3 days ago
Heritage, The Ukrainian Village Restaurant That Redefined Caviar Service, Will Close
During Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar's eight years in Ukrainian Village, Chef Guy and Tif Meikle have witnessed how perceptions of dissolved for an item once thought reserved for only the rich and famous. Heritage was part of the rise of the unstuffy caviar bar. Tif Meikle says part of that was attributed to the neighborhood. Many with Eastern European roots don't have the same apprehensions about enjoying sturgeon eggs.
The restaurant spread that ethos and became a welcoming bar and restaurant that not only embraced the Meikles' backgrounds, but also the backgrounds of its staff. The restaurant weathered a fire and that pandemic, each time returning and reinventing itself, rewriting the love letter to Chicago that Guy Meikle hoped Heritage would fulfill.
'It started out wanting to honor my family and Tif's family — all those that came before us,' Guy Meikle says. 'We started throwing all of our staff's memories into it, their identities… we eventually became such a safe haven for everyone.'
Heritage's story at 2700 W. Chicago Avenue is about to end. The Miekles announced they'll close their restaurant on Saturday, August 30. The Miekles praised their landlord, but say they couldn't afford the proposed lease increases: 'Do I have the stomach for it?' Guy Miekle asks. 'We just kind of looked at it and felt it was time.'
Fighting back tears, Tif Meikle says they're hopeful to have a great summer, but their priority is to enable their 30 or so workers to use Heritage as a springboard to find new jobs. The restaurant will host its regular slate of summer events, including an August 1 block party and a Father's Day lamb roast. Additionally, its basement remains ready to host private parties. Making caviar 'approachable and fun' is something Tiffany Miekle is proud of, and something 'we didn't think could happen in our lives.'
The Mielkes showcased paczkyi and other popular European staples that Chicagoans cherish. But they would invite other cultures to the party, too. The menu includes ramen, Korean fried chicken nuggets, and more.
Through eight years, Guy Miekle says he and his wife have tried to treat staff the right way, and wish more restaurants did the same. The couple hopes the next tenant who occupies the space enjoys success.
'I still think it's the best job that you possibly can have, I have loved having my own business,' he says.
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar , 2700 W. Chicago Avenue, closing on Saturday, August 30 Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar See More: Chicago Restaurant Closings
