With a smorgasbord of Chicago dining options that offer the same take on standard ethnic cuisine, Andersonville has a growing reputation for restaurants with creative menus which step outside the usual. Now a new local eatery has opened on the strip conceived by a team of experienced chefs that will continue that trend with a fresh take on global street food.

Long desiring his own restaurant, James Bateman decided to open Gadabout (meaning a habitual pleasure-seeker, or someone who travels often in search of pleasure) in a high profile Andersonville storefront which used to house Pastoral and its eatery Appellation at 5212 N. Clark. Like the name, Bateman will showcase street food from around the globe with appetizing twists.

When Bateman started the search for a head chef that could transform his concept into a menu, he reconnected with his old friend Meg Pedersen with whom he worked with at Hopleaf seven years prior. She thought the position might be a good fit for her husband Rolf Pedersen who is an accomplished chef with a resume that includes acclaimed dining spots including Pacific Standard Time, Boka, Sixteen and Girl & the Goat.

With an extensive background in fine dining, Rolf Pedersen was looking for a new experience that better suited his passions. After Bateman set up a tasting with him, it was clear that he should take over the cooking reigns at Gadabout as head chef. It also was decided that Meg Pedersen would come on board as the restaurant’s sous and pastry chef.

Following in the creative footsteps of award-winning local eateries such as Andersonville’s Passerotto (5420 N Clark) and Edgewater’s Mango Pickle (5842 N Broadway), Gadabout’s will offer traditional food with its own thoughtful and unique style. As the menu evolves, Rolf Pedersen plans to experiment with both flavor and presentation.

The 3,000 sq. ft. space that Pastoral left behind suited Bateman nicely. It includes a large dining room with a private dining space and a well-equipped bar in the middle. They will also feature a selection of small-batch spirits and beer from local breweries.

Gadabout will also focus on sustainability. Inside the restaurant, second-hand furniture helps accent space providing a comfortable, relaxed environment. Many of its products such as coasters are reusable. An outside patio will be ready for Summer of 2020.

Gadabout will celebrate with a grand opening this week, Oct. 17 – 20. They are open 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.