a while to figure out what was going to happen in this space because it's been shuttered since last winter.

Summer Sippers to Wind Down Season

Mike Ryan is chief mixologist at Sable Kitchen & Bar. (Photo: Kimpton Restaurants)


I just totally scolded a chef for talking about his plans for fall dishes. Dude, summer is not over yet!

But sadly, he's not alone. A lot of chefs and mixologists are in the throes of menu planning for autumn dishes and drinks while we're still enjoying the best summer has to offer.

While Sable Kitchen & Bar's head mixologist Mike Ryan is probably also forging ahead with next season's sippers, he's just unveiled several market-fresh delights to wind down the summer.

Our faves by far:

The Cook & The Corkscrew Debuts Today

The dynamic dining duo of Elizabeth and Mark Mendez recently left Carnivale to strike out on their own this fall with a new restaurant venture.

He was executive chef and she acted as wine director at the progressive Latin restaurant in the West Loop.

Back in Business . . .

West Loop mainstay one sixtyblue reopens following a brief hiatus to undergo renovations and a few upgrades.

Just some of the changes include an all-new sidewalk patio along Randolph Street with seating for 54. Also, a new server station houses a new water filtration system and equipment for new French press coffee and loose-leaf tea programs.

Bobby Brown Still Has Fans

Just great. Now I won't be able to get "Don't Be Cruel" out of my head for the rest of the day.

He was the Usher and Chris Brown of his day when he ruled the pop and R&B charts back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and apparently troubled entertainer Bobby Brown still has fans.

That was at least the case late Sunday night at the West Loop's Market when he showed up on the sports bar's rooftop with a small entourage.

So Fresh . . . So New . . .

The main dining room at new Asian-focused eatery Arami, in Ukrainian Village. (Photo: Urban Daddy/stevenjohnsonphotography.com)


It's been a tremendously busy summer for bar and restaurant openings with no signs of slowing down.

This weekend's a big one for the team behind The Gage, who are finally opening the long-awaited Henri (it was originally supposed to open fall 2009) in a historically landmark building next door.

Dirk Flanigan, who is also exec chef at The Gage, oversees the seasonal menu that'll offer his spin on classic dishes like Maine lobster, peas and Porcini mushrooms over house-made Pappardelle; slow-roasted Illinois lamb for two and a 16 oz. veal chop cooked in the stone oven.

This is spectacular news for downtown crowds, who complain that there's not a lot of options in the area when it comes to chef-driven restaurants. And we have a feeling Flanigan won't let them down.

Henri opens for dinner Saturday.

More new spots to put on your radar this weekend and beyond . . .

Fire Sale This Weekend at Tizi Melloul

Now that Girl & the Goat is off to a great start, two of its main partners can concentrate on their next big project: the space once occupied by Tizi Melloul at 531 N. Wells St.

First things first, according to Kevin Boehm, one of the guys behind Boka Restaurant Group (which also owns Boka, Landmark Grill + Lounge and Perennial), is clearing out all the old resto's Mediterranean and North African decor this weekend.

More Kudos for Hot Doug's

(Photo: Hot Doug's)


Too bad Hot Doug's is closed for vacation until August 25 because I'm totally craving one of their signature encased-meat sandwiches after this latest honor.

Food Network Magazine named the Northwest Side spot one of the Top Ten Regional Classics in America.

They earned props for having the Best Hot Dog Menu: