avec West Loop

Taking its cue from the sun-drenched wine regions of Southern Europe. avec, a wine-focused restaurant from the award-winning team behind One Off Hospitality Group, opened in October 2003 out of a partnership between Executive Chef Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia, and wine steward Eduard Seitan. The rustic menu, featuring Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics, takes its cue from the sun-drenched wine regions of Southern France, Italy, Portugal, and the coast of Spain. Beyond reflecting the aromas, flavors, and colors of the Mediterranean in its cuisine, avec's moderately priced wine list focuses on the boutique vineyards of southwestern Europe. Originally conceived as a wine bar, the kitchen's offerings quickly steered the space in another direction. Wine, however, remains at avec’s core. Focused on hearty peasant wines from small producers in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, the list offers 130 wines priced between $20 and $90 a bottle. Thirty wines are offered by the glass, encouraging guests to experiment with avec’s selection of European boutique wines. The bar also offers an unusual selection of French, Italian, and Belgian beers selected to best complement Wu-Bower's cuisine. Sherries, ports, and sparkling wines round out the beverage list.