Eduard Seitan

Co-Owner Blackbird, avec, The Publican

In a determined fashion, co-owner and Sommelier Eduard Seitan has come to live the “American dream.” After emigrating from Romania, he quickly mastered English and built a strong resume as a waiter at some of Chicago’s most well-known and beloved restaurants.

Unique for a restaurant owner, Seitan acts as floor manager and head server at Blackbird and as manager at avec. The benefits of having an owner working the floor are apparent in his rapport with the customers. His day-to-day presence has created an atmosphere of trust, conviviality and professionalism that only an owner can offer his clientele.

Once avec opened, Seitan expanded his expertise, earning a Sommelier Certificate in order to expertly manage the beverage program. He is charged with selecting the wines, beer and distilled spirits for Blackbird, and even ministering to the exceptional coffee program. At avec, he built a list that quickly earned acclaim and the admiration of his peers for its focus on little-known wines from Portugal, Italy, France and Spain. His uncommon approach is credited with setting trends in the Chicago wine industry, and yet the list remains well-grounded in affordability.

As the restaurant group develops, Seitan continues to oversee the beverage program. He developed another wholly unique beverage program to complement Chef Paul Kahan’s visions for The Publican, a beer-focused restaurant where Seitan is also a co-owner. There, he built a world-class and innovative beer program that takes center stage. Bringing together Belgian-style beers, English ales and lagers, American microbrews and other fermented beverages, Seitan once again earned the admiration of his peers and accolades for his unique style.