WICKER PARK — Named for the last monarch of the Incan Empire to fight against colonialism, new restaurant Amaru (“a-MAR-oo”) opens this Saturday in Wicker Park.
Latin-fusion chef Rodolfo Cuadros, formerly the executive chef at Carnivale, will open Amaru at 1904 W. North Ave.
“I wanted a spot where locals feel at home and where I could bring different cultures together, and those cultures will feel at home,” Cuadros said. “I love the energy of the neighborhood. I also plan to create a place where you can come on a date or come with your kids.”
Cuadros’ tapas-style menu will feature traditional South and Central American flavors, but will also draw on Asian and Mediterranean influences, which are prevalent in pan Latin cultures, said spokesperson Shannan Hofman Bunting.
The 80-seat restaurant will have a front garage door that will open onto North Avenue during warmer weather. Music will be an ode to the chef’s love for ’80s and ’90s hip-hop.
The restaurant will be open 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 5-11 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the restaurant will open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Amaru will then re-open from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday and 5-10 p.m. on Sunday.
The restaurant’s bar will close at Midnight Tuesday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and at 10 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
Check out more photos of Amaru:
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