Restaurant News: Dirk Flanigan Leaving The Gage And Henri; Lillie's Q Coming To Chicago French Market

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jan 15, 2013 5:00PM

- Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel reports Dirk Flanigan, the chef who helped build The Gage and Henri into destination dining spots, has left to pursue a solo venture. Flanigan had helmed both downtown hotspots since their respective openings and was able to imprint each with a separate, distinctive style in cooking, ambiance and audience. His last day was Jan. 9 and the parting with business partner Billy Lawless is said to have been amicable.

- The Chicago French Market is getting some new high-profile tenants. Charlie McKenna is opening a second location of Lillie's Q in the downtown market. The French Market location will serve roughly half of the menu available at Lillie's Q's Wicker Park restaurant. One item that will be served is Lillie's Q's house made kettle chips, dusted with pimiento cheese powder or Lillie’s Q “Carolina Dirt” BBQ rub. Lillie's Q will join Beavers Coffee + Donuts and Le Café du Marche as new vendors in the French Market.

- Kambocha is the name of Shin Thompson's upcoming restaurant in the West Loop. Thompson spoke with TimeOut Chicago's Julia Kramer. the name comes from a favorite food Thompson's mother made for him and is a flavor that has become an integral part of the Asian fusion style he's become noted for.