The restaurant scene in Chicago is constantly evolving, always keeping up with peoples new tastes or trends. Here are a few restaurants that have only been around for a year or so, but they have already made a name for themselves in the dining biz.

Chalkboard, a contemporary American restaurant in North Center, is just that: a restaurant with oversized chalkboards that list the specials of the day. Rather than constantly reprinting menus, the owners are able to easily change these boards on a daily basis. Aside from the namesake wall-length chalkboard, the small dining room features white molding, linen-clad tables, and chandeliers. The menu includes beef stew, crunchy Southern-fried chicken, and tasty pork tenderloin. Theres even a decent wine list with its own chalkboard, of course.

Sura is an upscale establishment without the upscale prices. Between Cupcakes and Intelligentsia, its Thai-inspired cuisine with a French influence is offered in small dishes, enabling diners to try a variety of flavors in one sitting. If the plates appear like little works of art, it may be due to the very modern dcor of the restaurant itself. Feeling a bit like an art museum, Sura is dressed all in white, except for the occasional accent or accessory. While most of the menu consists of tapas like coconut-crusted shrimps or scallops ceviche, there are entrees available, like the teriyaki-glazed tilapia and tamarind cashew chicken.

Finally, the term supper club may sound old-fashioned, but the Cordis Brothers Supper Club is far from old and dusty. Beneath the brass chandeliers and tinted mirrors, families and couples of all ages enjoy the establishments concept: pay one price for a complete meal. Unlike many other restaurants where salads, soups, and side dishes are all listed a la carte and priced separately, here you can find an affordable way to enjoy a great-tasting dinner. I recommend the restaurants signature dishes: baby back ribs or the pork chop parmigiana (butterflied, flattened, sauteed, and buried under marinara sauce and mozzarella).

With great flavors and excellent service, these restaurants are sure to last the long haul.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex (1, 2, 3)

Chalkboard ($$): 4343 N Lincoln Ave; 773-477-7144
Afternoon Tea
Sat Sun: 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Dinner
Weds Mon: 5:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult (Do NOT park in the lot across the street)
Public trans: Bus # 11, 78
http://www.chalkboardrestaurant.com/

Sura ($): 3124 N Broadway Ave; 773-248-7872
Mon Thurs: 4:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.
Fri Sat: 11:00 a.m. 12 midnight
Sun: 11:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 36, 77
http://www.surachicago.com/

Cordis Brothers Supper Club ($$$): 1625 W Irving Park Rd; 773-935-1000
Sun, Tues Thurs: 5:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Fri Sat: 5:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m.
Free parking lot; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 80, X80
http://www.cordisbrothers.com/

Who says pizza is unrefined? Certainly not La Madia, a River North restaurant whose motto is Art of Pizza, Love of Wine.

Youll know this isnt any ordinary pizza place when you see the floor-to-ceiling wine wall behind the bar. Groups of friends and romantic couples fill the striped booths and the pizza bar surrounding the wood-burning oven. The atmosphere is business-casual, so while youll want to don more than t-shirt and jeans, leave the neckties and high heels at home.

The menu at La Madia (just around the corner from Blue Water Grill) features about a dozen contemporary thin-crust pizzas, all paired with a suggested wine. Go simple with a classic margherita, or all out with triple pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and white truffle oil. The dough topped with house-made fennel sausage, sweet peppers, and Vidalia onions is an impressive dish. There are a number of non-pizza options as well, including slow wood-roasted pork, butter-poached shrimp, and papardelle promodoro. And while specific wines are suggested for some entrees, you are welcome to choose from the over 200 vintages available.

In Italy, la madia is a piece of kitchen furniture, a cupboard with a covered trough on top for making bread. When your cupboards are bare, check out the upscale fare at La Madia.

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Carlos Zaragoza

La Madia ($$): 59 W Grand Ave; 312-329-0400
Sun Thurs: 11:15 a.m. 11:15 p.m.
Fri Sat: 11:15 a.m. 12 midnight
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 29, 36, 65 or Red Line train (Grand)
http://www.dinelamadia.com/

So, remember how I said that we dont have Sonic here in Chicago? Well, I have to take that back now.

For years, Chicagoans have had to suffer through commercials for Sonic Drive-In, despite the fact that there arent any restaurants of the chain within 70 miles of here. Sonic operates more than 3,000 restaurants, but most of them are in Oklahoma and Texas. (Chicagoist) However, one has finally opened here in the Chicago area last Tuesday. Now Windy City residents can get the Chili Cheese Tots and Cherry Limeade theyve been craving. Weeks before the grand opening however, flocks of people stopped by everyday just to be sure the restaurant hadnt opened yet.

Why all the fuss? After all, Sonic is just another fast-food joint, right? It is, but its fast food most people havent experienced often (or even at all). Unlike McDonalds, which is everywhere, Sonic has made itself sparse in the food industry. The food chain has advertised itself nationwide, creating a demand for a product that wasnt readily available. As the old adage goes, You always want what you cant have.

And so, the new franchise in Aurora (map) hasnt had to spend a single dime on advertising its grand opening. (Tribune) They havent had to. Word of Mouth has brought hundreds of hungry folks from far and wide. It has built itself up from more than just a restaurant, but an experience. After all, everyones had a burger, but not everyone has had a Sonic burger.

Sure, it may seem silly that a fast-food place can cause all this ruckus, but its definitely working. Now if youll excuse me, Im craving an extra-long chili cheese Coney.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) pamusc93, Tom Spaulding, dawn m. armfield, Kodamakitty

Nothing says romance like fine Italian cuisine over candlelight and soft music. It should be no surprise then that many Chicagoans looking to impress their dates head up to Lakeview to Angelina Ristorante.

Youll ease into a night of comfort as you enter the softly lit room, decorated with oil paintings and black-and-white photos. Show up early, or make a reservation: a line often forms before the doors even open for dinner. The window seats are tempting, but you might be sacrificing table space if you take them.

The menu changes seasonally, relying on the availability of fresh produce. Italian antipasti standards are available like steamed mussels and sauted calamari. Try a traditional Caesar salad or the insalata del bosco (mixed baby greens with pear, walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese). The menu brings together the traditional and the contemporary, as exemplified by the fettuccini primavera, fusilli with roasted chicken, salsiccia ethnica (spicy Italian sausage with pine nuts, golden raisins, and balsamic reduction), and pan-seared rib-eye with roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

If your great dinner leads to an even better evening (hint hint), the two of you can actually return to Angelina in the morning. Sundays offer a champagne brunch where you can enjoy fresh fruits, eggs Benedict, and frittatas.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) patrickparsons33, She Who Shall Not Be Named

Angelina Ristorante ($$): 3561 N Broadway St; 773-935-5933
Brunch
Sun: 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
Dinner
Sun Thurs: 5:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m.
Fri Sat: 5:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m.
Street parking; valet on weekends
Public trans: Bus # 8, 36, 152 or Red Line train (Addison)
http://www.angelinaristorante.com/

The 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics have officially come to a close. I have spent the past two weeks staying up late, recording several televised events in the wee hours of the morning, and getting regular medal updates on my cell phone. I guess you can say Ive been a bit of an Olympics nut. So just how did our Chicagoland athletes do?

Matt Grevers, an Olympic rookie, won the silver medal in the 100m backstroke with a time of 53.11 seconds. He also won two gold medals by swimming in the preliminary heats of the 4×100m freestyle relay and 4×100m medley relay. While he was not in the foursome that competed in the finals, the USA team did win those events, and any medals earned are awarded to all those who participated along the way.

From Tinley Park, Cristine Magnuson brought home two silver medals: one for swimming the 100m butterfly in 57.10 seconds and one for participating in the 4×100m medley relay.

Sean Rooney from Wheeling was one of the tallest players on the mens volleyball team. Tom Hoff from Chicago was a middle blocker and team captain. Thanks to the teams success, both have brought home gold.

From Naperville, Candace Parker made a great Olympic debut. She, Cappie Pondexter from