The Awakening, by Audarshia Townsend

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A Sneak Peek of the Long-Awaited Bronzeville Winery
theawakening.substack.com

A Sneak Peek of the Long-Awaited Bronzeville Winery

Situated on Chicago’s South Side, this vibrant, vino-focused establishment aims to be a cultural landmark. We chat with one of the owners during an exclusive interview on the LIVE! Culinary Series.

Audarshia Townsend
Apr 17
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A Sneak Peek of the Long-Awaited Bronzeville Winery
theawakening.substack.com
Bronzeville Winery partners Cecilia Cuff (left) and Eric Williams. Photos: Matt Lowell Photos

It’s amazing to think about how many high-profile Black folks have moved to Bronzeville in recent years. In the hospitality industry alone, it consists of the likes of chefs Erick Williams and Lamar Moore, deejay/producer Lady D, wine expert Derrick Westbrook, mixologist Ian Julian, and cultural entrepreneurs Cecilia Cuff and Eric Williams.

The latter two are on the brink of opening the long-awaited Bronzeville Winery — a necessary project combining wine, fine dining, art, music, and more — in an area that’s scarce as far as restaurants are concerned. But what’s more important is that they’re bringing much-needed jobs to the community, and aiming to cultivate the next generation of culinary leaders and entrepreneurs.

During a recent conversation on LIVE! Culinary Series, Eric Williams joined us to chat about his vision and also what to expect when the restaurant officially debuts on April 20. This is not his first time opening a restaurant (He had Square One in Wicker Park in the early 2000s), but this project is much more invested in making an industry statement.

He’s put in place a strong, young culinary team headed in the right direction. Former Alinea Restaurant Group chef Whitney McMorris, sommelier Derrick Westbrook (Juice@1340), urban farmer Alicia Nesbary-Moore (Herban Produce), and master mixologist Ian Julian — a recent New Orleans transplant — work in harmony.

Watch the interview with Eric Williams as he explains what’s to come, and check out photos below of Bronzeville Winery’s official media preview dinner.

Executive chef Whitney McMorris
Grilled watermelon “steak”
Ratatouille
Steak
Fried Brussels sprouts
With master mixologist Ian Julian
Sommelier Derrick Westbrook
Salmon
Fried oysters
Alicia Nesbary-Moore of Herban Produce
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A Sneak Peek of the Long-Awaited Bronzeville Winery
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Matt FFT
Apr 17Liked by Audarshia Townsend

Looks fantastic! Great interview! ❤️

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