FULTON MARKET — A new Heisler restaurant that aims to make vegetables the main attraction will open this week in the city's old meatpacking district.
Bad Hunter, a new veg-forward restaurant and bar, will open Wednesday at 802 W. Randolph St. next to the Lone Wolf on Randolph's restaurant row the West Loop.
Executive Chef Dan Snowden, formerly at Nico Osteria, moves vegetables from side dish to the center of the plate at Bad Hunter. Through preparations that include wood-fired grilling, smoking and in-house fermentation, Snowden aims to transform the standard vegetables into something new and delicious.
While Bad Hunter's seasonal menu is vegetable-focused and offers vegan options, the menu isn't entirely vegetarian. Meat finds its place on the menu with a variety of skewers and dishes like Toasted Manti with English peas and herbs in a mushroom and bacon broth.
Pastry Chef Emily Spurlin, formerly of Floriole, will serve up a Zucchini-herb cake with lemon curd and parmesan ice cream and the vegan Hibiscus Aquafaba with raspberries, coconut cream and coconut-lime water.
Bad Hunter will offer a 60-bottle "natural and biodynamic" wine list curated by beverage manager Michael McAvena and bar manager Josh Fossitt, formerly of Queen Mary and The NoMad, will focus on "sessionable" and creative low-ABV drinks like Low and Sloe Cosmo and Spicy Carrot Cooler.
Heisler Hospitality partner Matt Eisler, who also operates Pub Royale, Sportsman’s Club and Estereo, said he wants Bad Hunter to bring a joyful, comfortable dining experience to the West Loop neighborhood known for its exceptional restaurants.
“By taking a more 'sessionable' approach to both the food and drink, we believe this is a place our neighbors will have lunch, linger over an afternoon glass of wine, enjoy dinner and stay for a cocktail —hopefully multiple times each week,” Eisler said.
Heisler partner Kevin Heisner designed the 75-seat restaurant, relying heavily on natural light, lush greenery and a neutral color palate. Vintage French doors span the length of the restaurant with custom woodwork, white brick, river stone tabletops and leather chairs.
Bad Hunter will be open for dinner first and is now accepting reservations via Reserve. The restaurant has plans to open for lunch and weekend brunch soon and a second-floor event space will open in late fall.
The Bad Hunter team is preparing for the restaurant's opening Wednesday. [Facebook/Bad Hunter]
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