Openings: M Burger, Aldino's

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Mar 9, 2010 6:20PM

Former 312 Chicago chef Dean Zanella returns to action Thursday with the opening of his Aldino's, in the former Caffe La Scala space in the UIC Hospital District/Little Italy. Zanella has partnered on Aldino's with Scott Harris, who is seemingly opening restaurants everywhere these days. With a big assist from Chef de Cuisine Ray Stanis (Blackbird, Avec, Osteria di Tramonto), Zanella will be serving a menu of local and seasonally-driven Italian fare. Not content to open just a restaurant, Zanella will also be opening a companion market to Aldino's in a couple weeks.

Also opening Thursday is M Burger, located in the space that once housed the chef's table at Tru. M. Burger's griddle is right in the middle of Tru's kitchen. Audarshia "312 Dining Diva" Townsend, who first broke the news of M Burger and has been on the story ever since like a groupie with a backstage pass, got a sneak peek at the menu yesterday. She said to "remember the Hurt Burger (a spicy sandwich with BBQ sauce, Pepper Jack cheese and jalapeños) and the ultra-creamy Caramel Shake." M Burger has very limited counter seating, but will expand outside when the weather warms.

Aldino's, 626 S. Racine, 312-226-9300. M Burger, 161 W. Huron, 312-254-8500.