EXCLUSIVE: Mercadito takes on Frontera Grill

Known for killer tacos and margaritas, New York's Mercadito opens a Chicago outpost in River North this spring. (Photo: Mercadito NYC)


We haven't had a New York invasion on the dining scene for a while, so you could imagine how gleeful 312DD was when an Ultimate Insider gave us the scoop on what's popping off this spring:

Union Square hot spot Mercadito—known for killer tacos, margaritas, mole and more—takes over the space quietly abandoned over the summer by La Pomme Rouge.

That's right, it's going to be right down the street from Rick Bayless' flawless Mexican spot Frontera Grill, so it'll be interesting to see how Mercadito takes off when it opens in March or April (that's what they're shooting for).

Mercadito means "little market" in Spanish, and owner/chef Patricio Sandoval's inspiration came from shopping experiences in Mexican markets with his mother as a child. He runs a tight ship in his three New York restaurants, so we're expecting him to bring it.

What we're really looking forward to is Mercadito's signature "tasting" menu, where guests can do samplings of guacamole, ceviche and dessert. But what will likely be the hit in its new home is the taco tasting, with perfectly portioned, savory options like the Pescado (sautéed tilapia, grilled corn, huitlacoche, manchego cheese, tomatillo salsa), Pastor (chile ancho-guajillo rubbed pork, grilled pineapple, chile de arbol salsa) and Estilo Baja (beer-battered Mahi Mahi, Mexican-style cole slaw, chipotle aioli).

That's one showdown we're looking forward to this spring!

She packed her knives . . .

Our girl Radhika Desai of Between Boutique Café & Lounge tells E! Online what she wants to do next, now that she's been booted from "Top Chef":

"I'm going to try to get the cast (of "Slumdog Millionaire") here so I can cook for them [laughs]. It makes me feel like going back to India. My family lives in all those areas that they showed. It's inspired me to go back."

We.Cannot.Wait.

Attention: Gossip Girl fans.

Chuck Bass . . . in your face . . . 7pm every Monday (starting Feb. 2) . . . drink specials . . . at Bar DeVille.

XOXO

Someone's Having a Birthday!

DJ Bear Who? spins at Vain Nightclub every Friday. (Photo: Edwin Rios)


Cue up the Birthday Song . . . three local stars shine this week:

Edwin Rios a.k.a. DJ Bear Who? (Jan. 18) is one of the hardest-working entertainers on the local nightlife scene. Spinning his own brand of hard-hitting house music, the producer/remixer/deejay holds down the outrageous Zoo Fridays at Vain every week. Check out his remixes here.

Look out for former Courtright's executive chef Ryan McCaskey (Jan. 19) to debut with his first project in the Chicagoland area sometime this summer. The highly regarded chef's meeting with architects and working on the concept so we cannot wait to see what he creates.

And Michael Kaulentis (Jan. 21) is one of the partners behind The Lucky Lady, Manor, RiNo and Stay. The showy, celeb-magnet venues draw long lines on the weekend for performances by the likes of Akon, Benji Madden, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and others.

Suzy's Super Bowl picks!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Intern Suzy is back!

Come Feb. 1, football season reaches its ultimate Super Bowl climax and that means I’m on it with an amped-up house party to match.

Party task number one: Feed the masses. Since there’s just no avoiding the stadium-style food cravings an event like this brings, restaurants and caterers around the city stock up with a massive supply of wings, chili, quesadillas, and plenty of chips and dip. So while the Cardinals and the Steelers battle it out on the field, the only reason for being in the kitchen is to grab another beer.

Matt Bishop of 1st & Fresh Catering says the host shouldn't miss out on anything, and we like the way he thinks. He’s prepared a special football fiesta menu, bringing all the food you need hot and fresh to your door (with silverware and plate necessities included). Menu items include beef chili, a nacho bar, sub sandwiches and five different dips, including caramelized onion with potato chips. Prices range $1.99 to $4.99 per person with a $50 minimum.

For a little fun and some extra fuel on the football fire, America’s Dog offers their rivaling hot dogs. Served within a classic Vienna hot dog cart, these dogs are themed after the rivaling football teams. Regardless of the game’s outcome, guests can battle it out for the winner of the best dog by choosing between the Pittsburgh dog (topped with chili and spicy mustard) and Arizona dog (chorizo, nacho cheese, tortilla strips and jalapenos) or go for the original Chicago dog. Orders include chips, one side item and a dessert tray. $6.95 per person. Cart rental deposit and rental fee may be required.

For lovers of Latin, Carnivale presents a takeout menu of Latin fusion dishes to spice up your party. In addition to snacking on guacamole with chips, you can also graze on signature dishes like Ropa Vieja, empanadas, as well as Spanish meats and cheeses. Dishes serve two to four people unless you customize your order for a larger party. Prices range $7 to $25.

The Goddess and Grocer will keep all your guests cheering with its full Super Bowl menu, including house-made dips and chips, bite-sized burgers, wings, brats, quesadillas and a variety of other finger-food munchies. And for a sugar overdose, order a tray of cookies or festive iced cupcakes. Orders can be picked up or delivered for an extra charge. Entrees serve 10-12 guests and range from $50 to $125. Orders must be placed by 3pm Jan. 30.

For a French-Vietnamese take on your party, Le Colonial replaces typical game day staples with four options of Vietnamese take-out packages at all different prices and sizes. The first, second, third and fourth quarter sampler platters range $50 to $200 and include different combinations of Bo Bia, Cha Gio, Goi Cuon, Suon Nuong and chicken fried rice.

Salad Spinners offers a variety of appetizer platters and beyond with the ultimate finger food for your bash. Spinners Sliders can be mixed and matched with your choice of Italian beef, BBQ beef and roast turkey for $2 each (minimum 12). You can also try their homemade chicken potpie sliders with a creamy filling of potato, leeks, peas, carrots and sweet onions baked in its own pie tin (minimum 8).

And Silver Cloud celebrates the big day by giving you more for your money. The Cary’em Out menu features favorite classic comfort food in large quantities to go. Walk out with their kick-off Jerk chicken skewers, sack’em Swedish meatballs, blitzing buffalo wings and finish off with their 4th quarter chocolate layer cake. Prices range $25 to $50 and serve parties 12 to 40 people.—Suzy McMillen

At Last . . . props for S.Side dining

Our new First Couple may be in D.C., but Park 52 on the South Side near their Chicago home keeps them close to heart with a new daily $44 four-course, prix-fixe menu.

The meal comes with a glass of wine, and entrees include blackened catfish, penne pasta with roasted almonds and butternut squash, and the First Lady's favorite dish—Michelle's Grilled Skirt Steak, which comes with hand-cut fries. And speaking of Ms. Obama, at the restaurant's entrance is an original limited edition print of the First Lady by local artist Mickalene Thomas.

Also happening this weekend:

THURSDAY

Another tribute to our new leader: The Presidential Pairing continues through tomorrow at wine and chocolate lounge Eno, with a glass of Graham Beck Brut (the Obama's fave sparkling wine) and a piece of Gail Ambrosius’ Dark Chocolate covered caramel topped with Fleur de Sel (The New York Times reported it's his fave). That's $15, but if you give the wine manager Obama's Secret Service code name, you'll get it for $10.

The best deal of the day is over at Lincoln Square delight Cafe Selmarie. For $20, you get three courses that includes their soup of the day, the choice between seafood, pasta or BBQ ribs, and a homestyle dessert from their irresistible bakery.

Former Sinibar owner Joe Russo makes a strong comeback with the debut of the Full Force Event Series at Sonotheque. The monthly event (every fourth Thursday) tonight gets the talents of NYC's Rich Medina, known best for his showstopping spoken word and deejay performances. Local homeboy Tone B Nimble also spins. 9pm-2am. $15.

People Lounge never skips a beat with its specials. Not only are they offering free live music from local rockers Stonelines, but also comped beer tastings by Magic Hat. Also, $4 Magic Hat drafts; $5 Bacardi O Bombs. 9pm-2am. No cover.

FRIDAY

Several notable openings include the second Terragusto in Lincoln Park; Faith & Whiskey, also in LP; Tocco in Wicker Park; and Bull & Bear in River North.

SATURDAY

It's all things Aussie at Sixteen, which celebrates the homeland of Executive Chef Frank Brunacci through Jan. 28. Tonight's Aussie Day, with a complimentary wine tasting followed by a special Australian-focused wine dinner with Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado and Wine Director Steven Lee. Space limited to the first 16 people for the dinner. Tasting is 5:30-7pm. $175.

SUNDAY

We love the sound of the King Cole Bloody Mary and Bel Air Bellini, now available on the new brunch menu at Petterino's. It's the ideal spot to check out before heading over to a matinee theater performance nearby. Dig into yummy dishes like the fresh lump crab omelet, baked French toast with apples and cinnamon, Bananas Foster waffle, or crispy chicken hash with poached egg. 11am-2pm. Free valet parking after 1pm.

MONDAY

Fans of hit Fox show "24" will appreciate the new Jack Bauer Power Hour Mondays at Kirkwood Bar and Grill with $8 Miller pitchers, $3 burgers and fries, $5 fish tacos and $14 buckets of Bud bottles. 9pm-2am. No cover.

'Japonais is not going anywhere!'

. . . exclaims Joe King, one of the operating partners behind Le Colonial, the sister restaurant to Japonais—in response to a flurry of rumors circulating for a few weeks about the supposed closing of the trendy River North restaurant.

He adds that the Asian-themed eatery is one of the "top grossing restaurants in the city," so they're in no danger of closing any time soon.

So now you know!

A First Bite at Theory

(Photo: Theory)


The Stew's Monica Eng has mixed feelings on the theme at new sports lounge, Theory, but she likes the food:

"Our super friendly and efficient waitress recommended the burger and especially the barbecue, noting they smoke everything in house. So we started with three pieces of Brian's Bespoke Babybacks ($7), which were impressively, sweet, sticky, smoky and tender specimens arranged in an artful pyramid and served with a vinegary Carolina-style sauce and a tangy house sauce.

"Our $3 cup of chili (which like most dishes sports a 'clever' name: A Chili Notion) features seasonal hot peppers, sweet onions, andouille sausage, sweet potatoes and cold-smoked cheddar, among other things. Interesting blend of ingredients but it left us wishing for less sweetness and a little more kick."