Heads up, Piccolo Sogno—and burger—fans: Ace Italian food chef Tony Priolo has jumped on the comfort food train, announcing plans to open Maillard Tavern (494 N. Milwaukee Ave., River West) in December, just across the street from his famed, white-tableclothed first restaurant.

The chef (who co-owns both Piccolo Sogno and Nonnina with Ciro Longobardo) plans for a 1,400-square-foot, 40-seat fried food mecca, with griddled burgers, glazed doughnut sticks, and French fries. The latter are of the duck-fat variety and made from Norwis potatoes—a variety that was adapted by Frito-Lay for their potato chips.