* Randolph Street’s Avec, shuttered since an August fire that took the life of a firefighter, reopens tomorrow, October 29, at 3:30 PM.
* May Street Market, chef Alex Cheswick’s West Town restaurant—which celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this month—has announced via Twitter that it will close Saturday, October 30.
* Ole Hardwood, a “Texas-style cuisine gastropub,” opened last Friday in the South Loop quarters that housed Exposure Tapas, where it’s dishing up barbecue, including competition-style ribs and brisket tacos, along with grilled meats and plank-cooked fish. There are extensive cocktail and wine lists.
* Taylor Street’s Three Aces (1321 W. Taylor, 312-243-1577) is awaiting the arrival of its liquor license before opening officially, but in the meantime is offering “neighborhood tasting menus” from chef Matt Troost, formerly of Fianco.