Chicago - July 30, 2008

Hot or Not?

Duchamp Restaurant Opens

In T-minus three months, you’ll transform your apartment into a bomb shelter replete with sun lamps and Spam.

Better soak up those rays while you can.

Start on the patio at Duchamp, a new American eatery with a global twist opening today in the old Meritage space. In addition to a cozy interior (communal tables, cove lighting, reclaimed textiles), there’s outdoor seating for 80, so you can get your sun fix and enjoy top-notch grub prepared by chef Michael Taus (Zealous).

On the menu: dishes like East Meets West hot wings, skate wing fish and chips, sunchoke and truffle soup, and Madagascar vanilla creme brulee with lavender-honey madeleines.

Bust out the fat pants for Duchamp’s Sunday backyard barbecue (weather permitting). Feast on cheeseburgers, Italian sausages, barbecue pork shoulder, fries with truffle mayo, and grilled chorizo and egg quesadillas.

Now that’s hot.

Duchamp, 2118 North Damen Avenue, at Charleston Street (773-235-6434).