Welcome, Prasino! New restaurant (and sidewalk cafe) planned for 1846 W. Division St. in July

If you're anything like us, yesterday's 80+ degree weather makes you hungry (and thirsty) for some summertime sidewalking on Division Street. Last week, Chicago Magazine broke the story that a seasonal, contemporary American spot, Prasino (pronounced PRAH-suh-no), is coming to 1846 W. Division St. The good news? It opens in late July. The best news? It's bringing with it an 100-seat sidewalk patio.

 What the building looks like now

 A digital rendering of the completed building (via ChicagoNow)

We spoke to Ephi Maglaris, part of the team of family members involved in the restaurant, to get the low-down the new location:

• The eco-chic spot has a solid contemporary American menu that highlights local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect a full-on breakfast, with pancakes, eggs, crepes, etc, with lighter, upscale options for dinner -- salmon, braised short-ribs, wraps and entree-sized salads. (And all menus have plenty of healthy, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options.) 
• The menu will be more or less the same as the one that's posted here, and a smoothie and juice bar cafe will be offered at this location. The spot has been racking up accolade after accolade since it opened in 2009. Click here for the full run-down, but it includes Rising Pastry Chef and Best New Chicago Restaurant.
• The focus on sustainability goes beyond food, with energy-efficient appliances, faucets, and building materials. In fact, many of the raw materials for the Wicker Park location were once destined for a landfill and will now be reclaimed.
• The family-owned restaurant, with locations in St. Charles and LaGrange, is going for both an urban feel and familial vibe. "Being on Michigan avenue wouldn’t fit our style," said Maglaris. One of the family's cousins (and co-owners) had lived in the neighborhood and recommended the area for its vibrant street scene.
• The restaurant will house 200 seats inside, with seating for 100 on the sidewalk patio. There are plans to add lounge seating, with banquettes and sectionals, for those who want to grab a drink and watch the clouds (and crowds) roll by. To our knowledge, this would be the first lounge-style seating on the street.
• The end of July is the target for opening in the modern, glass-front condo building that has four floors and a completely open ground level. It's across the street (Marion Ct.) from Moonshine and next door to Ora Dental Studio.

For a neighborhood that has everything, there seems to be a lack of contemporary American fare on the block. Will Prasino fill that niche? Ephi and the team mentioned wanting feedback from the neighbors, so let's hear it. What will it take to make the spot successful?