CONTENTS 10 REASONS TO MEET EXPLORE CHOOSE CHICAGO IS HERE TO HELP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND CONVENTION FACILITIES WHAT’S NEW FEATURED PARTNERS FESTIVALS & EVENTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS RESOURCES ONLY IN CHICAGO SPOTLIGHTS AFTER-HOURS GROUP TOURS DINING IN CHICAGO’S SPECIAL NEIGHBORHOODS EVENT VENUES MEET WELL to open Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar along the Chicago River. Located within the 57-story Bank of America headquarters, Bar Mar welcomes guests on the first floor with creative cocktails and a raw bar, while the second-floor Bazaar Meat features everything from bison carpaccio to tapas and Wagyu steaks. Former Check, Please! TV show host Alpana Singh debuted her namesake Alpana restaurant in the Gold Coast. The master sommelier curated the wine-inspired cuisine, with dishes such as spring pea ravioli primavera and Faroe Island salmon with king oyster mushrooms. Get into Grecian island mode at Lyra in the West Loop. This Greek restaurant features charcoal-and wood-fired ovens that turn out authentic fare, including prawns saganaki and grilled lamb chops with tomato-olive compote. The Villa private dining room seats 52, while Kava has its own private entrance and accommodates 36 people seated. The owners of progressive Indian restaurant Rooh Chicago opened the intimate Bar Goa in River North. The cocktail bar has a tropical vibe that transports guests to India’s sunny southwest coast, serving Goan street food like chicken curry and green pea hummus. Creative cocktails are mixed with Indian spirits, and live DJs spin most weekends. The playful Hide + Seek is a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on famed Randolph Restaurant Row in the West Loop. The two-story, comfortably elegant eatery serves New American cuisine that includes small plates like house-made malfatti dumplings, along with entrees such as Dover sole. LEFT TO RIGHT: KITCHEN + KOCKTAILS; STAR CHEFS @STARCHEFS Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley Dine on upscale Southern comfort food at Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley in River North. The menu includes favorites like shrimp and grits and Nashville hot chicken and waffles. Cocktails are creative, with the True Flame arriving to the table lit on fire. Don’t miss the homey desserts, including a sweet peach cobbler. Lexington Betty Smokehouse in Pullman has expanded to become a full-service restaurant and caterer. Chef Dominique Leach, who appeared on Food Network’s Chopped , is known for her fall-off-the-bone barbecued brisket, as well as pulled pork and smoked chicken. Soulful sides include collard greens and gouda mac ‘n’ cheese. From Here On , a huge food hall from local hospitality group 16” on Center, opened on the first floor of The Old Post Office. From Here On is home to local Chicago vendors, offering Nashville hot chicken from Hot Chi Chicken, Durango-style Mexican food at Flo’s Kitchen, Italian sandwiches by Tempesta Market, and more. There’s also a cocktail bar called Snorkelbox and a sprawling patio overlooking the Chicago River. Urbanspace food hall has launched two downtown Chicago locations. The 12,000-square-foot Loop locale is just steps from The Chicago Theatre, while the second outpost is located within the iconic Willis Tower. Food vendors include Roberta’s Pizza, Pita Yeero, Edzo’s Burger Shop, Sushi Dokku, and Stan’s Donuts. Host a private or semi-private event at either location. The lovely Avli on The Park is located downtown in Lakeshore East, adjacent to picturesque Maggie Daley Park. Born in Greece, chef Nikolaos Kapernaros drives the menu of authentic Greek dishes that includes moussaka, mussels in ouzo and white wine sauce, and house-made pita bread. Plan a private dinner in the banquet room or on the seasonal rooftop with skyline views. Also in Lakeshore East is Carlucci Chicago , a beloved locally owned Italian restaurant. On the menu are traditional favorites like arancini and pastas that include pappardelle with duck ragu, along with a selection of pizzas with toppings like rabbit sausage. The casual Radio Room is located in the heart of River North. The American menu features fried cheese curds and pickles, the double smash cheeseburger, and fish tacos. Four unique spaces are available for private parties of up
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2023: Page 12
