 |
| Alexa Welsh and Jake Bickelhaupt |
The newest addition to Uptown's dining scene opened on Friday, January 10th - just two months after announcing their venture.
As we wrote several weeks ago, 42 grams is the brainchild of husband and wife team of Jake Bickelhaupt and Alexa Welsh. For the last year and a half, Jake and Alexa have hosted underground dinners in their Uptown home under the Sous Rising name. Jake has worked in the kitchen at several of top restaurants in Chicago, including Alinea, Schwa and Charlie Trotter's. After outgrowing their home, they decided to expand to a storefront, and were able to secure the recently shuttered Chester's Fried Chicken space at 4662 North Broadway, next door to the Spoil Me Salon and Spa.
 |
| Counter seating and Open Kitchen |
Jake and Alexa were kind enough to invite Uptown Update to preview the space just prior to the first dinner service, and the transformation from fast food to fine dining is nothing short of amazing. The dining room uses reclaimed furniture, pieces from Alexa and Jake's families, and a great piece of artwork that uses the corks of bottles of wine brought in by diners. Despite the high-end nature of the cuisine, the space is designed to make guests feel like they are dining in a home. The seating reflects this philosophy as there is a one communal table seating 10 people, and a counter with eight seats around the open kitchen. Jake is in charge of the kitchen, and designs the 12-15 course menu based on a seasonal ingredients, while Alexa is in charge of front-of-house duties. With only 18 seats, the atmosphere of 42 grams is more like dining at a friend's home rather than an large restaurant.
 |
| Communal Dining for 10 people |
 |
| Reclaimed buffet used as a serving station |
 |
| View from the kitchen |
42 grams aims to be one of the finest restaurants in Chicago, and is a welcome addition to Uptown, which already boasts an extremely diverse selection of dining options. 42 grams is a reservation-only, BYO restaurant, and plans to have dinner service Tuesday through Saturday evenings. You can make a reservation directly on their website
here. We wish best wishes to Jake and Alexa on their new endeavor, and we can't wait to experience a meal at 42 grams.
This already has a positive review on Yelp!
ReplyDeleteI wish we had more options in the $20-$40 per person options for dinner in Uptown. We have some, but need more.
This is pretty incredible. Even though I could never afford to eat there, I wish them the best of luck and is REALLY good for the hood.
ReplyDeleteAte here on Friday and it was awesome. Definitely worth the price.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting high-end, but $200 / person is too rich for my blood. I guess you'd have to be a pretty dedicated foodie at that price. Anyways, I do wish them luck. Always great for the neighborhood to have more "destination" restaurants. I may even go there someday, when I'm in a higher tax bracket.
ReplyDeleteReservations only-thanks, but no thanks
ReplyDeletenikki, most high end restaurants require reservations. This looks like a wonderful addition to our neighborhood. A restaurant that does NOT serve pizza, gyros, hamburgers ect.....
ReplyDeletenikksham does not get it. I admire these people and wish them the best!
ReplyDelete