Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

SAVOR Coconutz; Maple & Ash
DISH: Weekly Dining Guide in Windy City Times
by Andrew Davis, Windy City Times
2016-01-13

This article shared 5632 times since Wed Jan 13, 2016
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


I'll admit it: I didn't walk into Coconutz ( CoconutzChicago.com; 13 W. Division St. ) with the highest of expectations.

There were at least a couple of reasons, ranging from the "z" in the restaurant's name to the fact that it's located along a stretch of Division Street that's known primarily for Jager bombs and the occasional thong contest.

However, general manager Josh King told me that the Coconutz aims to "draw the area's condo owners" to the stretch that some have termed a "frat boy's fantasy."

Call the island-inspired Coconutz an oasis that's off to a good start. It's divided into three areas ( a front bar, a dining room and a lounge in the back ), and offers "cabana bites" as well as a cornucopia of cocktails ( including the cringeworthy-sounding Punch in the Nutz ) and wines. By the way, Coconutz makes sure everything is as fresh as possible; even the pineapple juice is squeezed straight from the fruit.

An amuse bouche of tomato with jicama and serrano jam got the evening off to a kicky start, and I really liked the zabouca choka ( Trini-style guacamole and tortilla chips ), which sounded more exotic than it actually was.

I'm always a little cautious around shishito peppers; however, I fortunately didn't encounter any spicy ones with Coconutz's bacon-wrapped offerings. And as for the entrees, my dining partner adored the hot-and-sweet shrimp ( although the heat from the habanero-laced mother-in-law slaw stayed with her for a while ); I had a Malta-braised pork that was certainly satisfying.

Coconutz recently opened, and there are a few kinks ( as with the danger pie, which is a little too sweet ). However, I definitely deem this a promising place ( with kick-ass staff and sangria )—and a nice alternative to the usual Gold Coast Division Street scene.

Maple & Ash

Meanwhile, literally a couple blocks away from Coconutz is Maple & Ash ( 8 W. Maple St.; MapleAndAsh.com ), a recently opened steakhouse that has gotten quite a bit of buzz.

It is an impressive spot, overall—although does pay for the experience.

Maple & Ash is a two-story restaurant. The first floor houses a cocktail bar and a more informal ( but still attractive ) menu. Offerings include salmon tartare, shellfish chowder, roasted lamb chops, apple-cider doughnuts and even grilled cheese ( albeit with brioche, dijon aioli and green salad ).

My dining partners and I dined upstairs, which is more formal. ( Sartorial note: Collared shirts are fine. I wore a shirt and jacket, sans tie, and felt a tad overdressed. ) The decor is pretty elegant, with a variety of seats ( plush and otherwise ).

The service was spot-on, with our server being supremely attentive. Also, the restaurant kept one of my friends' food allergies in mind, suggesting alternatives for her. As for the food itself, it's quite good: The foie gras ( with strawberry preserves and brioche ) was the best I'd had since Sepia last year, and the pork chop was pretty tasty, although it seemed a bit small for the price. Also, the drink list was most impressive; sommelier Belinda Chang knows what she's doing.

As for cost, be prepared to shell out some cash if you dine upstairs. The 40-ounce Eisenhower is $115, grilled whole branzino is $55, caviar ( as expected ) is $100-$220—and the "I Don't Give A F*@k" option costs $145. However, if you have the dime, make the time for Maple & Ash.


This article shared 5632 times since Wed Jan 13, 2016
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

SAVOR Easter roundup for 2024
2024-03-24
Easter is a time to celebrate rebirth, spring, life—and brunches. Chicagoland restaurants will be out in full force on Sunday, March 31, offering Easter meals—some with their own twists (including ...


Gay News

SAVOR WhiskyX, an Easter soiree, a pizza-making class and more
2024-03-24
I'll drink to that: On March 21, I was invited to check out dozens of whiskeys, rums, tequilas and other spirits at WhiskyX, which took place at the Chicago venue Morgan MFG and which hundreds of ...


Gay News

SAVOR REVIEW Sushi By Bou
2024-03-19
Going into a sushi restaurant, I didn't expect to hear a 1920s version of the Carly Rae Jepsen hit "Call Me Maybe" emanating from the speakers. However, that and other Great Gatsby-like flourishes can be found ...


Gay News

SAVOR Gemini Grill opens, 'Rick Bayless Day' and more
2024-03-17
—And I quote: I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."—Groucho Marx —Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so ...


Gay News

SAVOR REVIEW La Grande Boucherie
2024-03-14
Just a few months ago, The Group NYC—a hospitality consortium based in you-know-where—opened the Italian restaurant Olio e Piu in Chicago's River North neighborhood. You can read my review of ...


Gay News

SAVOR Let's Talk Womxn's 'More Than March'; Adobo Grill's tequila dinner
2024-03-06
I was fortunate enough to be invited to a culinary event that celebrates the achievement of women—and, fittingly, it happened during Women's History Month. On March 1, Let's Talk Womxn Chicago held its annual "More Than ...


Gay News

SAVOR James Beard contest, a new Publican opens and a PAWS event
2024-02-25
Contest: You have a chance to be in on all the action during the chef-studded James Beard Award weekend of June 8 in Chicago. Among other things, the grand prize winner will get a three-stay in ...


Gay News

SAVOR Green City Market; Sofitel's 'Un-Tea' time
2024-02-24
For those who wonder about the lack of a farmers' market in Chicago during the winter months, I point you toward Green City Market (GCM) Avondale, taking place on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through March ...


Gay News

SAVOR A new Sushi By Bou, a seafood boil class and James Beard scholarships
2024-02-18
Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so much to the people who've already subscribed. The latest entry (Feb. 17) features Beyonce, Zendaya and my Oscar predictions. Subscribe ...


Gay News

SAVOR At Willies 'n Waffles, sexuality is on the menu
2024-02-12
Having written about Chicago's culinary scene for at least 15 years, this writer has covered all sorts of spots—from Michelin-starred upscale establishments to those so-called "holes in the wall" that can serve some of the best ...


Gay News

SAVOR 'The Bear,' new pizza lounge, Chicago Black Restaurant Week
2024-02-11
"Bear" necessities: The third season of the Chicago-set series The Bear will debut in June, per Variety. FX chairman John Landgraf made the announcement during the network's presentation at the Television Critics Association's winter 2024 press ...


Gay News

SAVOR Taylor's Tacos' Chef Taylor Mason on being part of the Vegas event 'Pepsi Dig In'
2024-02-08
On Feb. 8-10 (Super Bowl weekend), Taylor's Tacos Chef Taylor Mason and wife/co-owner Maya Mason will be showcasing two exclusive dishes at the Pepsi Dig In: Brunch with the Best takeover at Delano Las Vegas, giving ...


Gay News

SAVOR Jean Banchet Awards, new Black-owned spots and free pizza
2024-02-04
Congrats!: The winners of the Jean Banchet Awards—which honor Chicago cuisine—were recently announced at Venue Six10. Longtime Chicago Tribune critic Phil Vettel was (justifiably) honored with the Culinary Excellence of ...


Gay News

SAVOR Chocolatier Uzma Sharif on being part of World of Chocolate
2024-02-03
AIDS Foundation Chicago will hold its annual World of Chocolate event on Friday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. at Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd. Attendees will embark on a global tour of chocolate—but there will ...


Gay News

SAVOR Valentine's/Galentine's Day offerings for 2024
2024-02-01
Love is in the air—until it isn't. While some couples will be getting ready to celebrate their closeness (and all that other mushy stuff) on Valentine's Day, others will get together to celebrate Galentine's Day (celebrating ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.