The historic Blackstone Hotel, which recently reopened after a Marriott buyout, has a flashy new tenant. Mercat a la Planxa, a Catalan tapas bar, opened on March 8 to much fanfare. In addition to a stylish multitiered interior, the menu is garnering attention—food blogger Mike Nagrant of HungryMag.com called the restaurant's rabbit agnolotti "my favorite new dish of the year."
Celebrated chef Jose Garces, a Chicago native who made a name for himself with Amada and Tinto in Philadelphia, partnered with Sage Restaurant Group for the project. His menu of cured meats, cheeses, flatbreads, and grilled entrées, plus sangria, cocktails, and Spanish wines, is bringing Mediterranean tastes to a neighborhood filled with fast-food joints.
The sprawling main dining room seats 190, while the downstairs lounge can accommodate 20 guests. La Veranda, a secluded private dining space within the restaurant, overlooks the main dining room. Seating 16, La Veranda features audiovisual equipment and flat-screen TVs. Mercat also offers catering services for parties of any size.
Celebrated chef Jose Garces, a Chicago native who made a name for himself with Amada and Tinto in Philadelphia, partnered with Sage Restaurant Group for the project. His menu of cured meats, cheeses, flatbreads, and grilled entrées, plus sangria, cocktails, and Spanish wines, is bringing Mediterranean tastes to a neighborhood filled with fast-food joints.
The sprawling main dining room seats 190, while the downstairs lounge can accommodate 20 guests. La Veranda, a secluded private dining space within the restaurant, overlooks the main dining room. Seating 16, La Veranda features audiovisual equipment and flat-screen TVs. Mercat also offers catering services for parties of any size.
Mercat a la Planxa's convivial dining room overlooks Grant Park.
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
Mercat's convivial dining room overlooks Grant Park.
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
A staircase leads from the lower-level lounge to the main dining room.
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
Architectural details evoke Barcelona's unique style.
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
The menu consists of tapas and grilled dishes. ("A la planxa" means "on the grill.")
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
The lower-level lounge is a popular gathering spot.
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
Mercat serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a late-night menu in the lounge.
Photo: Courtesy of Sage Restaurant Group
