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Mark Mendez, formerly of the kitchen at the Latin favourite, has joined the staff. Does he long for Vera's cooking again? He's got smoked olive oil tuna tiradito and a tomato salad with lime-cilantro vinaigrette on the menu. Add: 7931 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
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A convenient place to get your Lebanese food fix during the workweek. Nicole Nassif, the restaurant's owner, serves up authentic Middle Eastern fare like hummus, kibee, and yoghurt chicken from family recipes. Add: 171 N. Wells St., Loop
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Diner and bakery with a cool, vintage vibe, opened by Ballyhoo Hospitality (Coda di Volpe, Pomeroy). Get a cupcake and a Smilin' Guy sandwich made with turkey, ham, and soppressata. Add: 1137 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette
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The newest Dollop may be found in the residential high-rise Nema Chicago, and it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to cater to your every want. Go out for coffee in the morning and a mezcal-fig cocktail in the evening. Add: 1210 S. Indiana Ave., South Loop
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This all-day restaurant and bar at Soho House has reopened with a revamped menu and spritz station. Have a break and snack on some hummus with avocado and a lychee rum spritz. Add: 113–125 N. Green St., West Loop
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In the basement of Quality Crab & Oyster Bah, this bar is open on Friday and Saturday nights exclusively. You should stop in for white Negronis and seasonal gin and tonics. Add: 1962 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
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Ciro Longobardo, co-owner of Piccolo Sogno, opens Italian bakeries in Wicker Park and Lake View. This is the place for rum-soaked fruitcakes and berry-basil panna cottas. Add: 2010 W. Pierce Ave., Wicker Park; 3025 N. Clark St., Lake View
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Mona Sang moves her Cambodian catering to a restaurant. Try bai sach chrouk (marinated grilled pork with pickled veggies) or the weekly-changing brunch. Add: 2043 W. Howard St., Rogers Park
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West Loop gets a two-story Mediterranean restaurant. Athens-born chef Avgeria Stapaki serves salt-crusted sea bream and moussaka with Gruyère foam. Add: 802 W. Randolph St., West Loop. Add: 802 W. Randolph St., West Loop
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16" on Center (which runs Revival Food Hall, Moneygun, and other spots) opens a new food hall in the Old Post Office. Find Tempesta Market, Flo's Kitchen, and Hot Chi Chicken downtown, as well as new concepts like Phobox and Snorkelbox. Add: 433 W. Van Buren St., South Loop