Tavernita Crew Hits Spain; Chelsea Handler's Boozy Brunch; More!

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This week's top dish from Eater Chicago, Curbed's restaurant, bar, and nightlife blog...

RIVER NORTH—Construction is underway at Tavernita, the new restaurant from the Mercadito group. That team, with chef Ryan Poli, visited Spain on a research trip and gained a lot of inspiration from what they ate.

DOWNTOWN—Comedian Chelsea Handler teamed up with Bon Appetit to help launch Belvedere's new Bloody Mary vodka. The brunch, held at Mercat a la Planxa, was a veritable who's who of Chicago's food scene.

RIVER NORTH—Bistro Voltaire is taking over the original Bar Louie space on Chicago Avenue and bringing an authentic French brasserie to the neighborhood.

EVERYWHERE—After Lettuce Entertain You's Rich Melman didn't show up at the James Beard Awards in New York to accept his award for Restaurateur of the Year, Rick Bayless lashed out at him via Twitter.