A UNIQUE, SMALL BATCH BREWPUB IN PILSEN, ALULU INVITES PATRONS TO ENJOY EXCLUSIVE BEERS AND A CHEF- DRIVEN MENU

APRIL 17, 2017, PILSEN, CHICAGO, IL – Culinary maestro Jeff Hedin and upstart master brewers Frank Costanzo and Nancy Rockwood have teamed up to create untold delights off the beaten path in the diverse and artistic neighborhood of Pilsen at 2011 S. Laflin Street.
Jeff Hedin has earned city-wide acclaim for the culinary creations he devised during past endeavors at places like Leopold on Chicago Avenue, as well as for his time spent at Green Zebra and Juno. He has also worked under Hugo Matheson at Mateo in Boulder, CO and under Stephanie Izard at Girl & the Goat.

Pulling from his interest in Eastern European cuisine and an eclectic mix of global dishes, Hedin has created a seasonal menu to please everyone. Ruskie Pierogi and his renowned Mussels and Frites are just the first volley. Hedin has also imbued pub favorites like the Alulu Burger and Charred Chicken Wings with his mythic touch. But it doesn’t stop there – must-haves like Lumpia (his vegan egg rolls), Banh Mi and house made sausage compete with everything else on the menu.

Hedin’s creations are perfectly complemented by the beer of award-winning home brewers-turned-professionals Frank Costanzo and Nancy Rockwood. Prior to becoming a brewer, Costanzo worked as a chemical engineer, and he now brings his extensive scientific knowledge and technical innovations to the brewpub setting. Costanzo built a 3.5 barrel system into the cozy space. He is most noted for his Stouts and Porter styles but is eager to experiment with open fermentation and barrel-aged beers.

Rockwood, a fixture of the craft beer scene in Chicago and an auxiliary board member of The Chicago Brewseum, brings a culinary flair to the Belgian, malt-forward, and barrel-aged beer styles that are her specialties. Rockwood is a member of the Master Brewers Association, a Recognized BJCP beer judge, and a world traveler who brings back regional beer styles from her many expeditions.

Currently in its soft opening, Alulu boasts an impressive 11 beers named to evoke the science fiction and fantasy genres: Jaunt Rotation – a tetrology of bursts (Session IPA), Epishelf Bridge – sprouting the brights (Blonde Ale), Westerly Apex – aged in the Humulus sun (American Pale Ale), Crystal Keep – of the Choco Rings (Brown Ale), Halcyon Equinox – golden days of fluffy lace (Belgian Saison), Rue Envoy – drowning in the virulent sea (IPA), Crest Rubies – from the Noble Lake of Prosperity (Amber Ale), Provender Cave – of sorcerous mud and burnt fields (Coffee Stout – Dry), Champion Fluffy – scratching the fractal fjord (Belgian Tripel), Libra Aura – drank on Mezmerzen Day (Belgian IPA), and Windward Aglow – breezy spice of stalk (Belgian Wit). New beers will be introduced to the rotation regularly. The beers are all exclusive – made on the premises and only sold onsite.

Alulu Brewpub makes everything from scratch and locally sources ingredients. Alulu also employs the best in local craft spirits to make unique cocktails and beertails on par with the best in Chicago. The trio wants every visit to the destination to be special and promises something new upon every return. In addition to the house made sausages and beer, Alulu has created many custom pop flavors to be drank on their own or combined with the beers into a shandy or radler.

Powered by an endless array of artist friends and supporters, the group has painstakingly worked to revitalize a vacant 2-story building to call their home. Using materials reclaimed from the building itself and employing the work of local carpenter and all- around renaissance man Darren Lim, the team crafted every fixture and piece of furniture from scratch while also building on the latest standards in energy and construction. Every inch is utilized to maximize the building’s potential.

The rustic feel emanating from every corner is juxtaposed with modern touches to complete a cozy and unique experience for patrons from the neighborhood and beyond. There is a wood-burning fireplace to warm Chicagoans on cold winter nights as well as large garage doors that open in the warmer months for the feel of dining outdoors.

Alulu Brewpub marks the first endeavor of the team. They’ve created a welcoming and vibrant destination in Chicago’s new culinary and craft beer frontline: Pilsen.
Alulu, located at 2011 S Laflin Street, is open Thursdays – Sundays 5pm-Midnight during its soft opening period.

Starting Friday, April 28th, Alulu will be open Wednesdays – Sundays 3pm-Close. Weekend brunch In summer. For more information, please email alulubrew@gmail.com.

http://alulubrew.com/ 
https://twitter.com/alulubrew 
https://www.facebook.com/AluluBrew 
http://instagram.com/alulubrew