Fisk & Co. introduced Lead Bartender Melissa Carroll, who will oversee the beverage program at the new American mussel + beer bar opening this April in the Chicago Loop. Melissa is focused on a thoughtfully curated beer, wine and craft cocktail program to complement the restaurant’s Belgian-inspired cuisine and upscale yet approachable atmosphere.

With 12 drafts and a wide selection of bottles and cans, Melissa’s menu will embrace the Belgian philosophy of “Cuisine à la Bière,” a tradition of integrating beer into the meal time experience, from appetizer through dessert. On tap, Fisk & Co. will partner with Hopewell Brewery to offer a rotational beer, launching with their Outside Voice, a hoppy pale ale. The program will also feature three permanent Belgian beers on draft, changing to match the menu. The remainder of the drafts, bottles and cans will focus on local breweries with Belgian styles including Goose Island, Moody Tongue, Destihl, Half Acre, Forbidden Root, Metropolitan and more.

The wine list is refreshing and well-suited to the food spotlighting both old and new-world wines from around the globe, along with hallmark makers whom have a strong history of producing exquisite wines. Melissa will also stir up elevated, classic cocktails with a nod to Belgium, fusing ingredients inspired by their cuisine and culture with local and seasonal ingredients. Guests can expect many gin-based and beer-based cocktails, and each will have its own flavor profile to reflect the season and menu pairing.

Melissa brings over 14 years of industry experience to her position as lead bartender at Fisk & Co. including stints as bartender at Wicker Park’s Geek Bar Beta and head bartender of the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning restaurant, Spiaggia. She joined Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 2017 as head bartender at South Water Kitchen, and will now help as the restaurant transitions to Fisk & Co.