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Chef Akhtar Nawab Adds Mediterranean to His Line-Up with Wayward Fare
January 7, 2025, 7:22.05 pm ET

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Photos: Wayward Fare

Award-winning chef Akhtar Nawab, known for his Mexican eatery Alta Calidad, is exploring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with his latest venture, Wayward Fare, in Prospect Heights. Located next door to Alta Calidad at 554 Vanderbilt Avenue, the 44-seat restaurant transforms an old pizzeria into a cozy yet contemporary bistro, featuring exposed brick, nine-seat bar, industrial finishes, and a wood-fired oven that plays a starring role.

Nawab’s Mediterranean journey stretches across Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, with spices and ingredients lending bold, unexpected twists to familiar dishes. The menu begins with wood-fired breads and mezzes, such as Eggplant with roasted peppers, walnuts and black garlic; and a smoky Artichoke and Potato Hummus drizzled with preserved lemon vinaigrette. Guests can share plates like Oven Roasted Oysters with fermented cherry pepper butter or Swordfish with stewed chickpeas, saffron and garlic aioli.

Entrées span the globe like the Grilled King Prawns with grape leaves and salmoriglio, Turkish-inspired Dumplings (manti) stuffed with lamb merguez and labneh, and Malloreddus Pasta with beluga lentil ragout and spicy provolone. The rustic Roasted Chicken with quince, walnuts, and chanterelles and a hearty 10-ounce Sirloin Steak with fried potatoes lorette bring comforting options to the table.

The beverage program by Brad Nugent, formerly of Major Food Group, brings an extensive wine list mirrors the Mediterranean inspirations, while the cocktails offer adventurous flavors like the Spiced Sour (vodka, apricot, turmeric, cardamom) and the Cafe Chai (vodka or tequila, espresso, Kahlua, chai). Non-alcoholic options, like the zesty Citrus & Smoke and refreshing Alligator Beer, ensure there’s something for everyone.

Wayward Fare is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. Reservations are available via Resy.



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