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No, Waffles Cafe In Lakeview Isn't Closed -- Plus More Eatery News Morsels

By Ariel Cheung | January 16, 2016 7:06am | Updated on January 19, 2016 8:38am

LAKEVIEW — Woeful over your wonuts?

Dry those tears, Lakeview: Waffles Cafe owner Alex Hernandez is assuring the neighborhood that the restaurant isn't going anywhere.

A sign posted on the door said Waffles Cafe, 3611 North Broadway, would be closed for the holiday season. When it didn't reopen after Jan. 2, some started questioning whether Waffles would be gone for good, along with its signature waffle-donuts.

Hernandez said it is taking longer than expected to map out renovation plans, and "we're just trying to make sure whatever the game plan is, we have a clear idea."

"We don't want to have to change things as we go along, so we're just trying to figure out what is the best move," Hernandez told DNAinfo.

Hernandez is considering building the Lakeview location's dinner service, applying for a liquor license and changing up the menu. While the wonut will remain a staple (Waffles Cafe makes at least 600 per day), there will likely be some additions.

Work is also happening at the Streeterville Waffles Cafe, and Hernandez said he plans to focus on that before Lakeview renovations begin.

Waffles Cafe previously had a kiosk in Water Tower Place, but opted out of renewing its lease there. Now Hernandez is on the hunt for a new location downtown.

Meanwhile, Lakeview is abuzz with openings and closings. Here's the latest:

Vanille has set a grand opening for its Lakeview patisserie, 3243 North Broadway, for Feb. 4. The first 25 customers on each day of the following weekend will receive $25 Vanille gift cards, and visitors can enjoy free macarons and a chance to win a $500 gift card. With locations in Lincoln Park and Chicago's French Market, Vanille specializes in handmade French pastries, desserts and wedding cakes. The Lakeview location will be where owner Sophie Evanoff and her team roll out a line of gluten-free layer cakes and doggie desserts.

It appears Jitlada Thai House, 3715 N. Halsted St., is closed. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

• It appears Jitlada Thai House, 3715 N. Halsted St., has shuttered. A neighbor reports the owners closed the restaurant Dec. 31 and are moving to Wilmette with plans to open a new restaurant there. This week, the windows were papered up, and a sign in the window asked mail carriers to drop off mail at Fabricare up the street at 3930 North Broadway. However, the Fabricare storefront is listed for lease, and the business is closed. Jitlada's phone number is also listed as temporarily unavailable. The restaurant's last food inspection was May 27, and it took two follow-ups for the restaurant to pass. City records show Jitlada went out of business in August 2013, but later reopened. Its business license was set to expire in June.

Grassroots is now open in the former Deleece, 3747 N. Southport Ave. The new sign was placed Jan. 8. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

Grassroots is now open after a quick remodel in the former Deleece. Open every day from noon to 1 a.m., Grassroots is a "downscale" neighborhood eatery with pizza and sandwiches. A new wood partition in front of the kitchen and wood-paneled bar area add a relaxed vibe to 3747 N. Southport Ave. Redesigned tables and chairs and wood-framed artwork complete the new look.

Torta Haus is opening at 926 W. Diversey Parkway. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

• A new Mexican eatery is opening next to the Diversey "L" station. Torta Haus, 926 W. Diversey Parkway, passed its initial food inspection in December, and Yelpers are already giving it rave reviews. A menu posted in the storefront window advertises eight varieties of tortas, a Mexican sandwich made with bolillo bread, ranging from $7.99 for chicken or veggie tortas to a $9.99 grilled steak sandwich. There are also three specialty tortas, including a $10.99 German torta with pork, weiner schnitzel, bratwurst and Brussels spouts. Dessert options include haus donuts, churros and sopapilla for $4.99-$6.99.

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