orange you glad.

burgers are in the spotlight these days. and north center's the bad apple, from vets of menagerie and cooper's, is definitely giving top chi-town patty meisters something to worry about. with its secret meat blend direct from NYC's pat la frieda (try the black 'n blue burger with belgium ale blue cheese), truffle fries and bevy of microbrews, you'll be thinking "kuma who?" now open. 4300 north lincoln avenue. near west cullom. 773.360.8406. www.badapplebar.com

hot pockets.

you've never been one to underestimate the power of accessorizing. so you'll wanna dress up your lunch at boystown's new falafill. maher chebaro and nemer ziyard delivered this cute quick-service spot where some 20 different toppings (think tabbouleh, fava bean dip, tahini) are avail to customize your chickpea-fritter (aka falafel) pita sandwich. now open. 3202 north broadway avenue. near west belmont. 773.525.0052.

sign of the times.

proof you can't keep a great chef down? gemini bistro comes from toque-about-town jason paskewitz (wave, pump room, jp chicago), who's taken the demise of lavish jackson park grill and channeled it into this casual neighborhood joint. he riffs on american classics adding plenty of french, spanish and ital influences. the result? duck confit nachos, pan-roasted cod with merguez sausage and a stellar maine lobster roll. opens september 9th. 2075 north lincoln avenue. at west dickens. 773.525.2522. www.geminibistrochicago.com