On the table | Coming-soon restaurants and bars

DECEMBER

Balena 1633 N Halsted St
Combine the forces of the The Bristol with the Boka Group and you get this: a sprawling Italian spot where Chris Pandel will put out pizzas, pastas and spit-cooked meats, and where pastry chef Amanda Rockman will put out gelatos, Italian ices and affagatos. Five reasons to look forward to Balena >>>

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf River North 
Brendan Sodikoff presents what he’s calling a “European-style steakhouse.” In addition to the obvious, there’ll be lots of chilled seafood, terrines and a big Scotch list. More about Bavette's (there's going to be a $3 burger!) >>>

BLT American Brasserie 500 W Superior St 
Laurent Tourondel’s foray into Chicago is a broad-reaching restaurant offering pizza, sushi, burgers, steaks, a raw bar and bruch.

Loretta's Bake Shop and Cafe 939 W Randolph St
Owned by Marybeth Flynn, who named the cafe after her mother, this homey 12-seater is slated to bake everything but the bread from scratch.

Nellcôte 833 W Randolph St 
Old Town Social's Jared Van Camp's plan for this spot in the former Marché space: intricate food with none of the stuffy trappings of old-school luxury. Read more about Van Camp's vision for Nellcôte >>> 

Ombra 5310 N Clark St
Try just a little bit harder and a lot more at Marty Fosse and Tim Rasmussen's experimental yet rustic Italian restaurant that focuses on the regoin of Tre Venezia. Located right next door to Acre, owned by the same duo.

Publican Quality Meats 825 W Fulton Market 
Paul Kahan’s little sister to the Publican combines a butcher shop, sandwich spot, bakery and grocery store. 

Tavernita 151 W Erie St 
Ryan Poli (Perennial, Butter) returns with a Spanish spot from the guys behind Mercadito. Read TOC's interview with the Tippling Bros.' Tad Carducci >>> 

JANUARY

The Trencherman Wicker Park
Brothers Mike and Pat Sheerin have teamed up with Matt Eisler and Kevin Heisner (Bangers & Lace, Bar DeVille) to put a "boisterous" yet refined restaurant in the former Spring space. More about the Trenchermen (including a video trailer) >>>

TBD Melman Bros. (and sister) Restaurant 52 W Illinois St
Nobody knows exactly what it will be called, but this progressive Italian eatery will definitely be a family affair (and Giuliana Rancic will also be involved). Doug Psaltis, who most recently cooked for Paris Club, will head the kitchen.

Later in 2012
The Little Goat West Loop
Stephanie Izard follows up her mega-sucess, Girl & the Goat, with a nearby diner. Read TOC's interview with Stephanie Izard about the Little Goat >>>

RM West Loop
Sommelier Jason Wagner joins forces with the guys behind Old Town Social and Nellcôte for a "salon" inspired by Grace Kelly. The focus is on Champagne, accompanied by a cheese program, tea sandwiches and pastries. Watch the trailer for RM >>>