LINCOLN SQUARE — A trio of newcomers to the Lincoln Square and North Center dining scenes nabbed coveted Bib Gourmand awards on their first go-round.
Angry Crab, Luella's Southern Kitchen and Via Lima were among 10 Chicago restaurants making their debut on the Bib Gourmand list, released Thursday.
The award acknowledges restaurants that provide "quality food at a reasonable price." Nearly 60 Chicago eateries made the cut. Repeat winners include Ravenswood's Spacca Napoli and Smoque, in nearby Irving Park.
Luella's, 4609 N. Lincoln Ave., opened in February, offering chef Darnell Reed's contemporary take on classic Southern cuisine. The restaurant has also been tapped for the "Check, Please!" treatment, with a crew from WTTW Ch-11 scheduled to film at Luella's on Friday.
Angry Crab, 5665 N. Lincoln Ave. on the border of Lincoln Square and West Ridge, also opened in February and has been drawing lines around the block ever since (we have tips on how to avoid/deal with the wait). Brothers David, Irvin and Mark Nguyen are serving up Louisiana-style seafood with a northern California influence.
The long-awaited Via Lima, 4024 N. Lincoln Ave., bowed in June. Owner Eni Cadena initially planned to open a dollar store in the space and diners are no doubt eternally grateful that she shifted gears. The restaurant features the Peruvian cuisine of Cadena's native country, introducing North Center diners to entirely new dishes and flavors.
Recipients of the coveted Michelin stars, which are handed out to find dining establishments, will be announced next week.
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