Open fire
After two years of elusive city permits, endless recipe testing and agonizing construction delays, the team behind Blackbird and Avec is on the verge of opening this year's hottest restaurant-provided it doesn't kill them first.

AGAINST THE WALL Donnie Madia, left, and Terry Alexander ponder the wallpaper—and every other little detail—at the Publican.
After two years of elusive city permits, endless recipe testing and agonizing construction delays, the team behind Blackbird and ...
Having already proven themselves the first time around, four chefs look to duplicate their success with encore acts.
A numerical look at this fall's biggest food event: Chicago Gourmet.





