Want to be adored? Open this door for your sweetheart – or with friends.
Mélange restaurant began service on March 18 on Restaurant Row in Elmwood Park, 7426 W. North Ave. Featuring small plates, cocktails and wines this new venture, where Café Cubano used to be, is designed for coming together, with friends or a special someone, at lunch, after work or dinner.
Managing owner Manli Cao has worked on Restaurant Row and owned other restaurants, but she sees this as a chance to bring a unique experience to the area.
“We wanted to introduce a concept that pushed things a little further in terms of quality and creativity,” Cao said. “Mélange is about offering something that you can’t easily find nearby, while still fitting into a neighborhood and becoming part of it.”
The name, which is French for “mixture,” is a nod to the combination of Cao and the two other owners, John Adreani and Henry Via. They have Italian heritage and Cao’s is Chinese.
When you walk in the door the room feels both upscale and comfortable. Flowers grace the tables. Candles glow. But screens also give you a chance to keep up with sports, if you want to sit facing that way.
“It’s a combination of both elevated small plates, crafted cocktail, wine and atmosphere that feels both chill and welcoming,” Cao said. “We focus on the flavor, presentation, music, lighting, and service, so the experience feels intentionally from start to finish. It’s the place where you can come for drink, dinner, or both.”
Ten small plate dishes make up the food menu. A couple of them together make a meal.
Beef filet sliders kick up a few notches beyond other ground beef versions. Spicy garlic escargot is a new take on a dish that sometimes gets relegated to a shorthand for elegance but is making a statement here about the combination of flavors that the restaurant’s name promises.
Blistered shishito peppers are an unusual dip and eat option. The mild peppers are great to share.
Cocktail and wine menus dance in step with the food options. Two to note are the carajillo espresso martini elevates with licor 43, espresso and vodka and the tinto de Verano combines lemon lime soda with dry red wine.
No matter what you order, the owners want customers to enjoy themselves. Dress up or come as you are, all are welcome.
“The goal is that everyone feels taken care of,” Cao said. “When guests walked in, they should feel the energy right away. By the time they leave, they’ve had great food, great drink, and smooth experience whether it was a quick night out or a full dinner. It should feel memorable without being over complicated.”
Live it up a little
Website: melange-ep.com
Address: 7426 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday Noon to10 p.m.
Thursday – Saturday Noon to Midnight