One Off Hospitality welcomed guests for an exclusive preview of avec highwood, the restaurant group’s first North Shore outpost, ahead of its October opening. The new concept will transform two neighboring buildings on Waukegan Avenue into a unified dining destination with a main dining room, an expansive barroom and, eventually, a private dining room with an outdoor patio. Guests like Rare Tea Cellar president Rodrick Marcus, Dr. Mara Raden of Raden Wellness, and Smith’s Men’s Store owners Trey Gonzales and Kip Helverson were welcomed by One Off Hospitality CEO Karen Browne and partners Donnie Madia, Eduard Seitan and Terry Alexander before sampling signature bites, including the restaurant’s iconic chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired shared plates, close relationships with local farmers and ingredient-driven approach, avec is set to be one of the season’s hottest restaurant openings on the North Shore.
Don Robinson, Donnie Madia and John Abt
Photo by Widia Viti Photography
Stephen Fletcher with Whitley and David Herbert
Photo by Widia Viti Photography
Jim and Christine Farrell
Photo by Widia Viti Photography
Mara Raden and Brianne Claeys
Photo by Widia Viti Photography
Anna Maria Viti-Welch and Karen Browne
Photo by Widia Viti Photography