3 days ago
Inside LIA, a New Downtown Restaurant Attempting to Redefine Artful Consumption
Chicago chefs have often explored the connection between the visual and culinary arts through creating plating or decor. LIA, opening today in River North, takes that relationship to a new level, featuring dishes that replicate the art that surrounds the diner.
The restaurant will welcome a resident artist; the menu also has a QR code encouraging customers to purchase pieces. For its opening, LIA (which stands for 'life imitates art') will shine a spotlight on Laundry Room Studios. Resident artists aren't new to Chicago restaurants; places like Michelin-starred Esme have found success with the practice. But in River North, among the tourist traps, LIA hopes to carve a niche.
The tasting menu tries not to take itself too seriously. A foie gras mousse with cherry gel starts the meal and is called 'I'm Not Super Hungry.' The meal closes with a Nutella tiramisu with an affixed message 'Don't Eat The Art Work,' and mimics a piece of art hung on the wall. Customers aren't bound by the tasting menu. A la carte options include small plates (like white sangria octopus), large plates (like banana leaf monkfish), and 'vegetable stuff' (like caccio de pepe with a red beet reduction).
This is the first Chicago project from a metro Detroit-based company, Canvas Hospitality. There, chef Jonas Vaiciunas and co-owner Michael Mauro opened a restaurant called the Jackson, named after Jackson Pollock. The food's presentation, as you might guess, took cues from the artist. In Chicago, the space is designed by Pophouse, which is owned by Jennifer Gilbert. Her husband is billionaire Dan Gilbert.
Check out the space, food, and menu below. LIA opens on Thursday, June 5.
LIA , 11 W. Illinois Street, reservations via Resy .
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