Rosebud Trattoria Closed, Peter Balodimas Opening Domestic in Summer

When Rosebud decided to close Trattoria, Peter Balodimas knew it was his opportunity. The Rosebud corporate chef for 10 months, formerly of Quince and Fahrenheit, had his eyes on opening a farm-friendly restaurant for six years, coming to a head after his recent time in Arizona. Overseeing the Rosebud Group's kitchen operations gave him an inside track on Rosebud Trattoria, which closed after service Saturday. He decided to take over the lease and bring a rustic concept to a neighborhood, River North, that's inundated with flashier models. Domestic was born, set to open in late July or early August.

Balodimas will be stepping down from Rosebud in July to focus on his new restaurant. There will be a complete renovation, including knocking out the front side on Dearborn to create extra space. The preliminary menu features five charcuterie platters focused on different animals, bar bites (deviled eggs, "cracker jacks"), starters (beef heart tartar, chicken liver mousse, marinated sardines), and mains (Berkshire pork ribeye, Colorado lamb porterhouse, rabbit confit). Balodimas says the beverage program will focus on craft beer and "badass" bourbons. He'll roll out a new menu at Rosebud Prime in the meantime.

"River North needs a restaurant like (Domestic)," Balodimas says. See how it fits into the neighborhood in the summer.
· Rosebud Trattoria Closes, New 'Farm-Focused' Restaurant to Replace It [DNAInfo]
[Photo: DNAInfo]