NoBL getting ready in Lansdowne

Since its founding in 2009, Sycamore in Lansdowne has been one of the BYOB hits of the western suburbs. (LaBan review here.)

When founding chef/partner Meg Votta died a year after the opening of ovarian cancer, her hand-picked successor, Sam Jacobson, stepped in. The kitchen never lost a step.

Now Jacobson and Sycamore owner Steve Wagner are going up the street for a stylish Mediterranean, also a BYOB because Lansdowne is dry.

NoBL - as in "North of Baltimore Avenue" - is pegged for a "June" opening at 24 N. Lansdowne Ave., part of a mini-revitalization of the town. (See Argana Moroccan Cuisine, which opened recently down the block.)

Whereas Sycamore is a more traditional restaurant, the British-born Jacobson will do a glorious Mediterranean menu of small plates and pizzas. Peeking at a preview menu, I see such ambitious-for-Delco dishes as Duck Leg Braised in French Lentils with Thyme; Pappardelle with Chicken Livers, Braised Greens & Balsamic; Grilled Beef Tongue Agrodolce; and Fontina-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs, Porcini Bechamel.

Atmosphere - taking advantage of the 20-foot ceilings of the former hardware store - is warm and sexy, though I stopped during the day.  Among the seating options are a chef's counter with high chairs; dining tables encased in a wood-and-glass frame; and a private table in the back set against a twinkly-lighted back wall.