LINCOLN SQUARE — After a year and a half of stops and starts and waiting on licenses and permits, Darren McGraw finally hung the "open" sign on his long-awaited Ampersand Friday night.
The wine bar, 4845 N. Damen Ave., will now serve up a menu of "rustic comfort food," wine, beer and spirits six days a week (closed Mondays).
At a pre-opening party in late June, McGraw previewed a number of chef Tim Havidic's creations: lyonnaise salad with frisee and hen egg, beef short rib with cauliflower and chile, and lamb belly with heirloom carrot and spiced hummus.
The menu also features afternoon "tea service" from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with lighter bites including sandwiches, salads and meat and cheese boards.
On the beverage side, McGraw has curated a selection of nearly three dozen wines that skews slightly more red than white. Almost all are available by the glass, with prices ranging from $6 to $13 dollars.
Patty Wetli discusses the delays Ampersand experienced:
The drinks list also includes a half-dozen craft beers and a handful of spirits, with cocktails priced at $10 each.
Owner Darren McGraw (left) mingled with guests at Ampersand's preview party in June. [All photos DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]
McGraw has curated a selection of nearly three dozen wines, $6-$13 per glass.
Lyonnaise salad with frisee and hen egg (preview party portion).
Lighter bites including sandwiches, salads and meat and cheese boards.
McGraw is a former pastry chef, so yes, there will be sweets.
Beef short rib with cauliflower and chile (preview party portion).
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