According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an uproar can be "a loud and impassioned noise or disturbance" or "a public expression of protest and outrage."
Scott Horwitch—the owner of Old Town spot Uproar (1252 N. Wells St.; UproarChicago.com)—told Windy City Times that with the venue's name, "That's what we wanted—to cause an uproar!" However, I'm willing to bet that he was aiming for the first of the aforementioned definitions.
Well, he has definitely accomplished the former—for some very good reasons.
A friend and I recently visited the restaurant/event space. If you like comfort food (with some items sporting slight twists), this is the place for you.
This meal was unusual in that we sampled several of the dishes—mostly appetizers. (I intend to correct that during a subsequent visit.) What's interesting is that you could invite two or three of your buddies, order a couple of the generously sized apps and have a great time.
For both of us, the cauliflower bites were one of the uncontested highlights. Served with oven-roasted pineapple and chili mayo, the bites were tangy, savory and crunchy—a perfect mix. However, the wings were a mixed bag. The ones with the Uproar mix (Buffalo/BBQ) were absolutely delightful and had just a slight kick; unfortunately, the lemon pepper wings were way too salty for either of us. By contrast, the garlic truffle fries were a winner, as were the skewer trio (steak, chicken and shrimp) and lettuce wraps with grilled chicken (an entree).
Other apps include grilled-cheese bites, a hummus platter, whipped feta and tuna nachos—something for everybody.
As for those entrees, items range from salads (chopped, Cobb and shaved vegetable), braised short rib, burgers, chicken sandwiches and skirt steak.
Desserts are basic but enticing, to say the least. If the apple crisp, brownie a la mode and deep-fried Oreos (which were absolutely scrumptious) don't tempt you at least a little, you're probably not human.
However, Uproar also seems to have a killer brunch. Some of the sweet items include the delectable S'mores pancakes (which we also sampled), Bananas Foster French toast and cinnamon rolls. And to make the experience more surreal, some of these items have accompanying shots. (Yes—we tried a pancake shot, with whiskey, citrus and syrup.) However, other items are also offered, including smoked salmon toast, chicken tenders, a burger (Da Smash Burger) and that brunch staple, chicken and waffles.
And if you think you'd like to have an event there, Director of Marketing Rachel D'Eletto (one of the nicest people alive) can make it all happen. Not only will the music be kick-ass (judging from the tunes we heard during our visit), but the upstairs space can accommodate up to 200 people. As for the flourishes up there, guests will see/experience a pink staircase, a secret room with lots of kitsch, Gucci wallpaper (!) and more.
In fact, you might have such a good time up there that you'll cause an … well, you know the space's name.
Note: This visit was arranged.
The Evolved Network benefit dinner
—At Northbrook's Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; 843-205-4433), Chef Sarah Stegner will join forces with Chef Sebastian White for a Thursday, Feb. 2, benefit dinner to support White's The Evolved Network. The dinner will be 5:30-8 p.m.
The Evolved Network The Evolved Network, according to its website, "provides experiential programming through culinary and gardening equipping youth in systemically oppressed communities with transformative healing, skills and support needed to evolve into masters of their unique gifts."
All of the special five-course meal's proceeds will be donated to The Evolved Network's 2023 spring programming. Courses will include wild striped bass, sea scallop, duck leg and butter-squash ravioli, prime New York strip with beef tongue and a chef's choice dessert.
Tickets are $145 per person plus $29 for gratuity, and may be purchased at The Evolved Network website ( Website Link Here ;. Donations can be made at Website Link Here .
