Avec Will Start Taking Reservations Next Week & Host Another Momofuku Pop-Up

Since opening in 2003, hungry West Loop diners have braved long waits to try the small plates at Avec, as the acclaimed restaurant did not take reservations. Thirteen years after debuting, One Off Hospitality Group is reversing course — at least partially. Avec on Monday will begin to accept weekday lunch reservations.

Yes, it's strictly for lunch, and reservations can also be made on the phone. The restaurant is also adding new lunch items. The news release only mentioned one: Merguez sausage with rock shrimp, cucumbers, mint and feta on a wood oven-baked pita. Lunch at Avec goes from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Change is in the air at Avec, as a story popped up in November that they were considering expanding upstairs.

Also, for the second-straight year —last year it was at The Publican— a One Off restaurant will host a pop-up featuring David Chang's acclaimed Momofuku restaurants from NYC. Avec will host the pop-up from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. on May 1, featuring a mix of a la carte items from Momofuku's Ssäm Bar and Má Pêche and Executive Matt Rudofker, a Beard finalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year. That includes special dishes made just for the pop-up, including kimchi deviled eggs (tobiko, chive), Niman Ranch sirloin tartare (sesame, yolk, yuzu kosho), smoked seven spice brisket (pea slaw, Bibb lettuce) and shrimp & grits (xo, egg, kale). Avec's brunch menu will also be available, as will cocktails from both Avec and Momofuku.

They are also taking three special Bo Ssäm reservations on the same date for groups of seven to 10 at $250 per party. That will include a slow-cooked pork shoulder, dozen oysters, and two bowls each of white rice, Bibb lettuce, plus Korean-style barbecue sauce, kimchi and ginger scallion sauce. Again, only three reservations are available, and they can be made at info@avecrestaurant.com.