Maplewood Brewery & Distillery: An Exploration of Eastern European Comfort Food

Maplewood Brewery and Distillery in Chicago has taken a flavorful twist on familiar dishes. Executive Chef Joanna Janczurewicz leads the team behind nostalgic comfort food infused with Eastern European flair. Since its opening in Logan Square in 2017, Maplewood Lounge has become a haven for food lovers seeking unique experiences.

Chef Joanna’s Creative Culinary Journey

Joanna Janczurewicz started working in the culinary world with little formal training. Her journey began in Portage Park at Perkolator, progressing through various esteemed restaurants. At Maplewood, she has utilized her Polish American heritage to concoct dishes such as lazy dumplings, pork butter, and mushroom baguette pizza.

Her lazy dumplings, inspired by kluski leniwe, reinterpret traditional pierogi ingredients into a less labor-intensive version. Prepared with farmer cheese, egg, flour, and butter, they are served in a sauce reminiscent of Alfredo, tantalized by bacon fat, peas, dill, cream, and parmesan.

Pork butter, known as smalec, presents silky lard enhanced with spices like black peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, onion, and apple, yielding a depth of flavor that defies its origin.

Maplewood Public House Expands the Experience

In Glen Ellyn, Maplewood Public House is becoming a culinary hotspot, showcasing additions like chicken Kiev and potato babka. Her chicken Kiev masterpiece uses Slagel Farm’s ground chicken, crafted into tender bread around garlic herb butter. Potato babka delights guests with layers of deep-fried cakes along with bacon, onion, and fresh tomato-cucumber salad.

Exploration of Flavors and Textures

The chef’s mushroom baguette pizza utilizes a creative take on Polish street food, zapiekanka, topped with roasted mushrooms and a light ketchup drizzle, deemed essential by Janczurewicz. Cabbage and kielbasa make a notable impact, available at the suburbs location, adding charred notes to flavor profiles.

Sweet Finishes and Beverage Adventures

The now-famous Pink Is Punk drink consists of strawberry, rhubarb, lemon, and soda. Seasonal dessert options like the strawberry-rhubarb parfait offer layers of compote and whipped cheesecake. Despite some seasonal confusion, the flavors continue to capture interest.

Balancing Culinary Artistry with Service

“There’s a lot of really talented people behind the scenes,” Janczurewicz emphasized.

The need for improved service matching the culinary excellence remains vital. Though phone communications proved challenging, direct interactions showed potential alongside the inviting environment blending industrial architecture and airy spaces.

Details for Food Enthusiasts

Locations:

Maplewood Lounge, 2717 N. Maplewood Ave., Chicago

Maplewood Public House, 486 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn

Operating Hours:

Chicago: Monday-Wednesday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 11 a.m. – midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight; Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Glen Ellyn: Wednesday-Friday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Tribune Rating: Very good to excellent, two and a half stars

The culinary experience at Maplewood showcases comfort foods transformed into thoughtfully crafted dishes by Chef Janczurewicz. As the menu impresses, improvements in service and communication will ensure memorable dining experiences.