Bite Club: Bodacious Brussels sprouts

Last week, I swung by Southport Avenue to find two new eateries open in the old Southport Lanes building, including GG's Chicken Shop helmed by chef Lee Wolen.

The bite: I thought I was going to cluck about the delicious rotisserie and fried chicken, but what thrilled my tastebuds most were the crispy Brussels sprouts ($5.55).

The verdict: Charred on the outside and creamy on the inside, they balance sweet, bitter and nutty in one bite. And the chili-lime salt lends the perfect finishing touch.

The inspiration: Wolen tells Axios that the homey fare at GG's is a tribute to his mom and the Boston Market dinners of his youth — albeit cooked by a James Beard-nominated chef.

Of note: This month the Boka Restaurant Group launched GG's and Itoko, specializing in grilled Japanese savory treats, in the old bowling alley.

• Next month, the newly relocated Little Goat Diner is expected to open its doors in the same building, making this one of the hottest neighborhood restaurant spots in the city.