Dish List is a new feature which spotlights hot restaurants and eats, like the scallops at Sola ( pictured )
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln, has a lot to offer customers: a cozy atmosphere, an attentive staff and consistently impressive food. Executive Chef/Owner Carol Wallack ( who hails from Los Angeles, where she once worked for Jack Nicholson ) aims to impress with her contemporary American fare—and does, with appetizers such as artichoke fritters and entrees like scallops and hoisin-mustard-panko-crusted tuna. However, the best part may be the desserts, which include items such as braised pineapple and s'mores with chocolate stout syrup ( the former being one of Wallack's favorites ) . In addition, Sola offers a $30 prix fixe menu that revolves around a different item each month: For February, that item is bacon—and the menu items include surprisingly tasty bacon-brittle ice cream. Oh, yeah: Don't forget the snazzy cocktails, which come with names like Love Potion No. 9 and Winter Blues. Call 773-327-3868 or visit www.sola-restaurant.com .
News:
—Harry Caray's Tavern will soon be near Wrigley Field, at 3551 N. Sheffield. Among the slated offerings are the Dutchie's Salad ( named after Caray's widow ) and the Holy Cow! Burger Bar.
—Fine Spirits wine retail store, 5420 N. Clark, will become Fine Spirits Lounge by the end of March. The lounge will feature small plates, wine and cheese.
—Burger-and-shake stop Johnny Rockets—which incorporated a '50s vibe—has closed its location at 901 N. Rush. However, another one will soon open—near O'Hare Airport.
—The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will host its 9th Annual Jack Daniel's Chili Cook Off Sat., March 1, 2-6 p.m, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Attendees will have the chance to play games, win raffle prizes—and taste 20 different chilies. See www.glchamber.org .
—Chef, author and TV personality Rick Bayless will share recipes and tips regarding authenic Mexican cooking at Macy's on State Street at 12 p.m. on Fri., March 21.
Send items about restaurant happenings ( including openings and closings ) to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com .