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DMK Restaurant Group is betting hard on the Elston Corridor, north of North Avenue where it opened Ada Street back in 2012. The group will open a new bar/restaurant, Fort Willow at 1721 N. Elston Avenue in late December, according to a news release. They’ll serve dinner and weekend brunch inside a two-floor, 2,500-square-foot, and 75-seat space.
The menu includes foods inspired from various regions around the world, and the soundtrack will also have a global vibe. Music will be a big part of the atmosphere, just like at Ada Street. Fort Willow’s sample dishes include a steak and egg fried rice, and an Indian-style vegetable curry with naan. They’ll also serve Florida stone crab claws. DMK’s Michael Kornick collaborated on the menu with Chef Deirdre Quinn. Quinn helped open DMK’s Tavernonna in Kansas City, according to Crain’s, which broke the story.
The space will feature a tree made of wooden slats with branches covering the dining room. Chris Talsma of Filoramo Talsma Architects and local craftsman, Arlan DeRussy, designed the restaurant. There’s also a second-floor event space with an outdoor terrace that faces east. Crain’s reported that it will open early next year.
The drinks will also have an international flair, many of which will use fresh fruit juice. There’s the “Caipifruta,” with Novo Fogo Cachaça, lime and seasonal fruit and the “Tree Fort Punch,” with Stormy Night black tea, Amaro Abano, Amaro Averna, aged pisco and nutmeg.
Around the corner from Fort Willow stands DMK’s third concept in the area, Werewolf Coffee Bar. They’re neighbors with Cocktail Courier, a cocktail-kit company that employs many local bar consultants. Fort Willow will offer a monthly drink special and customers who like their drinks could purchase a drink kits through the courier.
The restaurant is on the same street as Local Foods — the cafe/butcher/grocer combo. The area continues to be intriguing for fans of good food. Check back for more details on Fort Willow as the opening grows nearer.
