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12/28/09
Oh, Nine
Everything That Was Important in 2009
As we prepare to close 2009, let's pause to look back on what this final year of the first decade of the 21st century has brought upon the human race—starting with the most important thing: a new taco joint...
UPSCALE DOWNSCALED
The Rise of the Casual Chef
Paul Kahan grilled your tacos at Big Star. Rick Bayless rolled your churros at Xoco. Bill Kim fancified your
jibaritos at Belly Shack. Michael Kornick flipped your burger at DMK. David Carrier stirred your grits at
Kith & Kin. We kind of like this new economy.
- 411:
- Xoco; Big Star; Belly Shack; DMK Burger; Kith & Kin
BILLY DEC WENT GLOBAL
Sunda
Those Rockit Ranch rascals (Billy Dec, Arturo Gomez and Brad Young) welcomed you into their latest
playground, Sunda, where a zaftig chef calling himself "The Food Buddha" managed to wrest your attention
away from all that stiletto-clacking going in the lounge. It was love at first Thai Fried Chicken.
- 411:
- Sunda, 110 W. Illinois St (btwn LaSalle and Clark), 312-644-0500
LITTLE GOT BIG
Tiny Lounge
Everyone's favorite spot for a cocktail under the Brown Line made a long-awaited comeback. And it did so in
such a stylish (and roomy) mid-century lounge on this respectable stretch of Lincoln, you hardly miss the
rumbling "L" shaking the ice cubes in your Manhattan.
- 411:
- Tiny Lounge, 4352 N. Leavitt St (near Montrose), 773-463-0396
BREAKFAST FINALLY GETS ITS DUE
Jam
Mornings and you were never on best of terms. But this year, Jam brokered a stable and lasting peace via
braised lamb crepes, Malted Custard French Toast and a savory Pork Cheek and Egg Sandwich.
And yet, the Nobel people don't even call.
- 411:
- Jam, 935 N. Damen Ave (btwn August and Iowa), 773-489-0302
THE POWER LUNCH RETURNED
Fred's and Terzo Piano
When you have Valerie Jarrett and Desiree Rogers holding court at
Fred's at Barneys, and architect Dirk Denison designing
Terzo Piano above the Art Institute's Modern Wing (just so Tony Mantuano can ply you with pastas and
wine), it's safe to say the tyranny of the $5 foot long is over.
- 411:
- Fred's at Barneys, 15 E. Oak St (entrance on Rush), 312-596-1111; Terzo Piano, 159 E. Monroe St, 3rd Floor, Modern Wing, 312-443-8650
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