Lincoln Park is known for casual food in a welcoming atmosphere, and there is no better spot for that than Late Bloomer {1538 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago; 312.801.5955}. With everything from Buffalo Chicken Sandwich to a Chorizo + Cotija Pizza, they promise to have you “finely fed, day & night.” That’s all thanks to Executive Chef Marco Bahena, recently returned to his hometown of Chicago, who is making the Lincoln Park neighborhood more delicious with every bite.
Diningout: Who was your earliest culinary influence?
Marco Bahena: Chef Andrew Meyer. He was the first teacher I ever had who truly taught and inspired me. More than just recipes and techniques, he gave me life lessons beyond the kitchen that I look back on often and thank him for.
What was your first job in the kitchen?
My first job really working in the kitchen was as a prep cook and dishwasher at my uncle’s restaurant, “Mexican Fiesta” in Dearborn, Michigan. He gave me my first taste of the kitchen and actually tried to talk me out of it, but the energy and excitement was too consuming. I was hooked.
What then led you to The Late Bloomer?
I was in the process of moving back home to Chicago after working at Straight Wharf in Nantucket. After a bit of research, I found L3 Hospitality and signed on as their lead Chef. Late Bloomer is our first original concept and it has been both challenging and fun to develop the original menu and build that neighborhood business. The first one is always the hardest, but our success there has made me even more excited for everything else to come.
What makes The Late Bloomer special in the Chicago food world?
I think we are serving approachable comfort food that the Lincoln Park neighborhood has been missing. We are bringing excitement to some classic dishes to give you a sense of nostalgia, but with a slight twist or update. Our goal was to design enough delicious dishes that you feel comfortable picking up lunch, getting an after work happy hour drink, having dinner with family, or brunching with friends all in the same week.
What do you want people to experience when they dine with you?
I want people to forget about life’s distractions and feel that they can unwind with us. Whether that means adding that extra glass of wine or getting adventurous with our spicy curry bowl, I want people to trust that they can bring their family and friends and know that we’ll take care of them.
What are some of your favorite menu items currently?
Short Rib Meatloaf Sandwich, all day any day. We slow braise short rib until it’s fall-apart-tender, then shred it and fold it together with fresh short rib making it a super tender and juicy slice of beef between two slices of sourdough.
And then you can’t go wrong with our “Free Falling” cocktail. Rye whiskey, fernet and a mess of fries – sounds like a great lunch to me.
What do you like to do in Chicago when you’re not working?
Most of my days off are spent looking for food inspiration. To me, that means anything from checking out new restaurants, reading a new book or going to an art exhibit. There is so much inspiration to be found in Chicago in so many different ways.
How would you describe the Chicago food scene?
The Chicago food scene has always been adventurous and a bit avant-garde in our own Midwestern way. I have always loved that. We have proven that we can have high-end sophisticated destination dining and in the same neighborhood have places that make classic American or international comfort food cool. Just the other day I got a steak and lobster dinner at a dive bar…who does that?!
What’s your favorite at-home recipe?
I learned this thing in France. The first step is to drink a bunch of French beer—I usually go with Kronenourg. Then grab a baguette, spread mayo all over the inside of it, toast it, fill it with comté cheese, a fried egg, a little bit of ham, lots of pâté and finish it with a little espelette pepper if you’re feeling spicy. Definitely not a recipe I make at home EVERY night, but it doesn’t get much better than that.
Let us know if there are any fun things coming up at the restaurant!
Where to begin?! We are launching new menu items almost every week. Our daily happy hour features some great deals and FREE housemade kettle chips, which is deliciously tempting at the end of almost every shift. Whether you’re interested in bottomless brunch or a lunch salad to-go, I hope everyone comes to see what we’re serving up at The Late Bloomer!
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
The post In the Kitchen with Marco Bahena of L3 Hospitality Group appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.