2Sparrows

The hotly-anticipated opening of 2Sparrows finally arrived October 10 for this oh-so-lovely, cozy, glowing space! A seasonally–driven breakfast, lunch and brunch outpost located in the heart of Chicago's charming Lincoln Park neighborhood, 2Sparrows features the contemporary American comfort fare of Chef/Partner Gregory Ellis, and a service and beverage program overseen by General Manager/Partner Steven Fladung.

The two friends grew up together in Chicago's western suburbs, and worked simultaneously — Gregory in the kitchen and Steven in the front of the house — at their esteemed training ground, Charlie Trotter's. As their careers progressed, serving at some of the country's most reputable establishments, Gregory and Steven saw an opportunity to create a more elevated approach to the most important meals of the day in terms of quality, seasonality, service and price point.

At 2Sparrows, they celebrate the ingredients and products of local farmers, artisans, distillers and brew masters with a continually evolving food menu, excellent coffee service and more. As much as possible is made from scratch, including the ketchup on the burger, and the pickles on the Cuban sandwich. Imbibers, rejoice: imaginative brunch cocktails, craft beers, brunch mimosas (with little carafes of fresh squeezed orange juice so you can mix to your own taste, natch!) and several wine selections are offered.

The seasonal menu for the moment includes lamb sausage gravy-topped biscuits, shrimp and grits with tasso gravy, and maple bacon donuts (the latter served soft and warm, with a fresh, comfortingly rich glaze and chunks of candied bacon), along with foie gras cherry-compote-kissed pop tarts alongside more traditional favorites prepared in innovative style, including house-made granola and market quiche. No plans for dinner exist yet, but the restaurant tells us it's not out of the question.

The name, you ask? It's a clever nod to the Greek myth abut two sparrows pulling the chariot of the lovely and mighty Aphrodite, the goddess of agriculture. Appropriate, given the commitent here to local farmers' produce and meats, no? And birdy details -- a nest-shaped chandelier, teapots resembling speckled eggs -- abound.

Designed by the LEED–certified Moss Design, 2Sparrows' intimate, 60–seat space is filled with rich earth tones and red–orange accents, reclaimed wood paneling, chandeliers and tabletops, locally made glass–blown fixtures, and colorful, ever–rotating pieces from Chicago artists.

NEWLY ADDED: The restaurant continues its monthly beer dinner series January 20 with Great Lakes Brewing Company! This educational, interactive dinner experience will encompass five fantastically flavorful, globally-inspired courses, showcasing Chef Gregory's locally-sourced, seasonally-driven fare; each course is purposefully paired with some of the Midwest's most celebrated lagers and ales. Seats are limited, dinner starts at 7pm, and the cost is a terrifically reasonable $60. Want to seize your reservations? Call (773) 234-2320!