ANDERSONVILLE — There’s a new street food spot focused on sustainability in Andersonville from a team of Hopleaf veterans.
The 5212 N. Clark St. eatery replaces wine and cheese spot Pastoral and its accompanying restaurant Appellation, which closed after less than three years in the space. General Manager James Bateman said he’s long-dreamed of opening his own restaurant, and street food is a great way to explore various flavors and welcome people into the space, he said.
“Someone once told me that street food was the culinary embodiment of a city’s culture,” he said. “That’s always stuck with me.”
The term Gadabout is often used to describe someone who travels the world for pleasure, and that is exactly the type of experience Bateman is hoping to offer his guests.
Bateman, 31, opened the restaurant with fellow Hopleaf kitchen alums Rolf and Meg Pederson.
He said the team will focus on “simple and humble ingredients” and transform them into interesting dishes you’ve never tried before.
He is particularly excited about a Chicago-style Panzanella — a dish that includes pan-seared monkfish, sourdough croutons, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions with celery salt and and a mustard vinaigrette.
“We are not trying to necessarily be authentic,” he said. “But we are trying to be inspired by street food you can find all over the world.”
The Pedersons will be executive chefs at the eatery.
Aside from the food, Bateman wants Gadabout to be a good citizen of the earth — he’s focused on sustainability.
“It’s important to pay attention to your carbon footprint,” he said.
All the restaurant’s furniture is vintage, purchase from Chicago’s Brown Elephant resale shop.
Customers who BYOS — bring your own straw — will also get $1 off their meal. They also opted for stainless steel cocktail picks and coasters to avoid single-use products.
“It’s not much, but every little bit helps,” he said.
Although the soft-opening was last week, Bateman said they are still reworking things and improving the menu. Aside from an extensive cocktail list, mocktails will be added as well.
Gadabout will be offering 15 percent off to anyone who dines at the restaurant during its opening days of October 17 through 20.
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