Restaurant news from the inbox: After nine years in business, Spring, the first in chef Shawn McClain's mini-empire, is closing. And Mado's husband-wife chef team Rob and Allie Levitt have left to open a butcher shop.

Spring, 2039 W. North, will serve its last meal on New Year's Eve. McClain will focus on his other restaurants, Green Zebra at 1460 W. Chicago and Sage in Las Vegas. He also is working on a cookbook and new restaurant concepts "in Chicago and elsewhere," a press release said.

The Levitts, known for their nose-to-tail cooking at Mado, 1647 N. Milwaukee, are aiming to open the Butcher & Larder in the Noble Square neighborhood late this month. Beyond meats cut to order and charcuterie, the shop will offer lunch and occasional classes.