Restaurant Review – mfk
“mfk. is an intimate, seaside focused eatery on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview East at 432 W. Diversey Parkway. We like little fishes, grilled crustaceans, crusty bread and cold rosé. We like rhum and agave spirits. We like seersucker suits, Iggy & The Stooges and dancing the night away. Come on by if you do, too. The kitchen is open throughout the day until 10 pm and until 11 pm on the weekend.”
Management, mfk.
Located on the border between Lincoln Park and Lakeview, mfk. has earned numerous dining awards, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award every year since opening in 2014. Many reviews of the Spanish-inspired restaurant were rapturous, including one on Google that opined,“Having traveled to Spain this past summer, I can say without hesitation that the food at mfk. vastly surpasses the quality of what we experienced in Spain itself!”
Another Google reviewer wrote, “A great little place in the big city. The food was spectacular, I suggest the Spanish tortilla. Cocktail specials and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The details regarding the menu and how some of dishes are made was most impressive.”
The menu is limited, but each plate is given the care it richly deserves and served beautifully. Start with tapas-style small plates such as Castelvetrano olives + cornichons, with herbs de provence, red onion, fresno peppers, sherry evoo (extra virgin olive oil) and citrus peel. Or, a Pqm bakery ciabatta spread with Maldon butter, garlic and olive oil. Suzuki Crudo pairs guacamole with a squid ink tostada, radish, honey-citrus and sambal.
Second courses in this subterranean boîte include a warm farro salad, pairing butternut squash, apples, chevre, toasted walnuts, and fresno honey. Or, try roasted maitake mushrooms, combining white beans, toasted almonds, harissa butter, and piquillo purée. Potato + smoked piquillo croquettes combines salmorejo, manchego, and pickled fresno peppers.
Third courses include the whimsically named clams ‘n’ ham with manila clams, house smoked pork, pastis, tomato, and a toasted ciabatta. Fideos pairs shrimp, smoked pork, mussels, and toasted capellini, with a delectable saffron cream. duck confit is served with roasted rainbow carrots and hazelnuts in duck fat jus.
Mfk. Is located at 432 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago. Their website lists it as being open Thursday-Sunday, and reservations are highly recommended. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago
