WICKER PARK — Texas-based restaurant MAX's Wine Dive, which plans to bring a mix of comfort food and vintages to Milwaukee Avenue in May, has named former Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse chef Jessica Brumleve as its executive chef.
Brumleve had spent three years as the senior sous chef as Michael Jordan's Steakhouse Downtown, according to statement from MAX's Wine Dive. She also previously worked at Atwood Cafe and Everest Restaurant.
The chain, which has six restaurants in Texas along with locations planned for Atlanta and Denver, is scheduled to open in mid-May at 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave.
In its current locations, MAX's Wine Dive serves wine alongside dishes like fried oysters with wonton chips; fried chicken made with jalapeño-buttermilk; and "drunk bread," a sourdough baguette soaked in a white wine custard along with prosciutto and thyme and baked with cheese.
According to the company's website, the general mantra is “Fried Chicken and Champagne? … Why the Hell Not?!”
A few seasonal menu items created by Brumleve that will be special to the Wicker Park location includes fried brie cheese, panko crusted brie cheese, chipotle-raspberry coulis and cilantro salad, the company said. There will also be Texas sheet cake, a sour cream chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, candied pecans and caramel.
Brumleve joins Wine Sales Manager Kirstin Irwin, who has been with MAX's Wine Dive since 2012, and general manager Kate Bocson to complete an all-women management team, the company said.
