NORTH CENTER — The long-awaited Northman cider pub finally has an opening date — March 8 — and in a surprise announcement, a new executive chef, too.
Chef Cleetus Friedman has parted ways with the Fountainhead team, which also runs The Northman. Sean Sanders, who shuttered his own Browntrout restaurant last August, has been named executive chef at Fountainhead, Fountainhead Market and The Northman.
At Browntrout, Sanders earned five consecutive Bib Gourmand awards from Michelin.
"For years, we have enjoyed his food and, like the critics, named him one of our favorite chefs in Chicago," Fountainhead managing partner Aaron Zacharias said in a statement.
"Now we have this great opportunity to work together," he added. "We could not be more excited about this next chapter."
Sanders and Zacharias are in the midst of developing The Northman's menu in advance of the March 8 opening.
Friedman, who ran his own City Provisions until it closed in January 2013, is leaving "to pursue another project which will further his culinary and personal passion," according to the Fountainhead statement.
The Northman, 4337 N. Lincoln Ave., will initially be limited to dinner and bar service. Lunch will be added March 15.
The news was first reported by Eater.
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