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Explore Culinary Diversity at Spice by CMB
Located at 2853 N. Kedzie Ave., Spice by CMB is a new culinary hotspot in Avondale, launched by Chef Mychael Bonner. This restaurant marks Chef Bonner’s first independent venture, showcasing his passion for African diasporic cuisine after years of working primarily with European flavors at Lettuce Entertain You. The vision behind Spice by CMB is not just to serve food, but to embark on a culinary discovery journey that spans continents.
A Culinary Journey of Exploration
After leaving Lettuce Entertain You to focus on his catering business, CMB Catering, Chef Bonner found himself exploring various cuisines. “I was in a mental space of discovery,” he recalls. The restaurant’s menu reflects this exploration, featuring dishes influenced by African cuisine, from Ethiopian berbere-spiced roast chicken to Guyanese braised short rib pepperpot and Southern broken rice. This global representation traces the historical context of African slavery, integrating culinary elements from diverse regions.
Beyond Stereotypes: Celebrating Culinary Range
As an African American chef, Bonner is keen to avoid being pigeonholed into a singular culinary genre. With a family background in cooking—his mother and grandmother both had professional culinary experiences—he aims to highlight the vast range of African and African-inspired dishes beyond traditional staples such as fried chicken or shrimp and grits. This ethos cultivated during his catering phase has allowed him to focus on presenting innovative interpretations of beloved dishes.
Innovative Dishes: A Modern Take on Tradition
At Spice by CMB, diners can experience a Trinidadian-inspired twist on Indian flatbread, roti, served with hummus and salsa. Another standout dish features okra—a common ingredient in East African and Southern cooking—paired with benne (sesame seeds) and a unique ranch dressing made from avocado, blurring the lines between traditional and modern flavors. Bonner’s knack for elevating humble ingredients allows him to transform dishes like broken rice served alongside grilled branzino with North African chermoula into visual and culinary masterpieces.
Capturing Stories Through Food
Chef Bonner finds joy in weaving narratives through his dishes. For instance, his roast chicken reflects personal memories, local farms, and historical connections to the Underground Railroad. Alongside this, dishes like jollof rice and berbere spices invite diners to explore the culinary stories of the African diaspora. Bonner’s commitment to introducing “adventurous” dishes might mean that patrons can soon enjoy traditional offerings like fufu or coconut-and-rice pancakes known as vitumbua.
A Chic Dining Experience
The design of Spice by CMB creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring exposed brick walls, stylish chandeliers, and lush plants. Chef Bonner aims to offer a relaxed setting where locals can enjoy food that’s fresh and innovative, complemented by a well-curated beverage selection of beer, wine from lesser-known regions, and tropical-inspired cocktails crafted by Amanda Marino.
Join the Movement in African Diasporic Cuisine
Spice by CMB joins a growing list of establishments, including Erick Williams’ acclaimed Virtue and the award-winning Mahari, that spotlight African American history through food. This implies a significant shift toward recognizing and appreciating diverse culinary narratives. Spice by CMB, as a fresh addition to Chicago’s North Side, exemplifies the evolving landscape of African diasporic cuisine in the city.
