Charming as you were at 12 (SnackWells stuck in braces ring a bell?), that awkward year improved with a few changes. 

Same goes for Bite Cafe. Open since 1995, the indie neighborhood joint recently shuttered for renovations. It reopens today with a revamped interior and menu, and the same old philosophy: good food, quality ingredients, accessible prices.

Owner Bruce Finkelman and designers Robert McAdams (The Publican) and Cody Hudson (Longman & Eagle) transformed the space into a grown-up Southern diner: clean lines, lots of wood, a six-seat lunch counter.

Chef Rodney Staton (Le Bouchon, Spiaggia, L & E) serves seven-days-a-week brunch (challah French toast, toasted pecans, bananas, sea salt whipped cream; veggie muffaletta sandwiches) and dinner (pan-roasted trout, bacon, wild mushrooms; green lentils, French feta, preserved lemon; meatballs, grilled bread).

The finale: Maggie Laleman’s (HotChocolate, Lula) banana fritters with peanut butter mousse. Good thing you still have that sweet tooth.

Bite Cafe, 1039 North Western Avenue, at Cortez Street (773-395-2483).