Indie Cafe {5951 North Broadway Street; 773.561.5111, 773.561.5577}
The key to Indie Cafe’s success is simple cuisine, elegantly prepared. Chef Iggy Waranon's dishes feature a dynamic combination of savory Thai and simple Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on the original flavor of the fresh ingredients. Fresh and seasonal fish is often touched by cilantro-infused oils, miso dressing, and Asian citrus for pop and personality. Indie Cafe's fun, casual, and modern Asian interior also lends itself to a comfortable and cozy night with friends. Before the rolls arrive, order up a Ginger or Lychee Martini to whet the appetite. Oh—and for an added bonus, they’re mere steps from the beach.
Try this: Trio Carpaccio with fresh big eye tuna, hamachi, and salmon topped with avocado and jalapeño in a ponzu-citrus dressing with cilantro-infused oil.
Community-minded: Indie Cafe participates in several community-driven programs, including Loyola University’s compost collection and recycling project." - Dining Out
"This small Thai-Japanese spot in Edgewater serves artfully prepared dishes that stand out from typical neighborhood Asian. Gems include the signature Indie curry made with lemongrass, coriander and garlic; a heat-packing chicken- and prawn-studded smoked chili combo; and “Monte Carlo” maki made with spicy salmon, seared tuna and tobiko." - Time Out
"Gorgeous" presentations stand out at this "consistent" Edgewater "go-to" bringing together "quality" Thai and Japanese (including "excellent" sushi) in a simple, "unassuming" setting; customers also commend the "prompt" service and "outrageously affordable" tabs." - Zagat
"at Indie Cafe {5951 North Broadway Street; 773.561.5111; indiecafe.us}. Fresh ingredients and attention to technique and texture results in food that is not only delicious, but beautiful. At Indie Cafe, Executive Chef Iggy Waranon creates flavorful, healthful food that embodies the spirit of Thai people. “This food brings about joy because of the texture and fusion of exciting flavors, especially when it is shared with friends and family,” says Co-Owner Gui Prasartkul. “These types of dishes and spices remind me of my mother’s home cooking.” When you visit, try the Moo Ping (Grilled Coconut Glazed Pork) with pork shoulder marinated in roasted garlic, cilantro, and coconut sauce; or the Khoa Soi, yellow curry with crispy egg noodles, red onions, scallions, and lime." - Dinning Out
Executive Chef Iggy Waranon and Co-Owner Gui Prasartkul came to Chicago in 1998 to study the arts of photography(Governor State University) and film making(the School of the Art Institute of Chicago). While working to pay their bills they began to feel the stirrings of entrepreneurial desire. With the help of their friend and roommate, a food critic from Japan, Iggy and Gui began to develop a menu of Thai and Japanese cuisine inspired by their passion for art. The combination of Iggy's decades of cooking experience that she learned in her mother's kitchen and education at Washburn Culinary School as well as Gui's keen business acumen, birthed the creation of Indie Cafe in the winter of 2004.
Since those cold days, Indie Cafe has become an Edgewater hotspot and a true Chicago original gaining acclaim from food magazines and satisfying palates. Indie's logo is an octopus, the many legs embodying the diverse influences and techniques brought to the cooking. The food stands as a dynamic combination of savory Thai and simple Japanese cuisines presented with artistic elegance. Boundaries are stretched to develop dishes that defy all rules while holding true to the roots of both cuisines. The approach is to amplify or subdue the spices and main ingredients of classic fare then mix influences from different cooking styles until the dishes are something completely new. Iggy and Gui hope that you will find Indie Cafe innovative, fun, and your new favorite neighborhood eatery.
iggy n' gui