he restaurant which opened last year at Logan Square has switched to a Filipino food menu to offer a new taste of the real Asian cuisine. Young American just recently switched to a Filipino menu adding to their drink list of CBD cocktails.
Included on their new list is “Not Cacio e Pepe” which is made of spicy ramen noodles from Sun Noodle, shiitake stock brewer’s yeast, and chili crisp. Also, the Filipino menu wouldn’t be complete without the famous “lumpia” together with popcorn shrimp and propcorn creme brûlée.
“We’re never going to be Lula [Cafe, we’re going to be Young American and bring our own fun energy to the corner of Logan Square,” said Chef Nick Jirasek in an interview with Eater Chicago. Before he was assigned at Young American, Jirasek formerly plays a double duty at Ludlow Liquors in Avondale and who was then replaced by Mickey Neely as chef.
Jirasek is a Filipino-American who is now leaning more into his family background. The newly-crafted menu gives him the chance to explore his identities as a Fil-Am, Chicagoan, an artist, and as a chef.
“I didn’t necessarily grow up and eat a whole bunch of Filipino food,” he added as he research more about the menu and immerse himself to the Filipino culture.
Jirasek is very excited for Young American’s new path and also reminded himself of his origins saying he wants to host pop-up dinners with chefs on the underground circuit at Young American.
Young American is located at 2545 North Kedzie Ave, IL 60647 or you may contact (773) 687-8385 for inquiries.