6NT.com

Chef goes out on her own with much-anticipated Sola

Chef Carol Wallack (Deleece) is a self-described "surfer girl" and former chef-to-the-stars. This month, she unleashes her style of contemporary American-Asian cuisine on Chicago with Sola.

The West Lakeview eatery, designed by seasoned restaurant architects Keith Olsen and Cynthia Vranas, is intended to create a casual, comfortable, and conversation-friendly dining experience. Wallack's classic dishes — including her signature rack of lamb stuffed with cambazola and eggplant puree and sesame crusted tuna with Thai cucumber salsa and ginger confit — ought to give diners something special to talk about.

Surf's up! Sola, opens in late January for dinner (lunch and brunch will follow in March) at 3868 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773.327.3868.