Restaurant News: Eataly Opens Today, Nico Opening Tonight

By Anthony Todd in Food on Dec 2, 2013 5:30PM

- It's the big day, Italian food fans. Eataly, which we gave you a sneak peek of last week, opens today. If you're brave enough to go, the crazy kicks off at 4 p.m. today. Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be there, we're fairly sure that Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich will put in appearances and the place will be so packed you won't be able to lift an oyster. Still, it's so amazing it might be worth the hassle. Even better, if you are an Uber user, you can get a free ride to or from Eataly today. Just enter the code "CHILOVESEATALY" for $20 in free transportation.

- It's a big night for Italian food in Chicago. Nico Osteria, the new Italian restaurant from Chef Paul Kahan's One Off Hospitality, also opens tonight. The savory program is run by Chef Erling Wu-Bower, formerly of avec, while pastry is in the tender care of Amanda Rockman, formerly of The Bristol/Balena. The menu isn't out yet, but Zagat got a sneak peek at a few items last week.

- Patrick Fahy, award-winning pastry chef at Sixteen, has announced his departure. There aren't many details yet, but Eater Chicago got the news that Fahy left after service on Saturday. Formerly pastry chef at blackbird and at Cafe des Architectes, he's sure to do amazing work wherever he ends up. No word yet on a replacement.