Chicago Business’ profile of Alpana Singh’s new venture, The Boarding House, is like a white burgundy— dry and a bit chalky. But there’s some insight into the venture to be had from this very businesslike piece, about the first sommelier-driven restaurant that we can remember offhand in Chicago— there’s Singh and her two partners, Matt Fisher and John Ward (Bistronomic), but no chef as yet. The five-story building is essential to the restaurant’s identity, with the various floors devoted to a basement wine cellar, a wine bar, a private party space and the kitchen, a main dining room and another party space/extra dining seating at the top. Though their functions are decided, what will be served there (besides wine) is being researched via social media— “Based on her followers’ suggestions, there’s a good chance that her menu will have bacon-wrapped dates, Gruyère toasts and smoked fish, along with her favorites, charcuterie and empanadas. Even if she doesn’t end up with those items on the menu, she’s already getting buzz for her place.” [Chicago Business]
