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A new restaurant, now open in Humboldt Park, boasts a team of super friends who worked with Brendan Sodikoff at Hogsalt. Bar Marta stealthily began service last weekend inside the cozy former Hunter and Tails space on Chicago Avenue. They serve a small menu of American fare courtesy of chef Jeff Pikus, an Alinea alum who most recently worked at the Aviary. Pikus also worked at Hogsalt, serving as executive chef at Maude's Liquor Bar and oversaw High Five Ramen.
Bar Marta also features a full beverage menu that includes wine, craft beer and nine craft cocktails. The restaurant's all star team includes owner Austin Baker, a former Hogsalt director who helped Sodikoff open Au Cheval. He's also worked at Le Bernadin in New York, which is where Jerusha Frost, who curates Bar Marta's wine list, worked. Other Hogsalt expats include Ben Ruiz (High Five Ramen), Scottie Harrel (Maude's) and bar program director Christina Carrera (Au Cheval).
The menu's vegetarian friendly with smoked eggplant and pastas made in house. Pescaterians will find plenty with a rotating grilled fish entree. Meatballs, plus a pork chop entree round out the menu, which diners can check out in full below.
Bar Marta, 2700 W. Chicago Ave., open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
