Elysian Chicago Unveils 2 Distinctive Restaurants
-- Hotels, 6/18/2009 12:37:00 PM
The Elysian, opening this summer in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, has unveiled its two restaurants featuring authentic and approachable cuisine. Balsan is a casual yet elegant gathering spot focused on seasonal items from local farmers, while Ria offers a global experience with an emphasis on the finest and freshest ingredients from around the world. Executive Chef Jason McLeod, will be leading the culinary vision of these restaurants with the promise of an extraordinary dining experience.
Balsan is located on the third floor of the Elysian and offers a varied menu of artisanal comfort food served in a casually elegant yet vibrant atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night cuisine, guests can enjoy a cappuccino, croissants or a seasonal meal featuring organic, locally harvested ingredients. Signature dishes include whole roasted fish and chickens as well as pizzas and flatbreads from the kitchen’s wood-burning oven. Additional highlights include a gourmet charcuterie station and an array of timeless desserts from renowned pastry chef Mindy Segal.
By day, Balsan will function as an ideal destination for light breakfast, a refined lunch or a gathering spot for locals and hotel guests alike. By night, the atmosphere will exude a lively, stylish and sophisticated vibe perfect for after work drinks, dinner with friends or a late night rendezvous.
With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the European courtyard, the restaurant’s décor is set in a palette of grays, black and white. Reminiscent of 1920’s Paris, the intimate space features a marble bar top, hand-etched glass, antiqued mirrors, luxuriously upholstered couches and custom light fixtures.
“Over the past year, we have developed a network of artisan farmers, proprietors and vendors to provide an evolving array of high-quality, seasonal and locally sourced food. We will offer only the freshest cuisine available to our guests in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere,” says Attila Gyulai, director of food and beverage for the Elysian.
Located adjacent to Balsan is Ria. Open every evening for dinner, the menu at Ria features a la carte offerings ranging from the finest cuts of meat to the freshest seafood flown in daily, complimented with a preeminent selection of wine. The seasonal menu allows the culinary team carte blanche to create a remarkable dining experience.
Designed to showcase a "land meets sea" concept, Ria’s aesthetic is clean and classic, yet modern. A palette of warm golds, greens and grays is paired with luxurious silk wall coverings, plush banquettes, sleek silver leather chairs and an intriguing wall art sculpture.
“The philosophy of Ria is insightful and approachable. We want guests to come in for an insatiable meal,” says McLeod. “Balsan offers a more relaxed atmosphere, an extension of our living room serving nostalgic food items. We want our guests and residents to feel like they are dining in a warm, welcoming environment, a place they can call home.”
Balsan will be open seven days a week: Breakfast: 6:30-11:00am; Lunch: 11:30am-5:00pm; Dinner: 6:00-10:30pm; Small plates: Sun-Wed 10:30am-12:00pm; Thu-Sat 10:30am-2:00pm and Brunch: Sat-Sun 10:00am-3:00pm. Ria will also be open seven days a week for dinner 6:00-10:30pm. Valet parking will be available during all hours of operation.
The Elysian also will offer in-room dining and catering. The all-day restaurant, Balsan, will serve breakfast, lunch, light dinner and late night cuisine while the signature restaurant, Ria, will offer an exceptional fine dining experience. Bernard’s bar will offer an array of premium cocktails, creative libations and light fare. Private dining rooms also will be available for groups of eight to 36 to gather for cuisine and conversation.
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