Bon Appétit names Chicago the Restaurant City of the Year, the hip Ace Hotel Chicago makes its debut, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago unveils its stunning $100 million renovation, plus Steak 48, Sushi-San and Barrio restaurants open in River North. 

BON APPÉTIT NAMES CHICAGO ITS RESTAURANT CITY OF THE YEAR

Giant

Noting that the Windy City is “clearly America’s most exciting city to eat in right now,” Bon Appétit named Chicago its Restaurant City of the Year. Restaurants mentioned as standouts on Chicago’s hot culinary scene include Elske, Giant and Mi Tocaya Antojeria.

Learn more about why Chicago earned the title of Restaurant City of the Year.

 

ACE HOTEL CHICAGO OPENS

Ace Hotel Chicago

The hip Ace Hotel Chicago has opened in Chicago’s burgeoning Fulton Market District. The 159-room boutique hotel features City Mouse, a ground-floor restaurant with patio dining overseen by the culinary team behind Chicago’s critically acclaimed Giant. There is also a rooftop bar and sixth-floor garden terrace.

Get more details on the new Ace Hotel Chicago.

 

THE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO UNVEILS $100 MILLION RENOVATION

Torali at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Using Chicago architecture and modern design as inspiration, the revitalized Ritz-Carlton, Chicago has completed a major renovation that includes the largest luxury ballroom in Chicago. Also new is Torali, a contemporary Italian steakhouse with seasonal rooftop dining located on the hotel’s 12th floor.

Learn more about The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago renovation.

 

PUBLIC CHICAGO HOTEL REBRANDS TO AMBASSADOR CHICAGO

Ambassador Chicago

Rooted in Chicago history, the original Ambassador Chicago dates back to the 1920s. With the rebrand by new owner Journal Hotels, the 285-room boutique hotel takes its rightful place among neighboring landmark Gold Coast mansions. A new restaurant is currently in development by Lettuce Entertain You, with an expected fall unveiling.

Learn more about the new Ambassador Chicago.

 

NORWEGIAN AIR ANNOUNCES NEW LONDON ROUTE FROM CHICAGO’S O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Beginning on March 25, 2018, Norwegian Air will add Chicago to its U.S. route. The low-cost carrier will fly between London Gatwick and O’Hare International Airport four times a week.

Get more details on Norwegian Air’s new Chicago route.

 

MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE

Saturday Night Live: The Experience at Museum of Broadcast Communications

Go behind the scenes of the iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL) television show in a new exhibit at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. See a full-scale replica of SNL’s famed Studio 8H in New York’s Rockefeller Center and check out the immersive galleries that showcase the office of executive producer Lorne Michaels, the writers’ room and more than 500 artifacts that include costumes, original sets and scripts.

Read more about Saturday Night Live: The Experience.

 

STEAK 48 DEBUTS IN RIVER NORTH

The sleek new Steak 48 has opened in Chicago’s lively River North neighborhood, serving up prime steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant is owned by the original founding family of the Mastro’s steakhouse chain. The two-story space features an 800-square-foot outdoor patio and a range of dining spaces, including a room with an open view to the bustling kitchen.

Learn more about Steak 48.

 

BARRIO RESTAURANT OPENS IN RIVER NORTH

Barrio

One of Chicago’s buzziest new restaurants, Barrio, has opened in the hot River North neighborhood. Helmed by Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe, Barrio takes a creative approach to traditional Mexican fare. The restaurant seats 200.

Get more details on Barrio.

 

SUSHI-SAN MIXES HAND ROLLS AND HIP-HOP

Lettuce Entertain You recently introduced its newest restaurant concept, Sushi-San, in River North. Hip-hop music is the soundtrack at this Japanese hot spot that offers maki rolls, roll-your-own sushi, Bintochan-grilled meats and vegetables, and Japanese beers and whiskey.

Get the details on Sushi-San.

 

HALF ACRE BEER COMPANY OPENS NEW TAPROOM

The wildly popular Half Acre Beer Company has opened its Balmoral Tap Room & Garden in the Far North Side Bowmanville neighborhood. The location, which features a restaurant and outdoor beer garden outfitted with communal picnic tables, is the second taproom for Half Acre (the original is located in the North Center neighborhood).

Learn more about Half Acre’s new taproom.

 

MURRAY BROS. CADDYSHACK RESTAURANT SLATED FOR DECEMBER OPENING IN CROWNE PLAZA CHICAGO O’HARE HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant

The golf-themed restaurant owned by comedian Bill Murray and his brothers is planned to open in December in Rosemont. The 6,000-square-foot dining space will seat 265 people, and will serve casual fare such as burgers and barbecue ribs. The restaurant will also feature a fun Golf Simulation Experience.

Read more about the new Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant.