Girl & the Goat; Chicago (Rest.)

*****
Top Chef: Chicago victor Stephanie Izard kept in touch with fans via a blog, an enthusiastic Twitter account, and behind-the-scenes videos before opening Chicago’s Girl & the Goat in 2010 and earning her spot as an F&W Best New Chef 2011. Izard emphasizes a bold mix of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors in dishes like grilled octopus with guanciale and pistachio-lemon vinaigrette, and wood-oven-roasted pig’s face with tamarind and red-wine–maple sauce. Her second venture, Little Goat, opens in November, and is modeled after the East Coast diners she frequented as a child. The menu will feature items like a patty melt, a club sandwich with house-cured bacon, and malted milk shakes. The location will also expand the Goat empire with a demo kitchen, classroom and more space for Izard’s already stellar bread program. http://girlandthegoat.com