"Chef Norm Fenton’s last restaurant, Brass Heart, never reached the highs it deserved — a lot of the blame is placed on the pandemic which prevented many diners from trying the intimate tasting menu restaurant. But that’s not the last Chicago will hear from Fenton, a Schwa alum who split his time between Chicago and Mexico to visit his family. Cariño is a 16-course tasting menu restaurant centering around Latin cuisine using traditional and modern techniques. There’s a wine pairing (featuring Latin American wines) and cocktails made with agave spirits, along with spirit-free drinks and agua frescas. If eight courses sound like too much, try a progressive eight-course late-night taco omakase. Fenton says it should appeal to some late-night guests, industry friends, and those looking for something less formal. They’re shooting for a November opening." - Ashok Selvam