A TASTE OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU 2016
Transcription
A TASTE OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU 2016
A TASTE OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU 2016 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 1 ABOUT US CONTACT: Emily Clark, PR Manager, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. Phone: (773) 907-7347 Email: eclark@leye.com Since its beginning in 1971, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. (LEYE) has maintained a sense of humor and enjoyment while creating high quality, successful restaurants. Due to the innovation of LEYE’s Founder and Chairman, Richard Melman, and his creative team of partners and employees, LEYE currently owns, licenses or manages more than 100 establishments in Illinois, Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, California, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia. The founding of LEYE was the result of joining Melman’s food ideas with the confidence and support of Jerry A. Orzoff, Melman’s first partner. A successful real estate agent and North Michigan Avenue haberdasher, Orzoff (who died in 1981 at the age of 45), played a crucial role in Melman’s life as a friend and mentor. “Jerry was a guy I respected and related to,” Melman reflects. “He believed in my ideas. Meeting him was the turning point in my life.” After meeting Melman for the first time in 1970, Orzoff liked his offbeat ideas and believed in his ability. Working together as new friends and partners, Melman and Orzoff raised $17,000 to create an upbeat eatery geared toward young singles interested in rock music, casual clothes and healthy food. Melman hired bright, attractive waitresses and bartenders and filled the location with hanging plants and modern artwork. The menu was designed to appeal to a variety of tastes and included everything from vegetarian and macrobiotic foods to hamburgers, sandwiches, milkshakes and the first salad bar. Melman and Orzoff paired their first initials, added the sound a pig makes when eating and baptized the establishment R.J. Grunts on June 10, 1971 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Despite a lackluster response in the opening weeks, Orzoff provided the much-needed confidence and enthusiasm to keep Melman optimistic until his dream became reality. After one month, Grunts became a success. For Melman and Orzoff, the success of R.J. Grunts marked the beginning. In 1973 new ideas and concepts were created, including the debut of Fritz That’s It! in Evanston, Illinois, followed by the Great Gritzbe’s Flying Food Show in 1974, Jonathan Livingston Seafood in 1975 and Lawrence of Oregano in 1976. With each new restaurant Melman’s style evolved as he welcomed new challenges. Having mastered the offbeat casual restaurant style, Melman directed his attention and energy toward the world of fine cuisine when he reopened the famous Pump Room in Chicago’s Gold Coast in 1976. In an attempt to maintain the ambiance and reputation of this establishment, which originally opened in 1938, Melman trained with a noted Chicago culinary expert, reorganized the kitchen, redecorated the room, and hired a staff trained in the LEYE philosophy. (NOTE: the Public Chicago Hotel currently handles Management of the Pump Room.) In 1979, Melman decided to expand to the Chicago suburbs and opened Bones in Lincolnwood, Illinois. In 1980, LEYE took the popular R.J. Grunts, added a more contemporary look and opened a second location in Glenview, Illinois. In 1980, Melman and Chef Gabino Sotelino, traveled to France with the intent to bring contemporary French cuisine to Chicago. This led to the opening of Ambria and a lasting partnership between Melman and Sotelino. The success of Ambria inspired additional trips to Europe to study food and style. As a result, LEYE opened Un Grand Café, a French bistro, and A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 1 Avanzare, and sophisticated Italian restaurant. The success of these establishments earned LEYE increased recognition across the country for its international expertise and flair. Never content to leave things as they are, Melman is constantly open to embracing innovative ideas and challenges. In 1982, Melman took his concepts and creativity beyond metropolitan Chicago when he opened Don & Charlie’s American Rib and Chop House in Scottsdale, Arizona with partner Don Carson. With the desire to embrace diverse styles of cuisine, LEYE developed a variety of concepts including seafood restaurant Shaw’s Crab House and Blue Crab Lounge in 1984 and 1985 (respectively), Spanish tapas restaurant Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and upscale dining destination, Everest, in 1986, and innovative Mexican creations at Hat Dance in 1988. LEYE’s fast growing Italian Division has also experienced great success with establishments such as Tucci Benucch, its city cousin Tucci Milan and the southern Italian trattoria, Scoozi! all opened in the late 1980’s. LEYE continued to expand its Italian Division in the 1990’s with the opening of Maggiano’s Little Italy in both Chicago and Oak Brook in 1991 and 1992. A second Tucci Benucch located in the Mall of America in Minnesota then opened in 1992 and Tucchetti in Phoenix, Arizona. Meanwhile, Melman exhibited his aptitude for trying a variety of cuisines with Papagus Greek Taverna, which featured Grecian delights and mezedes. (NOTE: Maggiano’s Little Italy was purchased by Brinker International in 1995, however, the Chicagoland, Edina, MN and Wauwatosa, WI locations continue to participate in the LEYE Frequent Diner and Gift Card programs.) In 1992, Big Bowl, a casual Asian restaurant and bar focusing on fresh Chinese and Thai was created with partner and now LEYE President and CEO, Kevin Brown. Over the past two decades, Big Bowl has grown to include eight locations throughout Chicago and Minnesota as well as a location in Reston, Virginia. Recently in 2012, Big Bowl purchased Rustic Road Farm near the Chicagoland suburbs. Rustic Road provides more than 12 tons of produce and meat to the Big Bowl locations along with many other LEYE restaurants. In the spring of 1993, Melman introduced two innovative dining concepts with the opening of Foodlife and Mity Nice Bar & Grill, located in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. Foodlife, a revolutionary food forum, offers abundant choices among 14 distinctive kitchens with foods ranging from fresh made sushi, barbeque, and made-to-order sandwiches. Mity Nice is a neighborhood restaurant that focuses on comfort food with a twist, local craft beers and sustainable wine. Just over a year later in June 1994, expansion outside of the Chicago market continued with the opening of a new restaurant, Twin City Grill, in Minnesota’s Mall of America. Twin City Grill is a quiet, cozy restaurant embracing the nostalgia of the 30’s and 40’s and serving classic American dishes. Senior VP & Partner John Buchanan began Lettuce’s Consulting Group in 1995. The practice continues to grow, including work with local and international clients, large and small. Some of the better-known companies on the client list include McDonald’s, Brinker International, Delaware North, Sodexo USA and White Lodging. At the end of 1995, LEYE opened Brasserie Jo, a lively French brasserie in September and Wildfire, featuring quality steaks, chops and seafood, in a warm and stylish environment in December. Since Wildfire’s first store opened in Chicago, six other locations have opened including four more in the Chicagoland area, one in Minnesota and one in Virginia. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 2 LEYE began 1996 with a “bang,” opening its first all-Chinese restaurant in January, Ben Pao, which loosely translated means firecracker. In 1999, Rich partnered with Chef/Partners Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand to open the fine dining restaurant, Tru. Additionally, with the culinary support of Chef/Partner Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Vong-Chicago opened in Chicago later that year. In April of 1999 Richard Melman formed ICON, LLC. to establish partnerships with restaurant icons for the expressed purpose of multi-unit expansion and development. LEYE also expanded into the exciting Las Vegas area with two concepts in the Paris Hotel; Eiffel Tower, developed by Chef/Partner Jean Joho and the second Mon Ami Gabi with Gabino Sotelino. In 2000, LEYE continued to grow with many new openings. ICON opened Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab-a Miami restaurant icon, in Chicago. Mon Ami Gabi opened its third location in the Oakbrook Mall; Shaw’s expanded to the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg with Shaw’s Crab House and Red Shell. In early 2001, LEYE expanded into Chicago’s Loop area with a brand new restaurant concept called Petterino’s, located in the Goodman Theater building featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood and classic specialties in a 1940’s atmosphere. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Vong-Chicago was revamped to become Vong’s Thai Kitchen (VTK) with a lower-priced menu and a vibrant atmosphere. In spring 2002, LEYE ventured to the East Coast with Mon Ami Gabi’s fourth location in Bethesda, Maryland. At the end of the year a kiosk serving both savory and sweet crepes opened in Minnesota’s Mall of America called Magic Pan Crepe Stand. A second Magic Pan opened in Ridgedale, Minnesota in December 2004. In the summer of 2003 LEYE developed a new fast casual concept called Wow Bao which specializes in Asian influenced savory steamed buns, nourishing broths, fresh salads and house-made ginger ale. Since the first location opened In Water Tower Place, three other locations have sprouted up within Chicago. In 2004, two more restaurants were opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Also in October, Lund Food Holdings, Inc. and Lettuce Entertain You introduced a retail food concept called “Shanghai Circus – Stir Fry and Steam Show” at Byerly’s in Minnesota. Soon after, Osteria Via Stato, was created to embrace the lifestyle of Italian dining in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Early in 2005, Shanghai Circus expanded to Chanhassen, Minnesota in January and Edina, Minnesota in April 2005. During the summer, Magic Pan Crepe Stand opened in Northbrook Court Mall in Northbrook, Illinois. Shortly after, the holiday season brought a new concept to Northbrook Court Mall called Di Pescara, featuring delicious fish and house-rolled sushi. In the spring of 2007, Stripburger opened on the Las Vegas Strip adjacent to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! featuring burgers, shakes and cakes. The fall of 2007 brought the opening of Pizzeria Via Stato, a Roman-style pizzeria in Chicago; Reel Club, a seafood restaurant in Oak Brook; and another Wow Bao location in the theater district. Wildfire continued to grow with another location in in McLean, Virginia. Soon, Frankie’s Fifth Floor Pizzeria opened in the 900 N. Michigan Avenue Shops offering Sardinian and tavern pizzas to order. Frankie’s Scaloppine opened next door shortly thereafter, a neighborhood Italian restaurant featuring chicken, veal and vegetable scaloppini. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 3 In May of 2008, Melman opened L2O - a modern, fine dining seafood restaurant offering an exceptional array of the world’s best fish and shellfish served in several tasting menus that highlight seafood’s elegance. In the summer of 2008, Melman’s sons, R.J. and Jerrod, opened HUB 51, an American concept located in River North. HUB 51 duals as a restaurant/bar skewed to the young and hip with great food, drinks and music. Located below HUB 51, SUB 51 is among the most sought after clubs in Chicago. Guests are treated like VIPs and can jam out to music by the top DJs in the country, sip top-shelf cocktails and mingle with the “who’s who” set. In the early fall, Mon Ami Gabi opened its fifth location in the Reston Town Center. Next door, Community Canteen opened as a breakfast, lunch, brunch, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and take-away option for diners in the greater D.C. area. May of 2009, LEYE headed to Santa Monica California and opened M Street Kitchen. A testament to American cooking done right, M Street Kitchen has always emphasized fresh, organic and seasonal produce prepared with the utmost attention and care. In spring 2010, Michigan Avenue’s newest burger joint called M Burger, was carved out of space in Tru’s kitchen. The popularity of M Burger’s affordable burgers, hand-cut fries and creamy shakes allowed it to grow quickly - it now has four locations within Chicago. Things were heating up during this time in Las Vegas with the opening of El Segundo Sol serving up delicious signature tacos and margaritas. In February of 2011, R.J. and Jerrod Melman were at it again opening Paris Club and Studio Paris in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The menu, created with Chef/Partner Jean Joho is approachable French cuisine in a casual urban setting. Upstairs is Studio Paris, one of Chicago’s hottest nightlife destinations. Featuring a retractable roof, the exclusive indoor/ outdoor lounge invites guests to listen to music spun by guest DJs from around the world and enjoy top shelf cocktails and bottle service. In April of 2011, the Melmans along with Chef/ Partner Jeff Mahin created Stella Barra Pizzeria in Santa Monica, California. The epitome of farm to table and locally sourced cuisine, Stella Barra focuses on the perfection of pizza-making while highlighting the inherent deliciousness of simple ingredients prepared well. In May of 2011, LEYE opened Tokio Pub next to Shaw’s Crab House in the Streets of Woodfield. Tokio Pub specializes in tacos, sushi, and barbecue with exotic cocktails and a pub-style beer list. A gourmet market, wine bar and retail shop, Foodease Market, opened in Water Tower Place in Fall 2011 with the help of Partner Marc Jacobs. The menu includes made-to-order sandwiches, hand-rolled sushi, homemade soups and favorite dishes from some of Chicago’s landmark restaurants in the hot and cold salad bars. Also in the fall of 2011, Saranello’s, an Italian restaurant in the suburbs of Chicago opened with Chef/Partner Mychael Bonner leading the culinary team with house-made pastas, pizza and other classic Italian dishes. In February 2012 Melman siblings, RJ, Jerrod and Molly, partnered with acclaimed chef Doug Psaltis and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic to create RPM Italian, a sophisticated and modern approach to Italian cuisine. The restaurant prominently features more than a dozen freshly prepared house-made pastas, antipasti, grilled meats, seafood and innovative desserts. Signature cocktails are designed by renowned bartender Paul McGee, director of cocktail development for LEYE. Also in February 2012, Chef Jeff Mahin and Chef Francis Brennan opened Do-Rite Donuts, an artisanal donut and coffee shop in Chicago’s theater district. Do-Rite Donuts is committed to using the best quality ingredients to produce small batch donuts, ensuring that every donut exceeds customer’s A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 4 expectations of what a simple donut can be. In December 2012, RJ, Jerrod and Molly created Bub City, their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun. Bub City features the best barbecue, beer, bourbon and live country music in Chicago. In 2013, a second Stella Barra Pizzeria opened to kick-off summer in Hollywood, California. Shortly after, Beatrix, a neighborhood restaurant, coffeehouse and meeting place located in Chicago’s River North opened in June 2013. Chef/Partners Susan Weaver, Rita Dever and John Chiakulas have created a menu inspired by food made in Lettuce’s test kitchen. Soon after in July, Three Dots and a Dash opened beneath Bub City. Three Dots and a Dash is a cocktail focused tiki lounge that pays homage to tiki bars of the past. The menu, developed by mixologist Paul McGee, features a craft approach to both classic and modern tiki cocktails with fresh juices and syrups made in house daily, and a selection of over 160 distinctive rums. The name, Three Dots and a Dash, is Morse code for the letter V, the symbol used for victory in World War II. “We’re a very disciplined organization. We run restaurants well,” says Melman. “People think of us as creative–and I do believe we possess creativity–but more importantly, we play good solid ball. Our costs are good. We surround ourselves with good people and we train them well...not a lot of fancy stuff, just the basics. And, we work very hard.” Adds Melman of LEYE’s success, “We’ve had the ability to give people what they want almost before they know they want it. You can call it trendsetting. I prefer to call it the ability to listen to people.” **Please note that some of the restaurants have changed ownership or have closed. Visit our restaurant page www.leye.com for our current restaurants and locations. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 5 LEAVES OF LETTUCE ANTICO POSTO antico-posto.com 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 586-9200 Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of Oakbrook Center is a little slice of Italy. Antico Posto “the Old Spot” showcases their passion for Italian cooking, offering seasonal handcrafted and simple authentic ingredients. Two mahogany cruvinets house 24 wines by the glass. A fine collection of wines by the bottle is also available. BEATRIX restaurantbeatrix.com 671 N. St. Clair St., Chicago, IL (312) 642-0001 519 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL (312) 284-1377 Beatrix is a neighborhood restaurant and coffeehouse with two locations in Chicago’s River North neighborhood and Streeterville. The name “Beatrix” comes with special meaning to the Lettuce family, honoring Rich and Martha Melmans’ mothers, both nicknamed “Bea.” Beatrix is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and is known for its healthy meets delicious menu specials, fresh squeezed juice cocktails and signature bakery and coffee bar. Pastries and sweets are baked in-house daily and include Chocolate Cherry English Muffins and Honey Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Two of Chicago’s favorite coffee roasters, Metropolis and Intelligentsia, are featured at the coffee bar. Beatrix Streeterville offers The Market @ Beatrix, featuring a salad bar, soup counter, hot entrée bar, healthful grab-and-go selections and a fully stocked chocolate closet. BIG CITY CHICKEN leye.com Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 546-7440 Lettuce Entertain You’s new fast-casual fried chicken restaurant is located at the Midwest’s most popular leisure destination, Navy Pier. Big City Chicken offers crispy, delicious, golden brown fried chicken (original or spicy), chicken strips (with dipping sauces including ranch, homemade BBQ, honey mustard, spicy buffalo, Sriracha mayo) and three sandwiches—Original Crispy, Hot & Spicy and Crispy BBQ. Fries, cheese fries and green chili fries as well as root beer floats and orange floats are all available. BUB CITYbub-city.com 435 N. Clark, Chicago, IL (312) 610-4200 5441 Park Place, Rosemont IL (847) 261-0399 Bub City is a barbecue restaurant in River North and Rosemont, IL. created by R.J., Jerrod and Molly Melman, Chef / Partner Doug Psaltis and Joe’s on Weed partners Ed Warm and Tom DeSanto, that brings together barbecue with live country music. Bub City is open daily and offers a barbecue menu with highlights including the original Giddy Up Fries and housesmoked meats like 18-Hour Natural Beef Brisket and BBQ Pork Ribs. Other signatures include Bub’s General Joe’s Fried Chicken and All-American Double Barrel Burger, and for weekday lunch service, the “Meat & Three” special. On Saturday’s and Sunday mornings guests can enjoy Bub’s famous Southern-style brunch and DIY Bloody Mary bar. To pair with the barbecue menu, Beverage Director Diane Corcoran curated a whiskey program with more than 100 different varieties, southern-style cocktails and local, craft beer. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 6 BIG BOWL bigbowl.com 60 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL (312) 951-9888 215 Parkway, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 808-8880 1950 E. Higgins, Schaumburg, IL (847) 517-8881 3669 Galleria, Edina, MN (952) 928-7778 1705 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville, MN (651) 636-7173 12649 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, MN (952) 797-9888 11915 Democracy Dr., Reston, VA, (703) 787-8852 Big Bowl, Fresh Chinese and Thai is a casual restaurant and bar, serving contemporary versions of Asian-inspired dishes. Each dish is wok-tossed to order, prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Taste unique offerings like our homemade Fresh Ginger Soda made with real ginger, any of our specialty sauces such as the fresh chili sauce on your table, or our wide variety of Asian noodles, curry and stir fry rice dishes. BIG BOWL CHINESE EXPRESS bigbowlchineseexpress.com Lunds & Byerly’s 2945 W. 50th Street, Lunds, Edina, MN (952) 926-6833 1151 Wayzata Blvd., Lunds, Wayzata, MN (952) 476-2222 7171 France Ave S., Byerly’s, Edina, MN (952) 837-3601 800 W. 78th Street, Byerly’s, Chanhassen, MN (952) 474-1298 13081 Ridgedale Drive, Byerly’s, Minnetonka, MN (952) 541-1414 3777 Park Center Blvd., Byerly’s, St. Louis Park, MN (952) 929-2100 3455 Vicksburg Lane, Lunds, Plymouth, MN (763) 253-3125 5725 Duluth Street Golden Valley, Byerly’s, Golden Valley, MN (763) 544-8846 Dierbergs 11481 Olive Blvd., Dierbergs West Oak, Creve Coeur, MO (636) 812-1466 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 546-7440 Big Bowl Chinese Express is a quick way to enjoy the same fresh and authentic Chinese food that made Big Bowl restaurants so popular. Big Bowl Chinese Express is open at select Lunds and Byerly’s locations in the Twin Cities. CAFE BA-BA-REEBA! cafebabareeba.com 2024 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 935-5000 Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! is Chicago’s original Spanish restaurant, featuring authentic Spanish cuisine from Chef Matt Holmes including tapas, pintxos (bite-sized tapas) and the classic rice dish, paella. Meant for sharing, the menu is designed for guests to experience a variety of tastes and flavors. Spicy Spanish fried potatoes (patatas bravas), goat cheese baked in tomato sauce, and roasted bacon-wrapped dates in apple vinaigrette are some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! is also known for their Spanish-inspired brunch including sweet and savory tapas, a variety of Eggs Benedict options, waffles with warm bananas in caramel sauce, and more in addition to a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 7 COMMUNITY CANTEEN communitycanteen.com 11950 Democracy Dr., Reston, VA (703) 707-9442 12011 Sunset Hills Road, Suite #130, Reston, VA (571) 926-8610 Community Canteen features breakfast, lunch, brunch, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and take-away dinners. Guests can relax and eat inside, outdoors on the patio or take with them a wide array of pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches and full meals including seafood, meat, and poultry. DI PESCARA di-pescara.com 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL (847) 498-4321 Named for an Italian fishing village on the Adriatic coast, Di Pescara serves fresh seafood, homemade Italian and steaks in a contemporary atmosphere. The extensive menu includes specialties, such as Signature Orchard Salad with Green Goddess dressing; Hot & Crunchy Tilapia; Sicilian Style Skirt Steak; Miso Glazed Black Cod; and Homemade Flat Pasta with Meat Ragu. DON & CHARLIE’S donandcharlies.com 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ (480) 990-0900 Don & Charlie’s is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and offers a menu of craveworthy American comfort food including meaty baby back ribs, prime steaks, thick pork chops, chicken and fresh seafood. Don & Charlie’s offers an environment where guests can enjoy championship dining and seamless service in both the dining room and bar. In addition to great American comfort food, Don & Charlie’s is a sports-lover’s mecca, named one of the “Ten Best Sports Bars in the USA,” in 2014 by USA Today. The restaurant’s décor is a shrine to some of the most sought after sports memorabilia, from signed magazine covers, more than 750 autographed baseballs, to 100 signed jerseys and more gracing the walls. EIFFEL TOWER eiffeltowerrestaurant.com The Paris Resort and Casino 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV (702) 94-TOWER World-renowned and award winning Chef/Owner Jean Joho has brought his artful culinary skills to Las Vegas. With its unrivaled French cuisine, elegant bar and stunning view, Eiffel Tower has already established itself as the premier restaurant in the Las Vegas dining scene. EL SEGUNDO SOL elsegundosol.com Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas, NV (702) 258-1211 El Segundo Sol is serving up their signature tacos and they’re as authentic as any you might find across the border. Ranging from all-natural chicken to lobster, slow-braised beef short rib to vegetarian, there is a taco that will appeal to every taste bud. Tortillas are made from scratch daily, pressed and griddled fresh-to-order by professional ‘tortilleras.’ El Segundo Sol’s signature margaritas include traditional favorites, as well as unique flavors such as Cucumber-Mint and Prickly Pear. Just outside El Segundo Sol’s front door is Sin City’s first-ever, Strip-side taco “shack,” with high quality tacos and other simple Mexican fare served well into the night. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 8 EMA emachicago.com Hyatt Place at 74 W. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL (312) 527-5586 A Mediterranean restaurant showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California style of cooking with a menu of spreads, dips and mezze, Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. Signature dishes include Spicy Hummus, English Peas with House Yogurt and Blackberry-Sumac Granita, House-Made Stracciatella, Crispy Broccoli with Black Garlic Dashi Broth, Grilled Octopus with Fried Kale, Fingerlings and Lemon, and Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebabs. The wine list, developed by Ryan Arnold, wine director of Lettuce Entertain You, showcases wines from the Mediterranean coastlines and islands. Ema shares its kitchen with Rotisserie Ema, a quick casual counter, opening July 2016. Menu specialties include chef prepared salads, rotisserie chicken and housemade frozen Greek yogurt. Guests enter through a separate entrance found on Illinois St. EVEREST everestrestaurant.com One Financial Place, 440 South LaSalle, 40th floor, Chicago, IL (312) 663-8920 Everest, one of the country’s premier dining rooms, is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building. The world-renowned cuisine of Chef/Proprietor J. Joho has earned top honors, including the Five-Diamond Award from AAA, the Mobile Dining Award and top ratings from the Zagat Survey. Locally, the restaurant has been awarded the highest ratings, including four stars each from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago magazine. The 75-seat Everest dining room features an intimate atmosphere with a spectacular western view of Chicago. Everest’s Chef/Owner Jean Joho, called “The most creative chef in the city” by the Chicago Tribune, orchestrates the creation of his award-winning signature cuisine. FOODEASE foodeasechicago.com Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 335-3663 Cooking, eating and entertaining made easy! At Foodease we use fresh ingredients from quality vendors to prepare foods from scratch. Offering restaurant-quality food to go, we also showcase popular menu items from various Lettuce restaurants! Menu choices include made-to-order sandwiches, hand-rolled sushi and meals from our gourmet deli, as well as custom salads, homemade soups and hot entrées. Our unique wine bar and retail wine shop feature over 150 selections. You will also find many handmade local products, artisanal cheeses and a chocolate room filled with our favorite sweets and confections. FOODLIFE foodlifechicago.com Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 335-3663 A revolutionary food forum, featuring choices from cuisines around the world such as American Comfort food, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Barbeque, Soup Bar, salads made to order and a grill area. Fresh, healthy food to satisfy any craving is cooking somewhere at Foodlife. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 9 FRANKIE’S SCALOPPINE & FIFTH FLOOR PIZZERIA frankiesscaloppine.com 900 N. Michigan Chicago IL (312) 266-2500 Frankie’s Scaloppine is a Chicago Italian Dinner House that offers a variety of scaloppini dishes, fresh pastas, hand-thrown pizzas and seasonal salads. The menu is created by Chef Chris Favero and Chef Jose Aguilar and is driven by classic Italian flavors and seasonal artisan ingredients. Signature dishes include hot and cold antipasti, scaloppini such as Chicken Martini, Chicken Milanese, Veal Parmesan (many of which can be ordered glutenfree), fresh pastas like Spaghetti Carbonara, rotating specials spotlighting simply prepared seafood dishes and Italian housemade desserts. The 5th Floor Pizzeria offers more than 14 varieties of classic hand-thrown pizza on housemade, thin crust. Frankie’s menu can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; dining in, carry-out or delivery. HUB 51 hub51chicago.com 51 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL (312) 828-0051 Hub 51 was the first restaurant created by R.J., Jerrod and Molly Melman and offers a menu of American cuisine from homemade tacos, signature sandwiches and salads to sushi. Known for craft beers and a good vibe, Hub is a casual, neighborhood restaurant open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Menu favorites include the Pulled Chicken Nachos, Shaki-Shaki Tuna, the zesty El Segundo Sol Burger, Filet Mignon Steak Tacos with fresh guacamole and homemade corn tortillas and Martha’s Special Occasion Carrot Cake. IL PORCELLINO ilporcellinochicago.com 59 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL (312) 595-0800 Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. The seasonal menu focuses on housemade pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors and local farmers. Award-winning mixologist Julian Cox designed and leads the cocktail program, and the fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections from southern and central Italy. INTRO introchicago.com 2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 868-0002 Intro is an innovative, casually upscale neighborhood restaurant featuring chef-driven cuisine with an entrepreneurial spirit. Led by Executive Chef/Partner Stephen Gillanders, Intro offers an a la carte menu while also introducing up-and-coming culinary talent from around the country to Chicago. Visiting chefs work in full collaboration with restaurateur Rich Melman, Chef Gillanders and senior partners of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises to create dishes for the a la carte menu as well as a separate tasting menu reflective of their personal style. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 10 JOE’S LIVE joesliverosemont.com 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, IL (847) 261-0392 The partners behind Bub City, Joe’s on Weed Street and the Windy City Smokeout, a BBQ and country music festival, opened two new ventures that occupy 35,000 square feet at 5441 Park Place in the MB Financial Park. Attached to Bub City is Joe’s Live, a live music venue and concert hall that hosts live performances for nearly 2,000 guests. Joe’s Bar, long known as a place to see future stars like Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley, occupies two-thirds of the space with a stage that plays host to a weekly lineups of country music’s biggest names, up-and-comers, local talent, DJs, and more. JOE’S SEAFOOD, PRIME STEAK & STONE CRAB joes.net 60 E. Grand, Chicago, IL (312) 379-5637 3500 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV (702) 792-9222 750 15th St NW, Washington, DC (202) 489-0140 Lettuce Entertain You and ICON team up with a four-generation legend, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab, in Miami, has been serving its award-winning menu to hundreds of thousands of seafood lovers during the Stone Crab season, October through April. Unlike the original, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab will be open yearround and offers Chicago, Las Vegas and Washington DC a taste of its world-renowned Stone Crab Claws and Key Lime Pie but will also have a variety of fresh seafood and prime steaks. L. WOOD’S lwoodsrestaurant.com 7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, IL (847) 677-3350 L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge is a northwoods supper club in the honored tradition of timeless Midwestern towns. Presenting classic American comfort foods featuring BBQ Ribs, Chicken, fresh fish and nightly specials. L. Woods is a great gathering place where guests can relax with family and friends. M BURGER mburgerchicago.com 161 E. Huron St., Chicago, (312) 254-8500 5 W. Ontario St., Chicago, (312) 428-3548 Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph St., Chicago, (312) 578-1478 Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 867-1549 3654 W. Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL. (847) 972- 6171 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., Aurora, IL. (630) 692-9558 M Burger is Michigan Avenue’s newest burger joint. If Midwestern beef burgers are what you crave, try them atop an oven fresh bun and with crisp lettuce, onions, sharp American cheese and savory bacon. The signature “M Burger” is slathered with “secret sauce” making each bite one to savor. Golden slim fries and creamy chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry milkshakes are perfect accompaniments to the melt-in-your-mouth burger. Diners can also bite into “Nurse Betty,” an all-vegetable sandwich, chicken sandwiches and chicken chopped salads. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 11 M STREET KITCHEN mstreetkitchen.com 2000 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA (310) 396-9145 The restaurant features modern American food with a new take on beloved classics, including the Sonoma Salad and Brussels Sprout Salad, the Green Chili Burger and Ahi Tuna Burger, the Vegetarian and Filet Tacos and the Pulled Chicken Nachos, to name just a few. As the restaurant approaches the summer months, expect to see other new, seasonal fare to be added to the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY maggianos.com 516 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL (312) 644-7700 240 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 368-0300 175 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL (847) 933-9555 1901 E. Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, IL (847) 240-5600 2685 Southdale Center, Edina, MN (952) 285-4339 2500 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI (414) 978-1000 1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville, IL (630) 536-2270 Visit www.maggianos.com for a complete listing of locations. Hours vary by location. Maggiano’s is a classic re-creation of a New York City pre-war “Little Italy” dinner house. The delicious home cooked Italian cuisine is served family style – perfect for large parties. (Please note: the Maggiano’s concept was purchased by Brinker International in 1995, however, the Chicagoland, Edina, MN and Wauwatosa, WI locations continue to participate in the Lettuce Entertain You Frequent Diner and Gift Card programs) MAGIC PAN CREPE STAND leye.com Mall of America, Bloomington, MN (952) 853-0200 (call Tucci Benucch) Savory or sweet, crepes (the French word for pancakes) have been folded, rolled and wrapped around various fillings for centuries. Choose one of the many fillings or sauces at The Magic Pan Crepe Stand and see why crepes are enjoyed throughout the world. The Magic Pan Crepe Stand features the classic Magic Pan standards, such as cherries royale, chicken divan, and spinach soufflé, as well as our favorites from the street corners, such as chocolate, nutella, and crepes suzette. Each made to order crepe is carefully crafted by hand, combining the convenience of quick service with old world artisanship. MITY NICE BAR & GRILL mitynicechicago.com Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 335-4745 Located at the east-end of Foodlife, this is a comfortable, 1940’s style bar and grill with a simple motto “good food, served right.” Relax and enjoy this casual “neighborhood spot” in the restaurant or at the classic full bar. Enjoy our staff that is “Mity Nice” and will serve you our diverse yet simple menu. The menu features an extensive list including grilled steaks and fish, fresh pastas, flatbreads and salads. Mity Nice also offers homemade desserts and signature martinis with hand stuffed olives. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 12 MON AMI GABI monamigabi.com 2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 348-8886 Paris Resort and Casino-3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South (702) 944-GABI 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 472-1900 7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD (301) 654-1234 11950 Democracy Drive, Reston, VA (703) 707-0233 Mon Ami Gabi is a French Steak House renowned for Steak Frites and fresh seafood. The menu at Mon Ami Gabi signals a return to simple French food and features a shellfish bar serving Fruits de Mer and Classic Steak Frites offered in a variety of styles. Also features French wines that are served by the ounce, the glass or the bottle. NACIONAL 27 nacional27.net 325 W. Huron, Chicago, IL (312) 664-2727 This “Modern Latin Restaurant, Ceviche Bar and Salsa Club” was named “Chicago’s hottest Nuevo Latino restaurant.” (Restaurant Hospitality) Featuring the “bold combination of flavors” (Bon Appetit) of 27 countries from South and Central America and the Latin Caribbean. “With all the swank of a Ricky Ricardo nightclub” (John Mariani) guests dine on Chef Randy Zweiban’s new Latin cooking from a menu named “Nations Restaurant News 2004 Best Independent Operator Menu in America,” while sipping legendary mojitos, exotic cocktails and wines from our Wine Spectator award winning wine list. Each Friday and Saturday at 11pm, our DJ spins Latin tunes for Salsa and Merengue dancing until 2am (Saturday until 3am). NAOKI SUSHI naoki-sushi.com 2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 868-0002 Led by Naoki Nakashima, Lettuce Entertain You’s long-time sushi chef, Naoki is a playful mix of contemporary and classic Japanese cuisine and sushi presented in a casual setting tucked within the culinary lab of Intro. The beverage program highlights sushi-friendly cocktails, beers, wines and sake. Seating 50 guests, the warm, comfortable space is open Wednesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. OSTERIA VIA STATO osteriaviastato.com 620 North State, Chicago, IL (312) 642-8450 Osteria Via Stato, embraces the lifestyle of Italy. Osteria Via Stato, which translates into ‘tavern on State,’ will celebrate the simplicity and quality of authentic Italian food and wine with humor and hospitality. The meal at Osteria Via Stato will follow the traditional Italian dining format, rather than offering an American-style succession of courses, which gets progressively heavier and larger from appetizer through dessert. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 13 OYSTER BAH oysterbah.com 1962 N. Halsted 1st Fl. Chicago, IL (773) 248-3000 Oyster Bah is an East Coast-inspired oyster bar and seafood restaurant created in partnership with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and the team behind Shaw’s Crab House. The menu highlights all things fresh seafood with a dynamic oyster program pulling from both East and West coasts, fish sourced from all over the world, and a solid mix of classic and unique seafood dishes like Stuffies, a stuffed clam dish baked with chorizo, Crispy One-Sided Snapper, which is garnished with Thai-inspired sauce, and more. On the lower level of the restaurant is the Crab Cellar, a cozy basement bar with eight tables and ten bar seats serving food and craft cocktails. PETTERINO’S petterinos.com 150 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL (312) 422-0150 Nestled in the heart of the Theater District on North Dearborn Street in the new Goodman Theater, Petterino’s offers Chicagoans a glimpse of the 1940’s by celebrating the glamour and excitement of past decades. Named after Arturo Petterino, the longtime maitre d’ of Chicago’s famed Pump Room, Petterino’s pays homage to past, present and future Chicago legends. Petterino’s serves prime steaks, fresh fish and homemade comfort food specialties. PIZZERIA VIA STATO osteriaviastato.com/pizzeria 620 North State, Chicago, IL (312) 337-6634 Pizzeria Via Stato features Roman-style pizza with classic presentations, artisanal ingredients and a crisp, thin crust. Chef David DiGregorio’s menu includes a selection of salads and small plates, with composed pizzas as the highlight. The pizza-driven menu includes “Tavern Pizzas,” the classic style all Chicagoans are familiar with, broken down into Red and White selections, and the ingredient-driven menu features artisanal meats (salumi, housemade sausage), hand-pulled mozzarella, and seasonal, market-inspired vegetable toppings. And what better to accompany a delicious Italian pizza than an all-Italian wine program featuring 300 wines by the quartino and bottle, draft and bottled beers, and specialty cocktails? RAMEN-SAN ramensan.com 59 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL (312) 377-9950 Ramen-san is a lively, neighborhood restaurant and bar in River North reminiscent of traditional ramen shops in Japan. The menu is created by Chef/Partner Doug Psaltis and Executive Chef Marcelo Han. Ramen-san showcases elevated ingredients across seven ramen dishes offered on the menu. These include a traditional tonkotsu pork broth, kimchi and fried chicken ramen - a nod to Chef Han’s Korean heritage, and a vegetarian broth. In addition to the food, guests can sip on Japanese whisky, Asian-inspired cocktails and local and Japanese craft beer with ice cold Asahi on draft. Ramen-san is open for lunch, dinner and late-night as well as carry-out and delivery. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 14 REEL CLUB reel-club.com 272 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 368-9400 Lettuce Entertain You is excited to announce the opening of a new Seafood restaurant in the Oak Brook Center this month. Reel Club, located on the east side of the mall at 272 Oak Brook Center Dr. will feature a broad array of Fresh Fish, Alaskan King Crab, Maine Lobster, as well as Dry-Aged Prime Steaks, Signature Salads and a new twist on Ice Cream Desserts. Complementing the fare is an extensive beverage menu, featuring many wines by the glass, compiled by Master Sommelier, Alpana Singh and signature cocktails and non-alcoholic specials by mixologist, Adam Seger. R.J. GRUNTS rjgruntschicago.com 2056 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 929-5363 Lettuce Entertain You’s first restaurant, R.J. Grunts, boasts a casual atmosphere featuring music and decor reminiscent of the ‘60’s and early ‘70’s, with an overflowing salad bar, award-winning chili, oversized burgers, a wide variety of chicken sandwiches, home smoked BBQ Ribs and hand dipped shakes and malts. RPM ITALIANrpmrestaurants.com 52 W. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 222-1888 650 K Street NW, Washington, D.C., (202) 204-4480 R.J., Jerrod and Molly, partner with acclaimed chef Doug Psaltis and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic to bring a sophisticated and modern approach to Italian cuisine. You can expect an innovative menu created by Psaltis with a nod to classic Italian dishes. The restaurant prominently features more than a dozen freshly prepared house-made pastas, antipasti, grilled meats, seafood and innovative desserts. Signature cocktails are designed by acclaimed mixologist Julian Cox. The newest addition to the RPM family is RPM Italian which opened in June 2016 in Washington D.C. with a modern Italian menu that is a collaboration between chef/partner Doug Psaltis and executive chef Gabe Thompson. RPM STEAKrpmrestaurants.com 66 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 222-1888 RPM Steak located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood is the creation of restaurateurs Richard, R.J., Jerrod and Molly Melman, celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic, and acclaimed chef/ partner Doug Psaltis. The sister restaurant to RPM Italian, RPM Steak marks the second collaboration between the partners. This new venture brings a contemporary, chef-driven approach to a traditional steakhouse menu as well as ageless cosmopolitan glamour to the overall dining experience. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 15 SARANELLO’S saranellos.com The Westin Hotel 611 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL (847) 777-6878 Inspired by his travels and passion for Italy’s culture, Executive Chef Mychael Bonner has created a broad menu of Italian-fare utilizing the freshest ingredients to create the fullest flavors to bring homemade, hand-crafted pizzas and pastas, as well as prime steaks and fresh fish dishes to the table. SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE shawscrabhouse.com 21 E. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL (312) 527-2722 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL (847) 571-2722 Two restaurants in one - Shaw’s Crab House is Chicago’s leading seafood empire offering fresh seafood including crab legs, lobster, scallops, and a variety of seasonal catches. The Oyster Bar at each location features a variety of freshly shucked oysters with a large variety of shrimp and raw oysters at its “Shuck-N-Shell Bar.” STELLA BARRA PIZZERIA stellabarra.com 1954 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL (773) 634-4101 2000 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA (310) 396-9145 6372 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (323) 301-4001 11825 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD, (301) 770-8609 Stella Barra Pizzeria offers a select menu of 12-13-inch Neapolitan style pizzas highlighting a range of sustainable, locally-grown ingredients found at the local farmer’s market and sourced by nearby purveyors. Varieties are to include Margherita, Charred Pepperoni, Quattro Formaggi, Shaved Mushroom and Spicy Calabrian, among others, which change seasonally. Cooked in a stacked oven at extremely high temperatures (650 degrees Fahrenheit) to achieve Stella Barra’s signature crisp crust, the restaurant’s culinary team spent countless months (and more than 30 variations) perfecting its signature pizzas. STRIPBURGER stripburger.com Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas, NV (702) 737-8747 Stripburger features burgers, shakes and cakes located right on the Las Vegas Strip at the Fashion Show Mall. Stripburgers’ menu consists of classic 100% all-beef signature hamburgers, free range chicken breast sandwiches, spotlight sandwiches, salads, milk shakes and cakes. Don’t forget about the jumbo cocktails and impressive collection of wine and beer. Stripburger is a bright, modern, all outdoor burger joint with misters and fans in the dead heat of the Las Vegas summer and heaters during the winter months so guests can still enjoy the hustle and bustle of the strip! For people on the run, Stripburger also offers the entire menu for carry-out. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 16 SUMMER HOUSE SANTA MONICAsummerhousesm.com 1954 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL (773) 634-4100 11825 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD, (301) 881-2381 The California-influenced, American restaurant features a wood-fire grill as its centerpiece and will dish out an ever-changing menu that spotlights locally-sourced produce and ingredients whenever possible. In addition to simply prepared proteins and a large selection of market vegetables, Summer House Santa Monica also boasts Chef Mahin’s signature artisanal bread program, an extensive wine list, fresh-squeezed juices and a wide array of pastry and sweets. Seeking to make diners feel at-home, the restaurant has been designed to evoke the atmosphere of a summer beach house with whitewashed woods, warm tones and a large glass ceiling positioned directly over the dining room that brings the outside in no matter what the season. An open kitchen outfitted in earth-toned tiling and a five-foot, wood-fire grill that emulates a home hearth further fosters the comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant seats more than 200 diners and will be open for dinner seven days a week; Summer House Santa Monica will also be open for breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. THREE DOTS AND A DASHthreedotsandadashchicago.com 435 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL (312) 610-4220 Three Dots and a Dash is an award-winning, speakeasy-style, tiki lounge with a secret alleyway entrance. Guests are immediately transported to the glamorous bygone eras of Trader Vic, Stephen Crane and Don the Beachcomber. Descend underground to discover a subterranean hideaway filled with Polynesian artifacts and tropical spirits (vintage tikis, colorful globe lights slung with fishing rope, bamboo accents and a thatched grass hut) where our mixologists serve a menu of 20 classic, modern and original tiki cocktails in whimsical ceramic mugs brimming with elaborate garnishes, including edible orchids and dolphin bananas. A small menu of Polynesian-inspired “island fare” is available and the custom-made tiki mugs can be purchased online and in the restaurant. TOKIO PUB tokiopub.com 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL (847) 278-5181 Tokio Pub specializes in Asian small plates, fusion cocktails and a pub-style beer list. Inspired by authentic Japanese Izakayas, this pub incorporates flavors from Japan, Korea, Thailand and Latin America offering delicious, quickly served food ideal for sharing. Menu favorites include skewers grilled on the robata grill, Asian inspired tacos with house-made corn tortillas, and garlic-ginger chicken wings. With its lively music and edgy atmosphere, Tokio Pub offers the Northwest suburbs a new option for lunch, dinner and cocktails. TRU trurestaurant.com 676 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL (312) 202-0001 TRU brings together Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. and Gale Gand and Rick Tramonto, chefs and owners of the award-winning, popular Brasserie T restaurant (now closed). The menu consists of progressive French cuisine focusing on the freshest, most flavorful ingredients possible served on a spectacular array of non-traditional surfaces produced by local and international artisans. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 17 TUCCI BENUCCH tucci-benucch.com Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425 (612) 853-0200 Tucci Benucch has a country Italian setting amidst the urban excitement of the magnificent mile and Mall of America. Tucci Benucch specializes in fresh salads, thin crust pizzas, and delicious pasta dishes. TWIN CITY GRILL leye.com Mall of America, Bloomington, MN (612) 854-0200 Twin City Grill serves classic American cuisine in a comfortable setting reminiscent of the 30’s and 40’s. The menu features famous flatbreads, fresh salads, barbecue ribs, beer battered walleye, prime steaks and signature mashed potatoes. WILDFIRE wildfirerestauarant.com 159 W. Erie, Chicago, IL (312) 787-9000 232 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 586-9000 235 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 279-7900 3020 Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN (952) 914-9100 1250 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg, IL (847) 995-0100 1300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL (847) 657-6363 1714U International Drive, McLean, VA (703) 442-9100 Wildfire, a steak and chop-house, is a step back in time to the 1940’s when going out for dinner meant something really special. From the décor to the jazz music, Wildfire has the style and warmth that makes for a perfect evening with friends or just for two. Wildfire’s open flame cooking and spit roasting over wood creates hearty savory dishes with a unique fullness of flavor. Wildfire’s signature dishes include Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon, Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Barbecue Baby Back Ribs, Char Crusted Ribeye Steak, Wood-Roasted Mussels, Cedar Planked Pacific Salmon and Ahi Tuna “T-Bone.” In addition we offer a variety of fresh, seasonal salads and sandwiches. WOW BAO wowbao.com Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 642-5888 175 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL (312) 334-6395 1 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL (312) 658-0305 225 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 226-2299 2806 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL (773) 433-5333 Steamed Bao—a favorite portable Chinese snack throughout Asia—has quickly addicted Chicagoans within striking distance of a Wow Bao, which features these meat-and-vegetable-filled “hot Asian buns.” Wow Bao’s quick-service menu also offers fresh Pad Thai salad, soups, and rice (or noodle) bowls topped with Teriyaki or Kung Pao chicken. Signature homemade ginger ale and Thai iced coffee is also available. Some locations offer potstickers and breakfast foods, and all have healthful and vegetarian options. A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 18 LETTUCE IN THE NEWS ENTREPRENEUR p. 21 FOOD ARTS p. 25 AUGUST 2012 HOSPITALITY DESIGN p. 29 SMART BUSINESS p. 32 CS p. 36 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 19 TIME OUT CHICAGO p. 40 CHAIN LEADER p. 46 SAVEUR p. 52 ASSOCIATED PRESS p. 55 CHICAGO MAGAZINE p. 56 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 20 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 21 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 22 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 23 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 24 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 25 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 26 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 27 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 28 AUGUST 2012 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 29 AUGUST 2012 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 30 AUGUST 2012 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 31 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 32 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 33 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 34 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 35 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 36 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 37 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 38 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 39 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 40 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 41 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 42 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 43 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 44 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 45 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 46 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 47 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 48 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 49 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 50 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 51 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 52 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 53 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 54 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 55 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 56 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 57 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 58 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 59 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 60 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 61 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 62 A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 63 RESTAURANT IMAGES JOE’S SEAFOOD, PRIME STEAK & STONE CRAB® A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 64 FRANKIE’S 5TH FLOOR PIZZERIA™ SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE® A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 65 REEL CLUB® A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 66 HUB 51® WILDFIRE® A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 67 L2O® A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 68 FOODLIFE® CAFE BA-BA-REEBA!® A TASTE OF LETTUCE | 69