Two new concepts are lining up for a West Town address that has been dark since a well-known caviar spot shut its doors. Madina West African Fusion Cuisine and Nima Speakeasy + Lounge are planned for 2700 W. Chicago Avenue, and the owner is hoping to open around New Year's Eve.
The restaurant and bar will take over both the first floor and basement of the building, according to WhatNow. Owner Martin Bonsu Jr. told What Now Chicago he is hoping to open around New Year's Eve, though no firm date has been set. The project has been in the works for a while, and Bonsu has been going through building inspections.
A Menu Built on West African Roots
Bonsu wants to fuse flavors from West Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. with African seasonings and spices, per the same report. He described the cuisine this way: “It's derived from West Africa, like Ghana.”
No menus, prices or hours have been made public. The report says Bonsu and his team will release more information on their website in the near future.
Stepping Into Heritage's Old Space
The address was previously home to Heritage Restaurant + Caviar Bar, which closed last year. Eater Chicago reported that the Miekles announced they would close the restaurant on Saturday, August 30, after an eight-year run at 2700 W. Chicago Avenue. The owners said they couldn't afford the proposed lease increases.
Madina and Nima are coming to the northwest side of the W. Chicago and N. Washtenaw avenues intersection, with the W. Grand Avenue intersection a short walk west. The spot is close to other restaurants and bars, including Suncatcher Brewing, Taco El Jalisciense and Continental Lounge.
Still Waiting on the Final Green Light
The concepts surfaced through a recent liquor license application, according to the WhatNow report. Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection publishes such filings, and its city liquor-license applications page covers applications received in the past six weeks.
Whether the concepts have cleared final liquor, building or occupancy approvals remains unconfirmed. For now, the New Year's Eve target is a hope rather than a promise.
