WICKER PARK — For the seventh year in a row, Schwa has maintained its single Michelin star status and for 2017, shines as the only Wicker Park/Bucktown restaurant to earn a coveted spot on Chicago's winner list.
"It's super great and it's always nice to be recognized," said Wilson Bauer, chef de cuisine at Schwa, just minutes after the news came out.
Located in a small nondescript storefront at 1466 N. Ashland Ave. and led by chef-owner Michael Carlson, the 26-seat Schwa is known for being unconventional, often blasting heavy metal music or sometimes impulsively closing at a moment's notice.
Schwa is "considered a leader in the molecular gastronomy style of cooking" and has "simple table settings that match the building's drab exterior," according to its Facebook page.
The restaurant also employs no support staff and the chefs interact directly with customers.
Last week, Michelin gave 52 Chicago restaurants its 2017 "Bib Gourmand" honors, acknowledging restaurants that provide "quality food at a reasonable price."
Several Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town restaurants snagged Bib Gourmand status, including The Bristol, 2152 N. Damen Ave.; Arami, a sushi restaurant at 1829 W. Chicago Ave.; Cumin, a modern Nepalese and Indian eatery at 1414 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Dove's Luncheonette, a diner at 1545 N. Damen Ave.; the vegetarian-focused Mana Food Bar, 1742 W. Division St.; Asian-inspired Mott Street Chicago, 1401 N. Ashland Ave.; and TWO, a farm-to-fork seasonal cuisine restaurant at 1132 W. Grand Ave.
Schwa, at far left. [DNAInfo/Alisa Hauser]
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