“Vanguard” is another word for “leader.” It’s a fitting name for a gastrobar opening in Bay View, which is seeing no dearth of commercial development (just ask Ald. Tony Zielinski). The Vanguard (2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) will see the light of day this summer. June, if co-owner Jim McCann has his way. McCann, a Buffalo native and Bay View transplant, is a partner in the well-regarded bar-restaurant Longman & Eagle in the Chicago neighborhood of Logan Square. His partner, Chris Schulist, has been a longtime bartender at Bay View’s Cactus Club. The Vanguard drink menu will be wide and likely quite interesting, given McCann’s background is in whiskeys and bourbons. The partners also plan to serve draft (on-tap) cocktails, as well as wine and beer. Their chef, Shay Linkus (formerly of Odd Duck) is centering the menu around sausages — classic to fancy to vegetarian. Some sides will be available, as well. They plan to serve food from 11 a.m. on, and in various capacities. You’ll be able to dine at the bar, at one of the tables in the dining/bar area, and at the sizable patio in back. You’ll also be able to order food to-go. Besides adding a kitchen and making lots of cosmetic changes, the partners are opening up the front of the space to make the facade more inviting.
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