Week in Reviews

Upscale restaurants are increasingly more casual, a fact that wasn't lost on Bauer as he entered Chalkboard, the former home of Cyrus. "Champagne, caviar, and cheese carts have no place in a restaurant that features a small-plate menu and a raised-wood communal table." That said, he likes chef Shane McAnelly's work: "For the most part the food is excellent," including a "pure, refreshing and perfect" arugula salad, "spot on" pastas, and "refreshing" cocktails. "It's sad to see a four-star restaurant like Cyrus close, but at least Chalkboard is a worthy follow-up." Three stars. [Chron]