Restaurant News: BIG & Little's Not So Little Opening, Banh Mi & Co. Expand To Wicker Park

By Lisa White in Food on Feb 17, 2014 8:10PM

Sticky Rice's Original North Center Location

-It looks like BIG & little's has broken the supposed "curse" of their new Lakeview location. Located at 1034 W. Belmont, the address has played host to numerous failed restaurants but BIG & little's is seeming like a success right out of the gate. Their second location attempted to have a soft opening this weekend, but instead hundreds of people packed in, more than 800 orders on Saturday and Sunday alone, to grab grub. [DNAinfo]

-Sticky Rice, the popular North Center Northern Thai spot, have opened a second location on the edge of Bucktown and Wicker Park. Located in a former Dunkin Donuts, Sticky Rice Chiang Mai seats 55 people and is a short walk from the Western Blue Line stop. Sticky Rice stands out from the usual neighborhood Thai spots in Chicago because of their focus on Northern Thai dishes including a delicious Northern Thai sausage. [Eater Chicago]

-Banh Mi & Co. are expanding to Wicker Park, opening their fifth location on Division Street hopefully by April. John Sanchez, one of the chain's partners, told Crain's that they hope to open five more spots in Chicago this year. Banh Mi & Co. serve up traditional Vietnamese sandwiches, usually served on baguettes with pork and a variety of toppings. [Crain's Business]

-Serious Eats takes a look at the new dumpling stand located next to the entrance of Joong Boo market. They only serve up three types of dumplings; a pork and vegetable, a kimchi with pork and a black rice bun with red bean. The dumplings are made fresh, are giant and look delicious. [Serious Eats Chicago]

-Less than 10 months after opening, Shin Thompson and Ryan O'Donnell's Japanese spot Kabocha closed their doors after Saturday night's service. Thompson stated "we did not do as strong a job as we could to articulate a clear vision of our concept." [Eater Chicago]