NORTH CENTER — Less than a month after shuttering his Chalkboard restaurant at 4343 N. Lincoln Ave., chef Gilbert Langlois welcomed diners to the revamped Homegrown Cafe at the same location.
On Monday, customers got their first look at and taste of Homegrown's menu, which departs from its predecessor in catering strictly to the breakfast/brunch and lunch crowds. The restaurant will not be open for dinner.
Dishes have a decidedly southern twang: banana pound cake French toast, catfish po'boy, chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy. Vegetarian finger sandwiches and a full afternoon tea service — complete with scones — class up the joint.
Chalkboard fans will be relieved to learn that Langlois' much-loved mac 'n' cheese survived the switchover and is offered as a side dish.
A new to-go section gives neighbors the option of swinging by for potato salad takeout, among a handful of other items.
Langlois announced Chalkboard's makeover in July.
"I want to spend more time with my kid," he said at the time.
Homegrown Cafe will be open daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
