River North: Chicago Magazine reports that Michael Shrader’s stint as executive chef at Epic will end in October. He’ll be leaving to open a restaurant called Urban Union in Little Italy at 1421 W. Taylor St. Considering the neighborhood, you’d think it would be easy to figure out what kind of cuisine he was up to. In fact, the only thing we know about the restaurant is that it will “not specialize in Italian food.” Hmm…any guesses? [Chicago Mag]
Noble Square: Here’s a match that makes total sense. To help promote his new book, Ruhlman’s Twenty, Michael Ruhlman will sign books and give a demonstration at Butcher & Larder on October 11. [Facebook]
River North: Can’t wait until the “late fall” when Matt Eversman opens his new restaurant? He’ll be hosting a pop-up on Sunday, September 18 at Bistro Voltaire. The five-course menu costs $100 per person. Click here for more details. [Grub Street]
Wicker Park: We knew that Big Star was closed for some renovations, but weren’t exactly sure what was getting fixed. urns out the patio is getting repaved. Co-owner, Donnie Madia, even decided to help out. [PaulKahan/Twitter]
Arlington Heights: Smashburger continues its suburban expansion, as its seventh Chicagoland location will open in Arlington Heights on Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Unfortunately, there probably won’t be a location inside the city limits until at least next year. [Grub Street]
