The Polenta Bar has Reopened in the West Loop

In Chicago’s West Loop, The Polenta Bar has re-opened with an expanded menu after a two-week mini renovation to complete grand opening construction.

The Polenta Bar focuses on flavors of Milan in a fast-casual environment, with both modern and traditional polenta-based dishes. Polenta, which is a central component of Northern Italian cuisine, is ground corn cooked simply with boiling water, salt and high quality Italian olive oil. The menu, designed by Chef Camillo Villa, showcases this Italian staple dish and uses organic ingredients, Milanese flavors and traditional recipes. Villa was born and raised in Lombardia, Italy and completed culinary school in San Pellegrino Terme.

The menu is composed of Polenta Bowls, Salads, Sandwiches, Polenta Fries and Desserts. In quick-serve fashion, you may customize your Polenta Bowls by first selecting a base: “Tap Polenta” (served soft and creamy out of a ground cornmeal dispenser) or “Grilled.” Next, select one of six different sauces and seasonal vegetables to top it off.  Sauces include Bolognese Ragù, Classic Italian Tomato & Basil, Creamy Portabella Mushroom, Arrabiata, Spicy Milanese Sausage and a rotating sauce of the month.

Other menu offerings include Insalatona, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions, imported fresh mozzarella, Italian green olives, corn, polenta croutons and choice of protein and dressing, Italian Ham and Mozzarella Panino; Caprese Panino; and Polenta Fries, served with choice of Pesto, Aioli, Tomato & Basil or Arrabbiata Dipping Sauces. Rounding out the menu are house-made Italian desserts, Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse.