Avondale Gets a New Culinary Passport: Spice by CMB Opens Its Doors to African Diaspora Dinner Service

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Avondale · February 25, 2026

Avondale's dining scene just got a whole lot more adventurous. Spice by CMB, the passion project of Chef Mychael Bonner, officially launched dinner service this week at 2853 N. Kedzie Ave. — marking a landmark moment for both the chef and the neighborhood.

Bonner spent years honing his craft cooking European food for restaurant giant Lettuce Entertain You before striking out on his own. His Avondale space has operated as the base for CMB Catering since 2023 and has offered weekend brunch for the past year, but the new dinner menu represents the fullest expression yet of Bonner's culinary vision: an exploration of African diasporic cuisine spanning the globe. Expect dishes like berbere spiced roast chicken nodding to Ethiopia, braised short rib pepperpot inspired by Guyana, and broken rice rooted in the Carolinas — each plate telling a story of culture, history, and connection. Weekend brunch will continue alongside the new dinner service.

Bonner says his focus right now is on 'creating an experience for people that they really have an opportunity to come in and enjoy themselves in a comfortable space that's cool,' particularly for locals. Spice by CMB brings a celebrated culinary trend — African diaspora dining — to Chicago's North Side in a deeply personal way, and Avondale is all the richer for it. Head to 2853 N. Kedzie Ave. to experience this exciting new chapter in the neighborhood's ever-evolving food story.

Sources:
1. https://www.wttw.com/playlist/2026/02/19/spice-cmb-african-diaspora-restaurant