April 24, 2017

Meet Maria Alferov of Artango Bar & Steakhouse in Lincoln Square

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Alferov.

In 2009, Buenos Aires-born artist Sebastian Casanova stepped into Artango, a charming Ravenswood dance studio where he had signed up to take a tango dancing lesson. He fell in love…both with tango and his instructor Maria Alferov. “I immediately signed-up on the spot for more lessons, just so I’d have a guarantee of seeing her again,” Casanova admits. Their tango became a lengthy dance…

Alferov and Casanova were eager to express their love for all things Argentina! Maria was passionate about dancing, but also had graduated from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. In 2013, they teamed up to open Artango Bistro on Ravenswood Avenue, through which they introduced the Lincoln Square neighborhood to their signature South American cuisine. In 2015, a larger space caught their eye on Lincoln Avenue, one that would allow them to create a restaurant that expanded their vision with live tango shows, live music and lessons. Casanova dressed the space in a nostalgic and eclectic gilded-age style. Artango moved to 4767 N. Lincoln in early 2016 and has since been wowing its customers with the flavors, sounds, movement and passions of Argentina.

Maria – kick things off for us. Tell us about Artango and your story.
Our mission at Artango Bar & Steakhouse is to transport you to Buenos Aires. From our authentically prepared Argentine steaks, to the 1920’s inspired craft cocktails and weekly Tango dancing and LIVE music, we want you to enjoy a full Argentine culture experience.

Signature dishes include Trio De Ceviche, Empanadas and Tira De Ancho.

Our 1920’s inspired cocktails are a highlight of our bar menu featuring The Stig, Daisy Cutter Martini and the French 75, along with South American favorites, Caipirinha and Pisco Sour. When you sip one of our cocktails, our hope is that you are reminded of Argentina’s Golden Age – when Buenos Aires was booming with tango salons, nightlife, restaurants and opera houses.

Our wine selection is full of unique and boutique Malbecs that are not easily found in the states.

Experience the aura of the Golden Age through our décor: a blend of wooden bodegas, raw and recycled materials, marble, copper, and stone and concrete like the porteño streets. Metallic adornments and the hand-painted antique tin ceiling give a hint of Golden era glamour.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not, especially when we opened Artango in Lincoln Square. To create a perfect team from front to back of the house took us at least 9 months. Just after 9 months, we finally polished our concept. Since we are not just a restaurant or a bar, it was not easy to combine music, dancing and food in one venue.

Please tell us a little more about Artango Bar & Steakhouse.
Argentinian Steakhouse specializing on prohibition era and crafted South American cocktails, boutiques Argentine Malbec, live entertainment on weekends (live music and tango shows), Argentine Tango lessons for complete beginners. Here is the comment from one of our customers: “Steak and Tango! Is anything better than that?” We are trying to touch every sensors, to stimulate happiness, passion, love, excitement. We proud to offer our customers great quality food, excellent cocktails, beautiful ambience, great show and fun entertainment. We’re a team of creative, passionate and knowledgeable individuals, who is taking excellent care of our customer to deliver the best experience in Lincoln Square and Chicago.

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