Our Story
Ryan Poli
With national awards and accolades, international training and a charismatic personality –Chef/Partner Ryan Poli is one to watch. The Chicago native has been at the forefront of the Chicago culinary scene since opening Butter in 2005. Trained in classic French and American cuisine, Chef Poli refined his techniques by working at esteemed restaurants like Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry and Jean Banchet’s Le Francais.
Tavernita is the first of his restaurants in collaboration with Mercadito Hospitality, and unites his love of Spanish flavors and products with his personal culinary style. Since its January 2012 opening, the restaurant – and its adjoining “stand and eat” pintxo bar, Barcito – has been named one of Chicago magazine’s top three “Best New Restaurants” and earned rave reviews from dining critics at the Chicago Tribune, CS and Time Out Chicago. Restaurant Hospitality featured Chef Poli on the cover of the April 2012 issue for his inspired interpretation of Spanish cooking.
Poli’s newest venture, Little Market Brasserie, is also an extension of his growing role with the Mercadito Hospitality. In late 2012, he was named a partner of the group and now oversees the culinary direction of all future projects as Chef/Partner. Poli traveled with partner Alfredo Sandoval to 12 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Montreal, to cull inspiration for the new restaurant’s menu.
Tippling Bros.
Tippling Bros. is a beverage consultant entity founded by sommeliers and mixologists Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci. With over forty years combined experience in the restaurant and beverage industry, they are accredited and certificated by such venerable institution such as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, American Sommelier Association, the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Sake Education Council and the Beverage Alcohol Resource and have won numerous awards and have received national and international recognition for their wine lists, sake lists and cocktails.
Having run successful multi-unit and national restaurant groups, their experience is in developing profitable beverage programs with a commitment to education and a dedication to Alcohol Awareness, all the while, setting the standards for the future of the beverage industry.
