LINCOLN SQUARE — Things have taken a French twist on Lawrence Avenue, where the space formerly occupied by Cinnamon Cafe is about to get a new lease on life as Chez Simo Bistro.
The owners have remained mum on the details, declining to respond to emails and phone calls, but the restaurant's website promises "authentic French cuisine."
The storefront, at 1968 W. Lawrence Ave., should satisfy the most ardent Francophile, painted in tri-color red, white and blue with a Gallic rooster for ornament, lest the words "chez" and "bistro" fail to convey the restaurant's culinary leanings.
Where Cinnamon Cafe and its predecessor, the Ravenswood Grill, served up a fairly standard breakfast and brunch menu, outward appearances indicate Chez Simo has something more ambitious in mind.
If stencilings in the windows are to be trusted, look for escalopes de veau citronnées, terrine fois gras frais cuisson des bulot and petits pain au lait — all of which translates as "not pancakes and omelets."