The long-awaited Rose Mary restaurant opened its doors in Chicago by chef Joe Flamm. Chef Joe Flamm said: “The name itself comes from the herb rosemary, which grows all along the Adriatic coast, from Italy into Croatia. But also my two grandmothers: My Irish grandmother was my Grandma Rose and my Italian grandmother is my Grandma Mary”.

“I want it to have that neighborhood restaurant vibe. I want it to feel like that place where you can sit at the bar and have a plate of pasta and a drink and it’s a great Tuesday night by yourself” Flamm said.

Rose Mary tells the story of the Balkans through food, highlighting a seaside region that’s been mostly overlooked in Chicago kitchens and the culinary world at large, according to Flamm. He has traveled through Italy and Croatia extensively and has spent years researching the menu, learning about culture and traditions at family gatherings.

The food at Rose Mary focuses on seafood, spices and of course Flamm’s homemade pasta. All meals in the restaurant are cooked on charcoal fire.