Expansion and Prix Fixe Dinners Sprouting at River Valley Farmer's Table

Chicago's fungus fanatics will have more from River Valley this winter. Known for their longtime presence at local farmer's markets with five varieties of organic mushrooms, ownership of the River Valley Farmer's Table is expanding the space, preparing to offer prix fixe menus, and maybe a new location.

Additional seating and seasonally-inspired prix fixe menus are definite. A current refocus on the restaurant side begins with a small remodel and expansion this week, resulting in 20 new seats, with plans for an additional 16 seats in the works for a Friday reopening. A Wisconsin farm-based family business, the River Valley Farmer's Table serves as a hybrid retail/restaurant space in the former City Provisions locale.

The Rose family ownership is also in process of reviewing several spaces for a quick-service restaurant and retail space. "Similar to what we do at the Farmer's Table but more casual, think counter service," Rose explains. Focusing on vegan and gluten-free products made out of organic produce found on their farm, as well as other regional growers, Rose hopes for a mid-summer opening to feature the season's harvest.

February's menu looks to include regional produce and seasonal offerings in multi-course fashion. "The prix fixe dinners will vary in price according to wine and beer pairings, what we are serving, and what farms we're partnered with," Jordan Rose, a second generation owner of River Valley, explains. "We're going to offer them every other Tuesday night, and if attendance is good, we'll expand out to additional evenings." Prices for these bi-weekly dinners will range from $65 to $100 per person.

—Stephanie Sack