Earlier this week, Bread and Wine opened in Irving Park, about seven miles north of downtown. The American bistro, wine bar, and market has 60 seats and can hold 100 for receptions. The storefront space is a former laundromat, now equipped with an open kitchen, white lanterns, and communal seating. It is available for buyouts Sundays and Mondays, when it's closed to the public, and before 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Chef Curtis Gamble's menu focuses on "elevated, nostalgic, Midwestern fare," according to the owners, and selections change frequently. The opening menu offered small plates of fried pickles with Tabasco aioli, chorizo tacos with pickled cactus, and warm burrata with pickled fennel. Large plates included chicken with truffle dumplings and house fettuccini with pumpkin and goat cheese. Wines are available by the glass and by the bottle.
The retail area is stocked with wine and beer, locally made pickles, jams, chocolates, and sea salt. In the summertime, guests can fill takeaway picnic baskets. Brunch service will debut later this year.