Heritage- West Town

A small group of us went to Heritage last night for our monthly dining adventure. We were intrigued by the menu which combines Eastern European, Asian and even some Mexican influences. We were also intrigued by the prospect of a Caviar Bar.

Overall we had an excellent experience. The restaurant outside understated, only a decal on the front door on a stretch of Chicago that is becoming quite full of nice places (just down the road from Kai Zan), though it is across the street from to an Advanced Auto Parts store. The inside is lovely. The service was wonderful, super attentive and thoughtful. Our server was knowledgeable and helpful. The wine list was interesting, some Eastern European wines that I had never seen. We chose an Austrian red that was delicious.

The caviar we tried was excellent, two different varieties 15g each (they offer 15g and 30g portions) which came with two other types of roe, an assortment of house made black bread, chips, pickles, and accoutrements. It was an awesome spread and was a great start to the meal, the fact that everything was made in house was awesome. We also had the house made braunschweiger as an app, which came with warm white bread, pickles and mustard, we all enjoyed it. The polemni were interesting, done in more of a Korean style with spicy veggies, they were not my favorite. For mains we tried the duck and the short rib, both were really excellent. The duck was a 1/2 duck and it came with a bread dumpling that I wasn't crazy about, but the vegetables that were with it were delicious (mushrooms, kale), and I loved the short rib, it was korean kalbi (bone in), the grits and the kumquats were amazing. Desserts were outstanding, a key lime pie (I forget the description) was the pie of the day and the espresso souffle was exceptional.

The place was pretty empty most of the time we were there, so I really really hope that they gain some traction, because I want to go back and try the pierogies and some of the other caviars, smoked fishes...and more dessert. They also have a more casual bar menu that looked quite good.

Heritage
2700 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Sad news from the team at Heritage, received a few moments ago, via email . . .

Our Story:
Last night a malfunctioning hood motor, suddenly went out of balance, sparked, and ignited a fire. The Chicago Fire Department arrived quickly and we are thankful no one was hurt. However, this unforeseen event has not just damaged our kitchen but has momentarily paused operations.

The Impact:
Currently, our kitchen stands inoperable, expected to remain so for the next 2 weeks. This isn’t just about repairs; it’s about keeping the spirit of our community alive. Every day our doors stay closed, we are not only facing the challenge of repairing the damage but also the daunting task of supporting our employees financially and covering our operational expenses during this unexpected closure.

Our Goal:
We've turned to GoFundMe with a goal of raising $100,000. These funds will be used directly for:
Paying our hardworking employees, who are the heartbeat of our restaurant.
Covering operational expenses to ensure we can bounce back without crippling debt.
Cleaning up the aftermath of the fire, which includes smoke and water damage repair.
Purchasing new equipment to replace what was lost, ensuring we meet our standards of quality and safety.

How You Can Help:
Any contribution, no matter how small, is immensely appreciated. Your support means keeping a dream alive, sustaining a space where food brings people together, where laughter fills the room, and where community thrives. Click the link below to donate today.

Our Promise:
In return for your generosity and support, we promise to keep you updated every step of the way. We will share our triumphs and our challenges as we rebuild what was lost. Our kitchen is more than a business; it’s a home to us, our employees, and every soul we've had the pleasure of serving.

Closing Thoughts:
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Your support during this challenging time means the world to us. Together, with your help, we will reignite the stoves, sharpen our knives, and once again fill our space with love and laughter.

With all our love and gratitude,
Tiffany + Guy

Help Rebuild Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar

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LTH,
$100,000? How arrogant? To enable caviar flights and $28 Benedict’s?

Sorry

Evil Ronnie wrote:LTH,
$100,000? How arrogant? To enable caviar flights and $28 Benedict’s?

Sorry

I think they're trying to keep the business alive and support their staff while they're closed. Without any regard to the restaurant's worthiness, which would be purely subjective, it does seem like a very big number. But this is a humble, neighborhood spot. Not some luxe cafe. I just don't see arrogance here.

My guess is that they don't have business interruption insurance and that at least some of this money, as laid out in the email, will be used to support/pay their staff and cover other expenses (e.g. rent) while the restaurant is closed, and revenue is effectively turned off.

More troubling is that some of the things on their list seem like they should be covered by a standard CGL policy. Water/smoke damage and new equipment seem like odd exclusions but again, without reading their policy, there's just no way to know.

But yeah, justifiable or not, it does seem like a relatively big ask. In fact, I cannot ever remember seeing a larger one. However, that doesn't mean that it comes from a place of arrogance or that there is anything sinister about it.

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Seems really shady to not at least address why insurance isn’t covering this…

boudreaulicious wrote:Seems really shady to not at least address why insurance isn’t covering this…

Geez! What is it with the suspicions and accusations? Shady implies some ill intent or deception and I just don't think that's necessarily applicable. That said, it definitely seems unusual -- as does the size of the ask -- and anyone who's considering donating certainly should ask about this before proceeding.

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Humble neighborhood spot = caviar flights?

I remember a caviar flight at Tru almost 25 years ago.

Sounds pretentious as hell, like a Bobby Flay place in Vegas.

They don’t want to end up in debt…

Evil Ronnie wrote:Humble neighborhood spot = caviar flights?

I remember a caviar flight at Tru almost 25 years ago.

Sounds pretentious as hell, like a Bobby Flay place in Vegas.

They don’t want to end up in debt…

Yep they specifically mention that they don't want to get too crippled with debt. They're pretty clear of their intentions with the $ they raise.

Let's not add to this restaurant's difficult time by sullying their name and reputation with this misinformed conjecture.

You may not believe their requests for help are warranted. But I guarantee there's plenty of loyal customers and acquaintances that feel differently and are willing to help out.

Evil Ronnie wrote:Humble neighborhood spot = caviar flights?

I remember a caviar flight at Tru almost 25 years ago.

Sounds pretentious as hell, like a Bobby Flay place in Vegas.

They don’t want to end up in debt…

Ron,

Have you ever been there, experienced it or even driven by? If you haven't been there, you really don't know. The place is decidedly blue collar and unassuming. Their entire mission is about making such food approachable. With all due respect, you can pile on all you want but comparing Heritage to Tru reveals that your opinion is uninformed at best.

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ronnie_suburban wrote:

Evil Ronnie wrote:Humble neighborhood spot = caviar flights?

I remember a caviar flight at Tru almost 25 years ago.

Sounds pretentious as hell, like a Bobby Flay place in Vegas.

They don’t want to end up in debt…

Ron,

Have you ever been there, experienced it or even driven by? If you haven't been there, you really don't know. The place is decidedly blue collar and unassuming. Their entire mission is about making such food approachable. With all due respect, you can pile on all you want but comparing Heritage to Tru reveals that your opinion is uninformed at best.

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Hi Ron,
Yes. My opinion. I don’t understand the business model based on their website photography, mission statement and so on.
Do you understand the mixed message sent by a blue collar, unassuming restaurant which offers $200+ appetizers but closes at 9 and 10pm?
That is all.

Evil Ronnie wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:

Evil Ronnie wrote:Humble neighborhood spot = caviar flights?

I remember a caviar flight at Tru almost 25 years ago.

Sounds pretentious as hell, like a Bobby Flay place in Vegas.

They don’t want to end up in debt…

Ron,

Have you ever been there, experienced it or even driven by? If you haven't been there, you really don't know. The place is decidedly blue collar and unassuming. Their entire mission is about making such food approachable. With all due respect, you can pile on all you want but comparing Heritage to Tru reveals that your opinion is uninformed at best.

=R=

Hi Ron,
Yes. My opinion. I don’t understand the business model based on their website photography, mission statement and so on.
Do you understand the mixed message sent by a blue collar, unassuming restaurant which offers $200+ appetizers but closes at 9 and 10pm?
That is all.

I just think it's bunk -- and of relatively little value -- to knock a place without ever having experienced it, and based solely on their website. But yes. It's your opinion and you're certainly entitled to it.

=R=

Apart from the specifics of the worthiness of Heritage and its role in the community (except just to say that it's unlikely that the huddled masses will go unfed due to the temporary closure), I'm dismayed by the way that small business owners have hopped on the "we get the successes, somebody else takes the losses" bandwagon that PPP and 2008 bailouts ushered in. Risk along with reward is part of private business. Businesses fail, some due to being ill conceived or executed, some due to bad luck. A fairer plan would be to offer a more substantial "share in the triumphs" like repayment or a free or discounted meal. I don't really blame Heritage's owners for trying this approach. They've undoubtedly seen it before in our social media saturated environment. And donation sites are out there while microcredit or microequity sites are not. Ultimately, though, if you can't stand the heat of risk, stay out of the small business kitchen.

A few nonjudgmental notes on the specifics: I'll bet they are anticipating a long delay in getting insurance, if they have it, to settle their claim. Oddly, though, there are reservations available at Heritage as early as April 29 - that may just be a miscommunication with Tock.

tjr wrote:Apart from the specifics of the worthiness of Heritage and its role in the community (except just to say that it's unlikely that the huddled masses will go unfed due to the temporary closure), I'm dismayed by the way that small business owners have hopped on the "we get the successes, somebody else takes the losses" bandwagon that PPP and 2008 bailouts ushered in. Risk along with reward is part of private business. Businesses fail, some due to being ill conceived or executed, some due to bad luck. A fairer plan would be to offer a more substantial "share in the triumphs" like repayment or a free or discounted meal. I don't really blame Heritage's owners for trying this approach. They've undoubtedly seen it before in our social media saturated environment. And donation sites are out there while microcredit or microequity sites are not. Ultimately, though, if you can't stand the heat of risk, stay out of the small business kitchen.

A few nonjudgmental notes on the specifics: I'll bet they are anticipating a long delay in getting insurance, if they have it, to settle their claim. Oddly, though, there are reservations available at Heritage as early as April 29 - that may just be a miscommunication with Tock.

Well, yeah. Among other things, it's definitely a case of 'me no ask, me no get.' No reason not to ask, especially in the current climate. Like you, I was also surprised by how little was being offered in return for donations but again, no reason to over-promise or burden the business if it's not needed.

Last I checked, they were about 25% of the way to their $100k goal, with ~160 donors having participated, some of them other restaurant owners/operators.

If not for the size of the ask (and its potential implications), I'm not sure this even hits my radar. Similar campaigns, seeking $1-20k are common these days. But this is a very big number and as such, has my attention. A friend of mine is close with ownership and I asked him about this. He knew nothing but said he'd inquire. If he comes back with anything salient, I'll pass it along.

=R=

Interestingly (or maybe not), the ask has been modified.

at gofundme, Heritage originally wrote:.
Our Goal:

We've turned to GoFundMe with a goal of raising $100,000. These funds will be used directly for:
Paying our hardworking employees, who are the heartbeat of our restaurant.
Covering operational expenses to ensure we can bounce back without crippling debt.
Cleaning up the aftermath of the fire, which includes smoke and water damage repair.
Purchasing new equipment to replace what was lost, ensuring we meet our standards of quality and safety.

a few days later at gofundme, Heritage later wrote: Our Goal:

We've turned to GoFundMe with a goal of raising $100,000 for the losses that insurance may not cover [emphasis mine]. These funds will be used directly for:

Financial support for our hardworking employees, who are the heartbeat of our restaurant.
Covering operational expenses to ensure we can bounce back without crippling debt.
Cleaning up the aftermath of the fire, which includes smoke and water damage repair.
Purchasing new equipment to replace what was lost, ensuring we meet our standards of quality and safety.

This leaves open a range of possibilities that are, frankly, just too numerous to mention. I sent an email requesting specifics. It has not yet been replied to. Not saying I'm joining the naysayers on this one yet but I'd be very hesitant to donate any money without getting some real transparency. Fwiw, they've raised over $34k so far.

=R=

Hmm, wonder what kind of crappy policy they have that wouldn't cover cleanup, restoration and equipment replacement.

ronnie_suburban wrote:...some of them other restaurant owners/operators.

This seems sensible, that working together, other restaurateurs would have a reasonable expectation of help in their time of need. Same for other business owners in the area. Pre-social media, would have been handled through a trade or neighborhood business association.

tjr wrote:Hmm, wonder what kind of crappy policy they have that wouldn't cover cleanup, restoration and equipment replacement.

A friend of mine who has decades of experience in insurance law suspects that they're being opportunistic, taking advantage of their misfortune and double-dipping because any standard CGL policy would cover some of the items they claim they intend to pay for with the donations.

There are countless shades of gray here. Without a clear, transparent message from the owners, no one will ever know for sure, and speculation is likely to continue. Of course, there are 275 folks out there -- who've collectively donated over $35k -- that don't seem to care either way.

I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt -- though, not necessarily a donation -- until they provide more information. I don't know why I'm so fascinated by this but I am.

=R=

Hi,

Hot Doug's fire at their original location was nearly a knock-out punch. Their insurance low balled the fire damage estimates. Doug hired an independent insurance adjuster to counter the one from the insurance company to straighten things up.

I am skeptical of lots of these go-fund-me events. Someone I know was murdered, then a 'good friend' opened a go fund me plea. This guy was not a family member, but he was making himself responsible for the funeral, which included transporting the body, and if there were any funds leftover, there would be a scholarship in his name.

The ask was for $50,000., I knew of people who donated. The organization, which we were both affiliated, wanted to make a donation. I asked the obvious question, "Did you inquire with his family?" Someone did who learned nothing was needed and it was a question where this money was going to.

I am a wait-and-see person.

Regards,
Cathy2

Cathy2 wrote:Hot Doug's fire at their original location was nearly a knock-out punch. Their insurance low balled the fire damage estimates. Doug hired an independent insurance adjuster to counter the one from the insurance company to straighten things up.

I know this is wildly off topic, but I'd kick in $100,000 for Hot Doug's to reopen.

In fact, I'd probably pay one million dollars.

I believe Doug once stated that he’d rejected seven figure offers, but that he was ready to accept eight figure offers. So you may need to find nine like minded friends — or go the GoFundMe route.

Having now raised over $58k, they're set to re-open on Monday May 6 . . .

We've passed inspection and are ecstatic to announce that our grand reopening is happening this Monday! Make a reservation and join us from 4-9pm and indulge in our happy hour menu all night long!

None of this would have been possible without your incredible support through GoFundMe. Thanks to your generosity, we've bounced back swiftly after the fire. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Let's celebrate together!

With all our love and gratitude,
Tiffany + Guy

https://mailchi.mp/5ce8b16285c6/lets-la ... 3e489a1903

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in an email, Heritage wrote:.
WELCOME (BACK) TO HERITAGE!

After the fire, the warmth of your support brought us back stronger. We swung open our doors on Monday, all thanks to you. Your unwavering support has been our beacon, illuminating our path to reopening, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

Looking ahead, we’re bubbling with excitement for the future and all it holds, especially with Mother’s Day around the corner. If you haven’t secured your spot, we welcome you to join us between 2:30-5:30p - yes, we still have tables for you!

And, as the James Beard Awards come to town in June, we’re thrilled to be part of the celebration (keep scrolling for our offerings).

We’ve missed you and can’t wait to welcome you back, whether you’re joining us indoors or basking on our now-open patio.

Here’s to moving forward, together. See you soon!
Tiffany, Guy + Team Heritage

Heritage's email

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made it back here after the reopening and all was enjoyable! caviar flight = so much diversity of unctuousness, with excellent guiding by the owner; the eclectic internationalism of the menu continues to guarantee a wild ride (karaage AND pierogi AND steak burger); beer offerings continue to be subpar; crowd with uniquely varied demographics.

Important Update: We’re BYOB for Now!

in an email, Heritage wrote:Due to a minor hiccup with our liquor license renewal, we’re temporarily moving to a BYOB policy. While we work with the city to sort this out, we’re excited to offer a reduced corkage fee of just $10 so you can still enjoy your favorite drinks with our delicious dishes.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Bring your favorite libations and enjoy the final days of our 7 for $77 menu, our epic hog roast, or any of your other favorites. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to making your dining experience as enjoyable as ever!

Thank you, and we can’t wait to serve you soon!

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Our bar is back in business!

in an email, Heritage wrote:Raise your glasses—our bar is back in business!

We're thrilled to announce that all our licenses have been approved, and we're ready to serve you any cocktail you desire.
Thank you to everyone who supported us this weekend. We couldn't have done it without you.
Join us for a celebratory cocktail tonight!

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Chicago’s Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar will close on August 30 after eight years in business.

https://whatnow.com/chicago/restaurants ... n-chicago/

Dave148 wrote:

Chicago’s Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar will close on August 30 after eight years in business.

https://whatnow.com/chicago/restaurants ... n-chicago/

It was a little more than a year ago that their gofundme campaign (still open btw) raised over $60k. Now that they're closing, I can't help but wonder how that money was spent, if their insurance ever paid anything, etc. If I had donated, I'd be looking for some transparency that just doesn't seem to be there. Perhaps donors received more information than the outside world?

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