Restaurant News: Ben Pao Closing, Curtis Duffy Leaving Avenues

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jul 14, 2011 6:00PM

- Yet another long-time Lettuce Entertain You property is being shuttered, only to be taken over by the Melman sons. The Tribune reported yesterday that there are absolutely no details available about the new space, other than the ownership. If you love Ben Pao, go soon, as it closes September 10th. We'll bet that the new place will have something on tap that doesn't need to be on tap (wine? cocktails? who knows!) and probably an un-necessarily huge, eclectic menu - but nevertheless, will be a hit.

- Curtis Duffy, of Avenues (and previously of Alinea) will be leaving Avenues to open a new restaurant in the West Loop in 2012. Apparently Duffy, who was awarded two Michelin stars last year for his work at Avenues, wants to take on his mentor. He told Kevin Pang "“I want to have the best restaurant in the country. I want to obtain that third Michelin star.” Unlike every other chef in Chicago, who is running for the low-priced, tablecloth free hills, that makes it sound like Duffy is going to stay in tweezer-laden fine dining.