The “Fat Kid” Knows Protein

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC Chhicago Street Team

Most great ideas are inspired by personal experiences or passions.  In the restaurant/food  industry,  many concepts emerge from the love of a particular ethnic food, a visit to another part of the world,  or a need that has yet to be addressed.  Bottom line is that we create based on our own motivations, successes or challenges.  Being known as the “fat kid” growing up was challenge for Matt Matros, but helped to motivate him to shed 60 pounds eight years ago.  His vision after dropping the poundage was to help people everywhere live the healthy lifestyle that they want to live.  His brainchild?  “Protein Bar”, a new food venue downtown Chicago where folks can quickly get a meal with essential proteins needed to live a healthy active lifestyle.

Protein Bar provides quick and healthy items high in protein and fiber, but low in sugar.

“Protein Bar” has signature protein drinks, signature whole grain bowls and a plethora of boosts too choose from along with fresh made wraps, soups and salads.  There is also an option to build your own drink or bowl if you’re not feeling any of the signature options, but a must try signature protein drink is the “Wrigley Peeled”, consisting of chocolate protein, a choice of milk, all natural peanut butter and banana.  “Protein Bar” uses either whey, soy, or egg as a protein and has four different types of milk.  Some of their boosts include an “Anti-Oxidant Blend”, “Fat Burner Blend”, “Hangover Blend”, and “Libido Blend”.  Gotta try the “Libido Blend”!  Their whole grain bowl options are steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, power granola, or Kashi Go-Lean Crunch.  Try the “Crackberry” bowl if you like Acai berries mixed with vanilla protein, yogurt, power granola and a fresh banana.  All items are high in protein and fiber and low in sugar.  The “Chipotle Roast Beef with Guacamole” highlights their wrap selections.

“Protein Bar” provides nutritional facts about all of their menu items, which is very helpful for the health conscious individual.  The menu explains the differences between proteins and compares the nutritional differences between their signature items and similar selections found at Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Duncan Donuts and Chipotle.  Overall, “Protein Bar” is a new favorite of yours truly, another former “fat kid”, and will be a frequent stop on my protein tour.

“Protein Bar” is located at 235 South Franklin Street.  For more information log onto www.proteinbarchicago.com.  Check out www.efete.net for more restaurant reviews and an inside look at Chicago’s newest restaurants via Fete Select TV.

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The Best Kept Dining Secret in Chicago

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

A month before my second wedding anniversary I was trying to decide what I would do for my wife.  Of course our first year anniversary was special, but my goal was to make our second year just as memorable.  My new Facebook friend, Pam Spritz, is a sassy, cute, and energetic mother and grandmother.  Our connection came through the birth of my son Tru on August 5th and her granddaughter Sunney Lou on August 6th.  Pam also has a son, Jordan, the founder and Executive Chef of Jordan’s Food of Distinction (JFOD).  He asked to cook for my wife and I on our anniversary and what followed was the best dining experience ever!

JFOD is in an unassuming location on Thomas St. near Ashland and W. Division St.  The dining room and kitchen are open and connected.  The room is intimate, homey, quaint and exudes food.  I never imagined upon my arrival that such a modest spot would leave us with an incredible experience.   We were their special guests for the evening.  A table set for two complete with candles and a flower arrangement created by Pam that reflected my wife’s wedding bouquet.  Cocktails, wine, and champagne flowed steadily.  A dining scene that heightened all of our senses.  The eight courses prepared for us were stunning and included “Marinated Hawaiian Black Fin Tuna and Japanese Day Boat Hamachi”, “Pan Roasted Diver Caught Scallops with Slow Poached Fresh Water Baby Rock Shrimp”, “Crispy Soft Shell East Coast Whole Crab” and “Extra Virgin Oil Poached Artic Salmon”.  The dessert, “Candied Fresh Ginger and Warm Brazilian Mango”, was ridiculously good.

Jordan customizes his cuisine to individuals.  He actually interrogates his clients about their likes, dislikes, lifestyle etc.  He wanted to know who we were, which allowed him to create and produce a menu that evening that hit home and provided a unique dining experience.   His inspiration came from two famous Chefs, Charlie Trotter and Rocco Dispirito.  Trotter taught him quality vs. quickness and Dispirito helped him to respect ingredients that come from farms.

JFOD is non traditional in their approach to dining.  Although we had many courses, they don’t matter here.  It all depends on what the customer wants and likes.   The more pickier the customer and the more challenging the task, the more excited Jordan becomes.  For example, he once prepared a meal for a Japanese company that wanted 15 different dishes that represented the flavors of 15 different countries where they were located.  The client has been a repeat customer ever since.

JFOD, on any given week, has artistic chefs from top Chicago restaurants such as Alinea, Trotter’s, Moto, and NoMi that help out in the kitchen .  Jordan wants his clients to feel that they had the perfect meal, at the perfect time, in the perfect place, during the perfect season.  He wants his cuisine to reflect everything about life and the bubble that surrounds them at that moment.  Everything that represents that meal.

JFOD can host up to 75 people for a cocktail party and 2 – 40 people for a sit down dinner.  If you want a dining experience customized to your palate, then JFOD is a must try.

Jordan’s Food of Distinction, 1551 Thomas Street, Chicago, IL. www.jfod.com (773) 278-8111

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One, Two, Three, Cuatro! It’s Brunch Time

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Brunch is arguably my favorite meal on the weekends.  My selection criteria for the perfect brunch spot is pretty particular when it comes to my Sunday afternoon feast.  I must have good food, an extensive menu with a nice selection of breakfast and lunch items, and great cocktails.  The vibe must be appealing, and of course, cost is always a factor.  Next to New York City, Chicago has some of the best hidden gems for brunch when it comes to major cities.  I found one such gem, maybe not as hidden as most, in the South Loop.

Cuatro Cocina Nuevo Latino has it all when it comes to my criteria.  Their Bossa Novo Brunch was delectable.  The food was bangin’, the cocktails were slammin’, and the vibe was on point.  In a nutshell, I liked it a lot.  Executive Chef Edie Jimenez’ menu consists of soulful flavors of Latin America, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.  Brunch standouts include the Tropical Pancakes, Chilaquiles, and Pan Frances (thick french toast with vanilla roasted sweet plaintains and farmers cheese).  Cuatro’s 10 cane rum cocktails flowed nicely and were a perfect complement to my meal.   Great music adds to any brunch vibe and Cuatro has it with the lively Brazilian sounds of “Bossa Tres”.

Cuatro’s brunch is served Sundays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  “Bossa Tres” performs 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Dinner is served Monday – Saturday 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm and Sundays 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Cuatro is located at 2030 South Wabash Ave. (312) 842-8856  www.cuatro-chicago.com.

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This “House” Packs “Power” and Elizabeth Taylor History

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Longevity in any industry is rare nowadays, but especially within the restaurant industry.  A combination of great food, service, location and price is what every restaurant owner desires, in order to make their venue last.  Chicago restaurant veteran Jimmy Alexander has been doing it for years, and now has another winner with his new restaurant Powerhouse.

Built in a historic landmark in Chicago’s Fulton River District, Powerhouse gets its name from the Western Railway power plant.  The main dining room vibe reminds me where powerful business meetings take place, but the separate bar area is much more casual and contemporary.  The menu, by Executive Chef Jeff Mauro, is packed with an array of traditional American dishes with a powerful twist.  One of my favorites was the Tartare of Hawaiian Ono, an appetizer item.  The Lemon Risotto and Wild Boar Rack and Loin were also very tasty and enjoyable.  One of the highlights of the menu was the famous Alexander salad dressing on their Romaine Hearts salad.  

Mr. Alexander explained that the salad dressing has been on the menu at all of his restaurants since the 1950′s.  In-fact, Conrad “Nicky” Hilton enjoyed the dressing so much, that he had it shipped to his 1950 wedding with Elizabeth Taylor, for their dinner reception.  Now that’s a history lesson for you.  The desserts are plentiful with a selection of cheescake, cake and sorbet, but the winner hands down were the Sweet Potato Doughnuts!  Being a doughnut connoisseur, I have to say that these were the best doughnuts that I’ve ever had.  Period!  Gotta try the doughnuts folks.

Powerhouse is located at 215 Clinton Street between Randolph and Fulton.  It’s open for lunch and dinner and their casual bar is a great place to watch the game.  You can check out their web site at www.powerhouserestaurant.com or call (312) 928-0800 for reservations.  As always, check out Fete Select TV for an inside look at the newest and best restaurants in the city.

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Gourmet Food Concept From the Burbs is AOK!

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

There’s nothing like taking to the streets to find a new place that can tempt my taste buds with incredible food.  Chicago offers a lot of hidden gems that don’t necessiarly make the popularity dining circuit, mostly due to location.  I love to share my hidden gems with everyone, especially when it comes to food done right, regardless of location.  Recently, I made a trek away from my normal dining circuit in the city and headed to the ‘burbs to try a new food concept created by another foodie.  I didn’t really know what to expect, but after I took my first bite I knew that the 30-minute Sunday ride was worth it.

The concept is prepared gourmet foods.  The place is AOK Gourmet, a new caterer and gourmet food shop in Skokie, IL.  Owner Andrew Kalish prides himself in providing the finest homemade foods using only the freshest ingredients.  From gourmet sandwiches to herb-marinated whole beef tenderloin, everything is made fresh right from their kitchen.  I had the pleasure of establishing some of my favorites during my outing.  The BBQ Chicken Panini and Mediterranean Chicken sandwiches were ridiculously good.  I also enjoyed their Chicken Florentine wrap with a side of Cavatappi Pasta Salad.  Some of the more popular side items are their Herb Garden Tuna Salad, Classic Chicken Salad and Rustic Roasted Sweet Potato Salad.  For you vegetarians, the homemade Veggie Burger and Israeli Couscous w/Veggies are very tasty as well.

AOK Gourmet prepared foods change daily for optimal freshness and they have quickly become the caterer of choice on the North Shore.  However, corporations and and other folks in the city are calling on them more these days.  AOK Gourmet caters breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner or simply call for take out or delivery.  Not a bad idea for the upcoming holidays.

Visit AOK Gourmet at 4950 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL. (847) 329-3800.  www.aokgourmet.com.  For more info on the hottest new restaurants in the city check out Fete Select TV at www.efete.net.

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WAVE Makes Tea Time a Sexy Experience for Guys and Gals

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

The first time that I had tea was at the Ritz Carlton here in Chicago.  My wife treated me on my birthday afternoon to little sandwiches, cookies, tarts, champagne and of course tea.  It was a really nice and we both enjoyed ourselves, but I probably wouldn’t go back unless it is with her.  The idea of “tea”, especially among guys, is perceived as girly, quite stuffy and pretentious, and for the most part it is.  However, WAVE Restaurant in the W Lakeshore Hotel, is attempting to change that perception and make “tea” time sexy and unisex.

WAVE Executive Chef Kristine Subido created the uni-tea experience.  No white gloves or a full room of ladies here, but feminini-tea and masculini-tea are encouraged.  Along with a selection of loose leaf teas you’ll find tea-infused vodka elixirs (mar-tea-nis), bubbly and a selection of hand-crafted beers.  The menu prepared by Chef Kristine appeals to both men and women.

Mar-tea-ni selections include Raspberry Nectar and White Ginger Pear.  The Masculini-tea (beer choices) includes Goose Island, Pere Jacques and Chimay, Red.  The Tea-ni-bites are tailored to Guys and Gals selections.  The Guys menu include grilled beef tenderloin, beef tartare and mini Angus beef sliders.  The Gals savory treats consists of chilled shrimp and cucumber salad, smoked salmon cannolli, and curried deviled eggs.  Their Sweet Bites are scones, tarts, tea cakes, and macaroons.  The cuisine, cocktails and vibe at unitea is a place where friends can go hang out on a fall afternoon.  In-fact, unitea is a place where the fellas can go hang without having the ”girly” stigma that surrounds tea time.  Unitea is available at WAVE Restaurant in the W Lakeshore Hotel Wednesday – Sunday from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm.  For more information log onto www.waverestaurant.com.

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Are You Connected With Your Food?

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

We’ve heard and seen it several times this year.  A food recall that caused unwelcoming health problems and a major scare amongst consumers from around the world.  There was spinach, beef, tomatoes, jalapenos, mussels, tuna salad and even popcorn that hit the news wire at some point.  It’s great when the FDA finds the source of an E. coli breakout, but it’s very hard to a pinpoint the food origin.

Worry no more, well at least when you eat the cuisine catered by Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions.  Founder and Executive Chef, Cleetus lets his clients know exactly where their food comes from.  Therefore, he actually connects his customers to the food that they eat, by using local ingredients from local farms.  Imagine knowing the exact farm that your ham sandwich or tomato salad came from.  How great to have dinner at a farm that provides you with everything on your plate?  Everything is fresh, organic and good.  They have a suggested catering menu and specialize in custom menu planning.   

CleetusFriedman was recently selected as one of the Chicago Sun-Times 50 people changing Chicago.  He is definitely doing his part by using products that are easily recyclable or biodegradable.  City Provisions is doing everything possible to be Eco-Friendly.  They introduce a lot of their customers to their cuisine via Supper Club events.  I will partake in their five-course vegetarian Supper Club tonight where cuisine and beer, donated by Great Lakes Brewery, will be paired.  The theme is “Sustainability with Food and Drink” and their September 20th Supper Club theme is “The Farm Dinner” at Dietzler Farms.  For more information about reserving a spot at the table log onto www.cityprovisions.com.  City provisions is located at 1043 N. California Ave.

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Obama vs. McCain in a Maki Roll Showdown!

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

The political scene has been at the forefront for Chicagoans the past 18 months.  My personal friend and Illinois Senator Barack Obama has taken the world by storm with his charisma and inspiring speeches that have won over hundreds of millions of people.  John McCain is experienced, but is trying to change his perception of being old and out of touch with typical Americans.  With the help of the media, You Tube and cyberspace nothing has been off limits when comparing and contrasting the Presidential candidates on policy, style, age, family, wealth, and now…um…sushi?

Yes folks, it’s true.  Now Obama and McCain will go “maki-to-maki” in a taste test at RA Sushi for the best maki roll.  You will have a chance to vote for either the Obama roll or the McCain roll as the best political roll conceived by the RA Sushi chef.

The “Blue” Barack Attack Roll is layered with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and artichoke rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with crunchy blue tempura bits, finished with a sweet eel sauce and wasabi mayo.

The “Red” McCain Terrain Roll consists of spicy tuna, crab mix and cucumber rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with crunchy red tempura bits, finished with a sweet eel sauce and spicy mayo.

In a non-biased taste test, I personally liked the McCain roll better, although I think that they could have come up with something better for Barack who represents more flavor than the roll that represents him.  Nonetheless it was an interesting and enjoyable taste test.

During both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions starting today thru Sept 5th, you can taste and vote for your favorite Presidential roll on the Campaign Platter at RA Sushi for $10.  A portion of the proceeds, $3 from every sale of the Campaign Platter, will benefit Rock The Vote.  The winning candidates roll will be inaugurated onto the menu at all three Illinois RA Sushi restaurants starting on Friday, September 12 through Friday, Oct 3.  Also diners will be able to register to vote at RA Sushi Chicago on Monday, Oct 6, as part of a Rock The Vote event that will be held there.

Check out RA Sushi at www.RAsushi.com for more information.

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Food Network Star Creates Delectable Dishes for W Hotels in Chicago

D.C. “Fete Select TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

 

Celebrity chef, author and Food Network star Dave Lieberman has partnered with W Hotels to create exclusive dishes for both IN ROOM DINING and their newly designed LIVING ROOM lounge menus. “Cravings by Dave Lieberman” features globally-inspired foods with a twist. Each Chicago hotel will choose four dishes created by Dave to feature through April 09.  Each new menu item takes inspiration from one of the W’s upcoming global destinations; from Atlanta to Austin, Milan to Marrakech, Santiago to Spain and everywhere in between. Menu’s will change seasonally.

I had the pleasure of tasting four of the menu items at the W City Center last week and they were pretty darn tasty. The “Truffled Taleggio Grilled Cheese” was different from any grilled cheese that I’ve ever had, but not to be outdone was the “Meatball Hoagie” with red paper tomato sauce and provolone. The “Chicken Kebabs” on the menu were inspired by the upcoming W Marrakech. All of the menu items feature foods with unexpected flavors and ingredients that add a personal twist. Also be sure to order their specialty cocktails in the LIVING ROOM or WHISKEY BLUE. The best of the cocktails are the “Strawberry Basil Lemonade” and the “Forbidden Fruit Punch” (made for two).

Check out “Cravings” at the W City Center or the W Lakeshore. Also check out Fete Select TV to get a firsthand look at Chicago’s newest and hottest restaurants.

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Going To Dinner Tonight? Here’s Some Tips

D.C. “Fete TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

I’m always looking forward to trying hot new restaurants in the city and Chicago always has a lot to choose from, especially this summer. Therefore over the past week I set out to try four new hot spots that have been generating a lot of buzz since opening. My criteria for deciding whether a restaurant is worthy of a repeat visit boils down to the cuisine, service, vibe, cocktails, cost, and location. For the most part the four dining venues hit the mark on food, but service was a bit sketchy for at least one of them.

My first stop during my week long dining crusade was Ajasteak. Located at 660 N. State St. (in the new Dana Hotel and Spa), they boast on offering the artful precision of Asian cuisine coupled with the robust flavors of a modern steak house. Basically they serve sushi and a very high grade of beef (Kobe). My wife and I had lunch there and were surprised to see the dining room nearly empty. The lunch menu however, provided an interesting choice of sandwiches, although a little pricey. I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich, which our server touted as his favorite, and the steak fries deemed the best ever. My wife chose the Seared Tuna Sandwich and a side of their heaping Onion Rings. We both shared a Maki roll to compare to our favorite sushi joints. The sandwiches were tasty; the service not so much. The steak fries were not even close to being the best ever. The sushi was decent, but nothing better than our more affordable BYOB sushi spot in Lakeview. Be prepared to open your wallet for an expensive and tasty meal, but the service may not coincide with the price.

My second stop was at OTOM, the sister restaurant to futuristic cuisine MOTO. OTOM Executive Chef Daryl Nash prepares post modern cuisine without being futuristic.  They pride themselves on having stress free and fun food and I have to say that we had a lot of fun trying his creations. Cuisine such as Carbonated Watermelon to cleanse the palate and Butter-poached Shrimp appetizer were big hits. I’m not a huge fan of tofu, but their tofu poached in olive oil, corn puree and topped with freeze dried corn was savory. The Chicken ala King with oyster mushrooms and the Fried Short Rib Ravioli entrees were spectacular. After the Coconut-Pineapple Paradise dessert we were sold. The cocktails and service were great and the ambiance was low key. This is a great place to relax and chill with a significant other or a group of friends. OTOM is located at 951 W. Fulton Market St.

 
C-House was recently opened by acclaimed Chef Marcus Sammuelson. Sammuelson, out of New York City, is the youngest chef to receive two 3 star reviews from the NY Times. C-House is an American Seafood and Chop House restaurant. I taped a segment of Fête Select TV there recently and had a chance to enjoy some of Executive Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner’s specialty dishes, including Chili Crusted Fluke, Yellow Tail Fish Tacos, and Chorizo Mac & Cheese. C-Bar, their raw bar, offers standard seafood favorites and allows guests to sit and view the preparation of their meal. Executive Pastry Chef Toni Roberts created The Candy Bar- variety of bite size chocolates, confections and cookies. C-View is their upscale lounge located on the 29^th floor and I became a fan of their Honeysuckle specialty cocktail. C-House is a few blocks off Michigan Ave in the new Affinia Hotel (166 E. Superior St.)

The final destination on my parade route of restaurants was Hub 51. Owners R.J. and Jerrod Melman, sons of Richard Melman (Lettuce Entertain You), recently opened this 10,000 square foot space with a 20 ft bar. Hub 51 has definitely attracted a big crowd early and appears to be the new place to see and to be seen. The food is American cuisine with different influences from California, Mexico, Australia and Asia that includes homemade tacos, seafood, signature sandwiches and sushi. We had a Sweet Potato Roll, Chicken Nachos, Halibut Tacos, and the Sea Bass. The dishes were all very good, but the winner was the Sea Bass flavored with horseradish broth. My very pregnant wife couldn’t enjoy the Hub Punch, which is their specialty cocktail concoction of Grey Goose le Citron, tequila, Lcor 43, and pomegranate. The kicker for the evening was Martha’s Carrot Cake; RJ & Jerrod’s mother’s own carrot cake recipe. I’ll be back just for the carrot cake alone. Hub 51 is not a quiet place to have a romantic dinner, however it does offer a lively atmosphere with a bar scene that revs up as the evening grows. Check it out at 51 W. Hubbard St. (Corner of Dearborn and Hubbard).

Now that you have four new spots to try, drop me a line and let me know what you think at dc@efete.net.

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BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) a Unique Twist at a South Loop Boutique Wine Shop

D.C. “Fete TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

I’m a huge fan of BYOB’s in the city, and Chicago has a lot of them that I’ve discovered over the past few years.  They usually have great food, a nice atmosphere and the price is definitely right.  But recently I discovered a place that is BYOF (Bring Your Own Food), which I thought was a creative idea in allowing me to still enjoy a unique and intimate evening out without breaking the bank.

Trayce D opened a WineStyles franchise in the South Loop recently and hasn’t looked back.  Located at 1240 S. Michigan Ave, her goal for WineStyles is to be the neighborhood wine boutique store that carries exceptional wines from all over the world. Wine Styles wines are for drinking, not worshipping and are priced at $25 and under. They take the guesswork out of buying wine by categorizing wines by taste styles rather than grape or varietals. They make learning about wine easy and enjoyable. And, they have an excellent selection of gift items including gift baskets and wine accessories. 

The South Loop WineStyles offers the following:

* Wine Club Membership
* Complimentary tastings on Thursdays, 6-8pm
* Online shopping option
* Fine Cigars
* Private parties and events
* Live music on select nights
* B.Y.O.F (Bring Your Own Food) as they serve wine by the glass, or you can open a bottle.
* Wine classes and special order most wines by the bottle or case within 24 hours

Besides being a neighborhood boutique wine store, WineStyles provides a comfort and cozy setting for friends to meet up and partake in libations together.  Sara Kay, their on staff Sommelier, can help you select a nice bottle of wine for your special occasion.  I particularly like the fact that I can bring my own food, buy a great bottle of wine and still have a few dollars left over for dessert!

Check out Trayce D and her South Loop Wine Styles location  at 1240 S. Michigan Ave or log onto www.winestyles.net.

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New Hyde Park Restaurant Brings Nice City Vibe

D.C. “Fete TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Marc Brooks should know a little bit about Hyde Park, seeing as he grew up there.  He also knows a little about restaurants, because he and restaurateur Jerry Kleiner collaborated on a hot concept in the South Loop last year and opened Room 21. 

This time around, Marc wanted to bring a concept back to the neighborhood where he grew up and currently resides, so he and Kleiner once again collaborated and opened Park 52.  Located in the heart of Harper Ct., Park 52 is described as an upscale American bistro.  The menu boasts a nice selection of salads, fish, pasta, and meat dishes. The clientele represents the diversity of Hyde Park, and the vibe is a chilled laid back atmosphere. 

The specialty cocktails are unique and prepared by their mixologists, but you must try the Parakeet by Mariah Naella.  Get an inside look at Park 52 on Fete Select TV below.  See other restaurant reviews at http://www.efete.net/select.html

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Trump’s Sixteen and Rebar the New Hot Spot!

D.C. “Fete TV” Crenshaw, NBC5 Street Team

Been to Sixteen yet?  Have you checked out Rebar?  Well if you haven’t, you may want to check these two new hot spots out this weekend.  Sixteen is the new fine dining restaurant in the Trump International Hotel & Tower.  Located on the 16th floor, Sixteen touts itself as ” a world class dining desitination”.  I’ve had the pleasure of getting an inside look at this restaurant and was impressed with Executive Chef Frank Brunacci’s daily changing menu, the vibe and service that they provided.

Phillip Posch, Director of Food and Beverage says that they are attempting to avoid a pretentious atmosphere, but want to attract a hip down to earth crowd.  They want diners to feel luxurious but “with a sense of modernity and dynamism”.  The modern American cuisine has been getting good reviews and the views are spectacular.  Upon completion, the Trump International Hotel & Tower will be the second largest building in Chicago.  Guests will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Chicago’s famous skyline, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Rebar is Trump’s hip new lounge on the Mezzanine level of the hotel.  Managed by Michael Frank, Rebar offers a vibrant, social atmosphere with picturesque views.  This lounge has been getting a lot of buzz, since more and more Chicagoans discovered the new hot spot.  Just like other lounge concepts in the city, Rebar boasts bottle service for those that want to reserve a table with friends.  They also have creative drink concepts which include a punch bowl concoction that goes for $215.  Be ready to share that with friends.  Check out Sixteen on our Fete Select TV segment below or log onto www.efete.net to view our other Fete Select TV featured hot spots.

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