Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
A new spot in Chicago’s South Loop owned by former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije boasts offering “the world’s best amaro party.” Buttercup, located at 75 E. 16th St., is a coffee bar during the day and an amaro-focused cocktail lounge and bistro in the evening, Eater Chicago reported. The 900-square-foot space features a 40-seat room with an 11-seat, chrome-topped bar.
Starting at 7 a.m., the coffee menu offers custom blends for espresso and drip from Chicago-based Sparrow Coffee, alongside baked goods like pastries, blueberry-corn muffins and sticky-toffee bread.
The evening menu starts at 4 p.m. and features Italian-leaning classics like a charcuterie plate and truffle pizzetta, along with items like kale and broccoli Caesar salad, and roasted pork neck.
The cocktail menu gives a starring role to amaro with both classic and creative cocktails, as well as other bitter liqueurs from around the world.
“The No. 1 goal was to provide a fun and interesting experience for both veterans of amaro and guests who have never tried it,” beverage director Luke DeYoung told Eater Chicago. Nonalcoholic amaro is also available, along with a small selection of Italian wines and beer.
Idonije’s portfolio also includes Signature Steak (formerly Signature) and The Staley, also in the South Loop, where he lives.
For more, click here.
