Maplewood Lounge and Maplewood Public House have become notable destinations for culinary enthusiasts in Chicago and Glen Ellyn. Founded in Chicago, Maplewood has expanded its offerings to include innovative dishes with Eastern European influences, overseen by Executive Chef Joanna Janczurewicz.
Chef Joanna Janczurewicz’s Culinary Vision
Joanna Janczurewicz, appointed executive chef at Maplewood, has introduced a range of American comfort foods with a unique Eastern European twist. Her expertise brings together flavors from Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, offering dishes like lazy dumplings, pork butter, and mushroom baguette pizzas.
Signature Dishes
The lazy dumplings at Maplewood Lounge, deriving from the Polish ‘kluski leniwe,’ have captured the hearts of patrons. They’re a simpler version of pierogi, combining the same ingredients but eliminating the labor of filling individual dumplings. These are served in a velvety sauce enriched with bacon fat, dill, cream, peas, parmesan, and topped with lemon breadcrumbs.
The pork butter, known as ‘smalec,’ provides a creamy yet textured experience. Enhanced with spices like black pepper, bay leaves, and a blend of garlic, onion, and apple, this dish pairs perfectly with toasted sourdough bread and crispy pickle spears.
Other Offerings
Mushroom baguette pizza, inspired by the Polish street food ‘zapiekanka,’ features deeply roasted mushrooms on a crunchy baguette topped with lemon garlic aioli and ketchup. Despite initial skepticism about the ketchup, customers find that it enhances the dish’s flavor.
Additions like chicken Kiev with a juicy garlic herb butter center, potato babka layered with bacon and onion, and Polish meatballs in dill cream gravy showcase the breadth of Janczurewicz’s menu. Meanwhile, a farmer’s cheese dip accompanied by grilled sourdough and fresh crudités is available at both locations.
Beverage Choices
Maplewood also offers creative drinks like the spirit-free ‘Pink is Punk,’ blending strawberry, rhubarb, lemon, and soda. Seasonal drinks like the Apple Express THC beverage add a unique taste to the seltzer offerings, while the Fat Pug brownie sundae remains a timeless dessert.
Experience at Maplewood Locations
Both the Maplewood Lounge in Logan Square and the Maplewood Public House in Glen Ellyn offer dining experiences imbued with the industrial loft aesthetics typical of working breweries and distilleries. Despite reported issues with service, the culinary excellence of the staff shines through.
Location and Accessibility
Maplewood Lounge: 2717 N. Maplewood Ave., Chicago, IL 60647; 773-270-1061
Maplewood Public House: 486 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137; 630-547-2171
Website: maplewoodbrew.com
Both locations are wheelchair accessible. The operating hours vary across the locations during the week and weekend.
Conclusion
Joanna Janczurewicz’s dedication to blending nostalgia with innovative flavors has positioned Maplewood as a noteworthy culinary destination. Her dishes echo a rich heritage while embracing contemporary twists, inviting diners to experience diverse flavors.
Maplewood Lounge and Maplewood Public House continue to welcome guests eager to explore the unique menu and enjoy the relaxing ambiance.