Something Special on Southport

[rating=5]Southport is a unique street in Chicago. One of the oldest movie theaters in the country ( The Music Box) is on this street. The Mercury Theatre along with its new sister, Venus Cabaret Theatre is just north of there and as you travel between just south of Addison to Byron, lots of specialty shops and eateries. But as you near Irving Park, unless you are seeking parking for a Cubs game, you don’t think of finding more than a parking space, or the post office on Irving Park and Southport. Kiddie-corner from that very post office, there is a new dining spot that you MUST try. Yes, I know others have had that space, but no one has done what Adam and Steve are doing now- creating a menu that is special and will make all in your party happy. The name of this new space is  Port and Park ( southPORT and irvingPARK) Bistro and Bar.

Jane and I met our kids there. My son Cary and his wife Cari live in the city and are dine-out people. The first thing Cary noticed was that while the portions were more than ample, the prices were far from the “pricy” downtown places. In fact, his statement was “The farther north you drive, the better the value”. This is true here in spite of being just blocks from Wrigley Field. The restaurant is still being renovated from the previous occupant and at this time, only the corner is in use with a fabulous bar, several comfy tables and a smaller room with a fireplace for the warm and fuzzy that some people seek. I imagine , once the “dust settles down” they will add the other dining room which will hold 30 or so people.

I enjoy a cocktail with dinner and they have a wide assortment to choose from. A beer list that is quite long as well as specialty drinks. The Old Fashioned had some added touches with chocolate pieces in the glass. This added something special and a taste that is one to savor. Since Port and Park is designed to do some “sharing” , we did just that. For our starters, we partook of Pork Potstickers (ube wrapper, sesame -soy glaze, bok choy, blistered shishito, and mango salsite), and Corn Fritters (sweet corn fritters,chipotle acorn squash,avocado crema and jalepenos) and last but not least,Fres Burrata (nut free pesto,tomato chutney and crostini). There are many others to choose from and FYI, most are at about $12.

For our “vegetables to share” Marinated Beet Salad ( to die for!- the pistachios in the mix are sensational), Charred Brussels Sprouts ( crispy pancetta, honey gastrique and smoked almonds) and the delicious Roasted Broccoli & Lentils( Indian -spiced beluga lentils, mango and tahini sumac salt). Again, there are many more options and I have to tell you, there was plenty to eat for all four of us.

We skipped the “Hand Held” menu  with one exception: the Short Rib Tacos (braised short ribs, pica de gallo, avocado served with some home-made chips that are wonderful) . There are some very interesting items in addition to this including a heavenly looking burger.

The main entrees we selected with the help of  our server Jamie ( who truly understands the menu), were the Roasted Half Chicken (brined, served with coconut rice, sweet plaintains and a carribean sause with cilantro) and the delicious Pork & Beans ( a slow-cooked pork shank, great northern beans, braised cabbage+ bacon, herbs and citrus). This was probably the tenderest pork I have ever eaten. It was kind of fun to carve and share with the family.

We were visited by the chef Brittna Sudlow, creator of these masterpieces and many more. She explained the selection of their menu items and that Port & Park was built on a foundation by its partners on having an upscale dining space in a family friendly atmosphere and at prices that make it affordable. As mentioned earlier, they have succeeded in that part of their plan. The flavors and menu items are delicious and the presentations are powerful.  To show you how family friendly they are, they have a solid children’s menu ( grilled cheese and burger/cheeseburger) and from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. kids under 12 eat free ( with each adult purchasing a menu item)

Port & Park serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday ( until 3 p.m.) and  has a children’s menu for that as well. We have put this on our list of to-do’s after bowling season ends in April! Based on our scrumptious dinner, we are sure that Brunch will be worth the trip to Southport and Irving Park and the new Port & Park. Adam Gutkin and his staff understand  quality in service and in what they serve. They call their fare “New American Cuisine” which I feel translates to a global mixture of flavors and styles. using local suppliers, that bring something new to what we think of as “old standards”.

While Chef Brittna is working on her own dessert items, they are serving First Slice Pie ( different daily selections) .If they have the Blueberry Cheesecake when you are there, “order it for sure!”

Their hours are Tuesday thru Thursday  4:30 p.m.-11 p.m. ,Friday 10 a.m.- 12 a.m., Saturday  9 a.m.- 12 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Phone number- 773-697-7762 for reservations. We had no problem finding parking. The entrance is on the corner at 4000 N. Southport and to see their menu, visit https://portandparkchicago.com.

Mr. Rogers might say, Port and Park is a” beautiful place in the neighborhood!” It truly is!