As this blog had been one of many that officially made the announcement about Charlie Trotter’s opening of his Restaurant Charlie in Las Vegas, we now make the announcement of its closing.  Restaurant Charlie was located in the Palazzo Las Vegas resort.

This is one of a few blows to the Trotter brand (not because of the quality of the food itself) – but more about the decline in business and leisure travel.

The Restaurant C in Los Cabos Mexico had closed in November of 2008. 

Trotter had plans to open up restaurants in New York and inside the Elysian Hotel in Chicago.  New York looks like it still could be an option.

Coincidentally, Chef David Burke closed his namesake restaurant in the Venetian hotel the same day that Trotter’s closed.

Although Trotter’s brand is really strong here in Chicago, the fact that he does not have a national cooking show may impact his ability to scale in big cities.

Everything today is about minimizing cost and maximizing opportunity. That could be what Jon Young had in mind by opening his new place “The Fifth” in the same space as one of his other places – Kitsch’n.  The Fifth is really the fifth restaurant opened by Young. Others include the Paramont Room and Volo.

Chef Stephen Dunne dishes up of varety of entrees and appetizers such as lacquered chicken wings – tender, crunchy and sweet, potato ravioli, artisan cheeses, and steak tartar.  On the drinks side of the house, Shad Martin (wine director at Volo)  and Shawn Cook from the Paramont Room created a wine list and a signature cocktail.  Young has also borrowed Suzy Beu – pastry chef from Volo and Paramont room to create the sweets.

The Fifth

600 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 312-644-1500

www.thefifthchicago.com

Don Roth’s Blackhawk original restaurant courtesy of http://www.donroths.com/

Otto Roth opened the first Blackhawk restaurant 90 years ago. In 1984, they closed the downtown property and opened the location in Wheeling. Now, the spinning salad bowl will come to a hault at the end of the year as the restaurant closes up this 40 year old Wheeling eatery.  Ann Roth, Otto’s wife, wants to retire at 90 and there are no relatives who want to run the business.

The restaurant will be for sale, but any new buyers would not retain the name.

Nick’s Fishmarket – a mainstay in the loop, is also closing it’s doors.  Business was down significantly and they were unable to negotiate a lower rent to better manage expenses. The Nick’s Fishmarket in Rosemont will continue business as usual.

It’s sad to see icons when they go – regardless of the reason. I have dined many times at both of these places – and certainly the Blackhawk carries childhood memories.

Brandon Sodikoff (courtesy of Dining Diva)

312DD reports this week of the birth of Brendan Sodikoff’s new place Gilt Bar in the former Aigre Doux space in River North.  They are currently targeting a January 2010 opening.

Sodikoff is an executive chef at Lettuce Entertain You corporate and has had his hand in Hub51. He is a pastry chef by trade and has drawn rave reviews for his tasty creations.

The buzz is that Gilt will be sufficiently downscaled to fit the mid price but good value crowd a notch or two below L2O but still hungry for great culinary creations.

We will keep you posted on an open date.