Restaurant News: Nicole Pederson Joins Found, Falafill Opens In Oak Park

By Amy Cavanaugh in Food on Aug 4, 2012 7:00PM

• Nicole Pederson, formerly of C-House, has landed with Amy Morton's new Evanston project, Found. Via Eater:

She plans on still sourcing locally and working with all the farmers she's utilized over the last few years, but may branch out a bit in her style.

"At the core my food will always come from my Midwestern past and growing up, but I'm a Francophile deep down inside," Pederson said. "Yes, I've done American and I love canning and pickling, but I don't want to pigeonhole us right now."

• Falafill, which has locations in Lakeview and the Loop, opens its Oak Park outpost on Monday. Starting at 11 a.m., you'll be able to get the dress-your-own falafel and all the other Falafill menu items at 1053 Lake St.

While there, try out the special wrap for August, made by Lula Cafe's Jason Hammel. His wrap features traditional falafel topped with summer corn and smoked Sun Gold tomato relish, pickled pistachios, crispy fried kale and honey labneh (a soft cheese made from yogurt). Proceeds from the wrap benefit Pilot Light, an organization he co-founded with other Chicago chefs to teach Chicago Public School students about food.

• Chinatown dim sum spot Shui Wah has closed, as the chef/owner has retired, so you'll have to find another spot to sate your dim sum cravings.