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Acclaimed Miami-imported cocktail bar and eatery The Broken Shaker is getting closer to opening, as ownership has tapped its opening chef and bar manager. Jonathan Meyer (Five Star Lounge) will handle the food at the spot in the forthcoming Freehand Hostel, while Freddie Sarkis, who was the opening beverage director at Celeste, will run the drink side, reps confirm. The anticipated opening date is sometime before summer.
The Broken Shaker, known for its creative use of local and seasonal produce and herbs in its culinary-styled cocktails and punches, will be locally-themed and similarly utilize local purveyors at the Chicago location as it does at the James Beard-nominated Miami Beach original. The food side at the original features a few snacks, small plates, and sandwiches. "We want it to be fun, good music, and delicious food and drinks," Sarkis says. "But not clubby."
In addition to The Broken Shaker, the Freehand Chicago will also house Cafe Integral, which will "offer gourmet coffee by day and a special drink program by night," according to its website. Look for it all to open in the former Tokyo Hotel space on Ohio Street before spring is over.
