STK, an outpost of the steak house concept from the One Group, opened in River North in October. The restaurant has three private and semiprivate dining areas. The Blaze Starr room, named after a burlesque dancer, can hold 25 for cocktails and 20 seated. The Tempest Storm room, also suited to smaller meetings, seats 24. The Champagne bar, which seats 60 or holds 75 standing, is available for cocktail receptions and happy hours. Each room has a 55-inch TV that can be used for presentations.
Swift & Sons, the first steak house from the Boka Restaurant Group, opened in the West Loop in October. The venue is 16,000 square feet, and it has two private dining rooms that each seat 30 guests. The private rooms have wood-paneled walls, lofty ceilings, and windows overlooking Fulton Market. There's also semiprivate event space for 180 guests. Event guests have access to a private bar, separate restrooms, and a sitting area. There's also a 60-seat seafood restaurant within the steak house.
At its 2012 Modern Ball, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art paid homage to the artist Picasso. Inspired by some of the painter's imagery, decor from Stanlee Gatti included centerpieces meant to resemble Cubist guitars.
