ROGERS PARK — Bob Parilla said the closing on Monday of his Lakeview restaurant, Twist, and opening of his new venture, Twisted Tapas on Pratt Boulevard, was "bittersweet."
"I had no idea the impact that it had," said Parilla of Twist. One married couple, who came in on the last day, told him they first met in his restaurant.
Now Parilla hopes to make a new mark at 1146 W. Pratt Blvd., in the former Aqua Bar.
Twisted Tapas opened earlier this week.
The restaurant's signature tapas include empanadas filled with ground beef, egg, carrots and peas, for $6.95; jalapeno gnocchi with a roasted yellow pepper and Romano cheese sauce, for $7.95; mini crab cakes served with a Dijon mustard, for $6.95; and an Imperial Wagyu short rib with sweet potato gratin, for $10.50.
Desserts include a caramelized banana with a tequila caramel, poached pear with marscapone and raspberry sauce, chocolate pie, tiramisu and a creme brulee.
Parilla said he also serves beer, wine and specialty cocktails made with small-batch, craft spirits.
Parilla plans to be open at 5-10 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. Sundays and closed Mondays.
