ETC, New Restaurant From Lauded Chef Lamar Moore, Brings Southern Cuisine To South Loop
A New Chapter for the Chef
After making a name for himself in Bronzeville and on the world stage, award-winning chef Lamar Moore is preparing for his next challenge: restaurant owner. ETC, which stands for “Experience. Taste. Cocktails.” opens this week in the former Terra E Mare space, 404 S. Wells St. Moore is partnering on the venture with investor Ron Platt and spud connoisseurs Bobby Burke and Charles Martin — the duo behind Bronzeville’s Potato Potato.
A Different Kind of Space
The choice of location is intentional, Moore told Block Club. “This gives us the opportunity to do something [Black-owned] in the middle of Chicago and downtown. We’re so close to the Willis Tower and the financial district. I looked at this as an amazing space we’d be able to curate and operate, so I’m excited,” Moore said.
A Playful, Family-Style Menu
Ownership was always the plan for the Beverly native, who cut his teeth in revered kitchens like Eleven Eleven, Smoke Daddy, The Swill Inn and the Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse in Las Vegas — the result of winning the Food Network’s reality TV cooking competition “Vegas Chef Prizefight.” More recently, Moore led the kitchen at Bronzeville Winery, a position he left over the summer in preparation for his new venture.
ETC’s half chicken ($29) Credit: Provided.
A Braised Oxtail and More
The open “opera-style” kitchen will allow diners to see behind the scenes as they enjoy what Moore described as a “playful, family-style” menu. ETC’s signature dish is braised oxtail ($38), slow-cooked for 12 hours and topped with confit cipollini onions and purple grits from Charleston, S.C. Other offerings include the CAB Filet Au Poivre ($45), a 45-day dry-aged fillet; a half-chicken with all the trimmings ($29); and steak tartare ($19) — a nod to Moore’s time at Le Cordon Bleu.
A Price Point and a Plan
Diners should expect to spend between $30 to $60 during their visit. The price point and smaller menu size are intentional, according to Moore. “I want the servers to be able to explain each dish and how important these dishes are to me,” Moore said.
Drink Menu and Weekend Brunch
Moore and his team are also making plans for weekend brunch, live events and a New Year’s Eve prix fix menu. They’ll be offering two seatings that night to get folks in the door early before they head to their next festive occasion.
Conclusion
ETC is open 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Get ready to experience the best of Southern cuisine in the South Loop.
FAQs
Q: What is the price range for a meal at ETC?
A: Diners should expect to spend between $30 to $60 during their visit.
Q: What is the menu like at ETC?
A: The menu is a “playful, family-style” menu with offerings such as braised oxtail, CAB Filet Au Poivre, and steak tartare.
Q: Are there weekend brunch plans at ETC?
A: Yes, Moore and his team are making plans for weekend brunch.
Q: What are the hours of operation at ETC?
A: ETC is open 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
