Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar with Lindsey Anderson

I loved learning about today’s featured business: Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar, located at 5553 N Clark Street in Andersonville. In this episode, owner and Sommelier Lindsey Anderson shares why she started the business back in 2019 as a place for education and exploration of wine, small plate dining, and food and wine pairings. She also shares a bit about her pandemic pivots, challenges, and successes, including virtual wine tastings and deliveries all over the Chicagoland area. We also dig into her exciting news around Uvae’s expansion into the storefront next door on November 1, which will become the Uvae Fromagerie and Tasting Room, and what will new space will be used for. So without further ado, grab a glass of your favorite wine and enjoy today’s episode with Lindsey Anderson from Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar.

In Lindsey Anderson’s interview we discuss:

Her education at Kendall College and background in hospitality set the stage for opening Uvae
Teaching sommelier certification classes at Kendall College
Signing a lease for Uvae in 2018, and why she chose Andersonville
Opening in 2019, six months before the pandemic hit
A bit about the concept of Uvae: education and exploration, small plate dining, food and wine pairings
Pandemic challenges: attempting to-go food, virtual tastings, expanding their customer base outside of Andersonville, delivering tasting wines all over the Chicagoland area
Using the dining room while the restaurant was shut down to host maker markets
Expanding in November 2021: Uvae Fromagerie and Tasting Room, including a shopping and space for private events
Challenges with current labor and supply shortages
Supporting and collaborating with local businesses in the Tasting Room: Twidley Bits, Tasting India

Lindsey’s nominations

City Olive – Karen – 5644 N Clark St (Andersonville), gift shop
Little Madrid – Francisco – authentic BYOB restaurant Spanish cuisine – 5661 N Clark St (Andersonville)