Photo: Lisa DiederichAfter a few months of construction, Fort Louise has finally opened in Inglewood at 1304 McGavock Pike. As we first told you back in February, the project is a collaboration between entrepreneur Jessica Bowers and chef/partner Greg Biggers, most recently the executive chef at Chicago’s Cafe des Architectes at the Sofitel Hotel.
The two have crafted a vision for the restaurant that includes multiple dining spaces including al fresco on the back porch. While Biggers will retain his position in Chicago, he will still be active in the restaurant while he turns day-to-day cooking and kitchen operations over to newly appointed chef de cuisine Jonathan Hawks, who most recently served as the executive chef at the Capitol Grille at the Hermitage Hotel.
They describe the menu as “unique twists on American comfort foods,” but the dishes I’ve seen include all sorts of quirky international influences such as Thai Chili Wings, a bucket of Curry Fried Chicken, and baby back ribs with coconut barbecue sauce and pineapple fried rice. Other dishes that caught my eye include an appetizer of Monkey Bread, a plate of Bucatini Carbonara and a Double Fort Burger that looks a lot like the prototypical burger that you might find coming in and out of many area restaurants.
Initial plans are to be open for lunch and dinner, as well as Saturday and Sunday weekend brunch, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit. Fort Louise is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Dinner hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday as well as Sunday; and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday.
If you have a chance to drop by and try it before we can, please leave your initial impressions in the comments below.
