Over the last 13 years, Balzac has given the East Side an extra dash of class with an excellent wine selection, contemporary cocktails, and outstanding small plate options. Not wanting to rest on its laurels, the Brady Street-adjacent wine bar has routinely changed its food and drink offerings in a variety of new and interesting ways throughout its baker’s dozen years in business. This fall is no different, as Balzac drastically adjusted its food menu.
Last week, Balzac quietly debuted the new menu, featuring a total of 23 new items. Among the newcomers are four new snack items, ranging from Fish N Chips to spiced pumpkin seeds. There are seven updated garden offerings, highlighted by Squash Orzo and Potato Leek Soup. Frog Legs and Steamed Mussels are just two of the five new seafood selections. There are two new flatbread pizzas and five meat selections to round out the updates.
The new menu was spearheaded by Taylor Bogardus, Balzac’s new head chef. Prior to taking the helm at the East Side mainstay, Bogardus spent extensive time in the kitchens of Braise, Pastiche, Art Institute of Chicago, and Mangia Wine Bar. Balzac’s new menu is available now. Here are all the new items.
New “Snacks” Section
TRIO / marcona almonds / castelvetrano olives / chickpea spread
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER / creamed spinach / pepper / duck fat / garlic bread crumbs / lemon zest
FISH N CHIPS / hollywood chips / black caviar / togarashi
PEPITAS / spiced pumpkin seeds
Gardens
SQUASH ORZO / winter squash / orzo pasta / parmesan / brown butter / amare crumble / sage
CENTGRAF FARM BEETS / red beet puree / roasted beets / molasses butter / sweet pepper curls
POTATO LEEK SOUP /crispy leek
ARANCINI / basil pesto risotto / fontina cheese / bagna cauda sauce
PANZANELLA SALAD / baguette / san marzano / cucumber / anchovy butter / fontina
ELOTE / pickled onion / cotija cheese / roasted pepper cream sauce / chili flake / tortilla
FRITES / sweet and beer battered fries / red wine ketchup / dill dip
Waters
URBAN ORGANICS ARCTIC CHAR / potato- leek puree / sweet corn relish / scallion ribbons
SMOKED TROUT & ARTICHOKE DIP / mascarpone / sour cream / rye & ciabatta crisp
SHRIMP / nduja cream / brioche / scallion foam / escarole
STEAMED MUSSELS / PEI mussels / white wine / lemon / thyme / garlic / butter
FROG LEGS / honey mustard / lemon chips / frisée / tomato
Flatbreads
PORK & PEACH / pork belly / red potato / manchego / garlic confit / balsamic peach glaze
SMOKY INDIAN EGGPLANT / eggplant / roasted red pepper / tomato /golden raisins / pine nuts / cilantro
Lands
LAMB CHOPS / hummus / garam masala aioli / paprika oil
WINTER WINGS / coq au vin wings / dolce dip / bacon / crispy celeriac / lemon
SPICY MEATBALLS / lean ground beef / sofrito / crème fraiche / basil
CHICKEN LIVER SPREAD / crostini / cranberry chutney / basil oil / pine nuts
PORK ROULADE / kale / cauliflower / herb- peach jus / flaxseed /red grapes
