Chicago’s dining scene is expanding with Nic + Junior’s, an innovative new restaurant from James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist Chef Junior Borges and celebrated chef and restaurateur Nic Yanes.
Nic + Junior’s offers a dual-concept experience guided by the motto “Two Souls. One Vision.” Drawing on the chefs’ diverse global influences, including their Brazilian and Italian backgrounds, the restaurant offers diners a choice of a casual-luxury bar or an elevated chef’s tasting menu.
Inside Nic + Junior’s dual-concept
In his first foray into chef-ownership, Borges showcases his culinary expertise with à la carte offerings like tagliatelle with pork ragu, chili, and marjoram at the bar, alongside refined dining room creations such as Dadinho (tapioca fritter) with Iberico Lardo and aged balsamic, and A5 Wagyu Picanha with braised hearts of palm and black garlic bordelaise.
Nic Yanes said:
We wanted to create something truly special for Chicago – a place where guests can indulge in both an approachable bar atmosphere and a refined tasting menu under one roof – something fresh and new. shared Yanes.
Chef Junior Borges added:
Nic + Junior‘s is all about blending our culinary backgrounds and delivering an unforgettable experience. It’s not fusion; it’s a celebration of who we are, brought together in a singular, unified vision.