Ex-Balena Sous Chef’s First Restaurant Takes Over Analogue Space in Logan Square

When Analogue closed, it was assumed new restaurant would need to meet hefty expectations. The beloved Logan Square cocktail bar and Cajun restaurant was among the saddest closures of 2016. That’s the challenge in front of former Balena sous chef Joe Frillman, who plans on opening Daisies inside the space at 2523 N. Milwaukee Ave.

There’s no hard news about an opening date yet, except that Frillman hopes to open sometime this year. Daisies will focus on pasta with Midwestern-grown produce, according to the Tribune. Frillman and mentor chef Chris Pandel created delicate pastas at Balena, including the diner favorite taglioni nero (black squid ink pasta with crab, sea urchin and chili pepper). Perhaps that gives diners an idea to what Daisies may serve. Frillman will work with his brother Tim on the restaurant. The sibling owns Frillman Farms in Prairie View, their hometown located about an hour northwest of Chicago.

Joe Frillman has also cooked at B. Hospitality’s Bristol in Bucktown and Boka Group’s Perennial Virant. The latter closed last month in Lincoln Park. Balena is a collaboration between those two groups.