October 30, 2006

A Tale of Two Restaurants

The Goddess and Grocer and Cru Open

Once upon a time there was a Goddess and Grocer. They lived a simple life in Bucktown.

Their shop was a mecca for Bugaboo wielding moms and 9-to-5ers who stopped in for salads, sandwiches, and ready-to-heat eats like turkey meatloaf and three-cheese penne mac.

One day, on their way to open up a second spot in the Gold Coast, they met Cru, a wordly wine bar with more than 36 pours by the glass and 275 bottles — and fell in love.

Whereas The Goddess and Grocer arose at 6:30 a.m., Cru stayed up into the wee hours sipping vino and nibbling artichoke fritters and savory duck and pistachio lollipops (last call at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday). So they moved in together, knocked down walls, created cozy nooks, bathed the new spot in brown velvets and golden creams, and hung twinkling crystal chandeliers.

And the people came to eat, drink, and be merry from morning till night.

Exactly the fairy-tale ending they were hoping for.

The Goddess and Grocer opens November 1, 888 North Wabash Avenue, at Delaware Place (312-896-2600 or goddessandgrocer); Cru Cafe & Wine Bar opens November 3, 25 East Delaware Place, at Wabash Avenue (312-337-4001 or cruwinebar.com).