As one might guess from its name, Bottlefork ( 441 N. Clark St.; Bottlefork.com ) combines elements of the bar and the kitchen ( and it even says so on the window, for those who still might wonder ).
The River North restaurant is a collaboration between Rockit Ranch Productions ( Brad Young, Arturo Gomez and the seemingly omnipresent Billy Dec ) and former Four Seasons Executive Chef Kevin Hickey, so expectations should be high.
And, overall, those expectations have been metstarting with the decor. There was a cool vibe about the place, which is simultaneously narrow but opensomething Operations Manager Dey Hamilton told Windy City Times allows for a sort of "dancing." ( Some take that dancing literally, as our server, Eddie, did a little jig for us, although I'll admit that was at my behest. )
Hamilton also said that Bottlefork is known for having food in its booze and vice versa, although that originated in its dinner menu ( and certainly not brunch ). However, the Bloody Marys certainly have some food in them. My dining companion tried two different concoctions ( Bottlefork and Slaughterhouse Bloody Marysthe latter with a garnish that included wagyu and rabbit sausage ), and really liked both. I went the non-alcohol route with a Chef's Huckleberry Kool-Aid that was certainly tangy. ( Of note: My friend noted the Wisconsin influences throughout the menu, including the Rhinelander beer that accompanied the Marys. )
The food also struck high notes. Although the doughnut holes were a little too, well, doughy for me; however, my friend said they reminded him of beignets, and he loved them. However, the Richie's Mom's Cast Iron Baked French Toast ( with caramel ) was absolutely divine; the only drawback was that the dish was so sticky, it rendered our utensils practically useless when we tried other items.
I also heartily recommend the breakfast sopean intoxicating olio of ranchera sauce, fried egg, black beans, guac and cotija cheese that's practically as good as any I've had in an authentic Mexican restaurant. The brisket hash gets high marks as well, with poached egg and a Russian dressing hollandaise. ( Another caveat: The prices of items vary widely, although most items are under $20. )
There are many reasons to stop by Bottlefork ( including the view of female-impersonator nightspot The Baton across the street ). Rockit Ranch ( and Hickey ) have added another feather to their caps.
Turning 40
Rosebud Restaurantswhich is responsible for a slew of eateries in Chicagomarked its 40th anniversary with a media event at Gold Coast spot Carmine's.
Among other things, guests were served items from the company's 40th-anniversary menu, including chicken Vesuvio, Rosebud original eggplant salad and The 1975 cocktail.
See RosebudRestaurants.com .