Michael Carlson Reopens Schwa in Chicago

"How you cats doing tonight?" And so begins a new chapter in this now-famous Chicago restaurant's history. Last week, the Tribune ran a huge feature on Chef Michael Carlson who abruptly closed Schwa, his tiny but incredible eatery, last October on the day after serving dinner to 20 of the worlds top chefs, restaurateurs, and writers (including Charlie Trotter, Ferran and Albert Adria, Wylie Dufresne, Thomas Keller, Michael Ruhlman, and others.) Carlson, a Trio-alum and named one of the best new chefs in the US by Food and Wine in 2006, had apparently just had it. He cancelled reservations and took four months off to be with his family. The good news? Schwa re-opened last week and early reports are the food is better than ever. Don't forget -- if you can get in, it's BYOB. They don't have a liquor license.