Inspired Spirits & Tongue Sliders at The Dawson

Had a chance to pop into The Dawson on Friday, and since it was the first official night, I’m not about to get critical, but it’s amazing what energy the place has already. Remember that old Orange breakfast joint, on Grand Avenue, near Halsted? The one just a few steps from the Blue Line stop? Billy Lawless (The Gage, Henri) and partner Branko Palikuca (Topaz) have taken over that space, gutted it, and also pushed it out to the edge of Halsted, where you can bet the patios are going to be jammed once the weather gets nice again. They’ve recruited Rene De Leon, who’s spent most of his career in Chicago working for Grant Achatz at Alinea, and then Next. Booze is featured in both infusions as well as straight-up cocktails, meant to pair with a menu ranging from whole grilled fish over a som tom-inspired slaw, to a trio of simple, yet tasty tongue sliders on the now ubiquitous Hawaiian soft buns. No doubt this place will be jammed after work, but I look forward to seeing what it’s like once things settle down in a few weeks.