SOUTHPORT CORRIDOR — Favorite comfort foods have been refined with typical Southport flare at the newly opened Vivial.
After closing the 5-year-old Spencer's Jolly Posh Foods Nov. 1, owner Nick Spencer quickly refurbished the space at 3755 N. Southport Ave. and reopened as Vivial. Spencer shed Jolly Posh's catch-all British market items and wholesale meats to narrow his focus to a restaurant and craft cocktail bar.
After a soft opening on Nov. 11, Vivial waited until last week to introduce its brunch menu, which is now available on weekends.
Key to the new concept is its convivial nature, allowing customers "free range to do whatever you fancy: eat whatever you want, drink whatever you want and enjoy yourself in the way you wish," Spencer said.
The straightforward, airy decor in the 24-seat Vivial matches the new attitude, while ambient candle lighting in the evening creates an inviting atmosphere.
The dinner menu features starters like crudo ($9) and Anaheim peppers ($6), while main dishes range from the $14 short rib and shallot jam burger to the $22 duck confit with baked beans.
Steak tartare ($10) and charred brussels sprouts with bacon ($8) are among seven shared plates. The weekend brunch menu has starters like coddled eggs ($8) and dressed-up versions of old favorites like the Sloppy Joseph — a braised short rib sandwich with bacon and housemade dill pickles ($14).
Spencer said the menu easily caters to dietary restrictions and paleo or vegetarian diets. Specialty options include a five-course chef's selection for $65 and Sunday comfort nights, when diners get a fried chicken and macaroni-and-cheese entree for $10.
"That's one of the most accessible comfort food dishes — fried chicken," Spencer said. "It's all food that warms the heart and excites the mind at the same time."
Aviary alum Garrett Christiansen is taking the reins for the first time as executive chef. At 25, "he's young, he's ambitious and he's extremely talented," Spencer said.
The cocktail menu is another note of pride for Spencer. Six signature drinks for $11 each include the Dawn Treader (Cocchi Americano, Domaine De Canton, prosecco, cranberry and lemon juice) and Rusty Bucket's Revenge (Hendricks gin, amaro, vermouth and bitters). Three brunch drinks, Moody Tongue featured beers and wine are also offered.
Vivial is open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
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