A-list chefs from New York, Paris, and the Windy City itself set up shop in Chicago in 2008. Here's a look at four of their restaurants:
1. C-House
This seafood restaurant from chef Marcus Samuelsson of New York’s Aquavit opened at the Affinia Chicago in June. The main dining room seats 85 and a patio seats 24. The 29th-floor C-View cocktail lounge holds 20, and a connected patio holds 50.
2. L2O
This 70-seat eatery helmed by French chef Laurent Gras opened in Lincoln Park’s Belden-Stratford Hotel in May. A semiprivate dining space seats 10; a private dining room seats 55; and a pair of Japanese-style tatami rooms can be combined to hold eight.
3. Province
Executive chef and owner Randy Zweiban opened this Latin-influenced American restaurant in October. The sleek and airy venue features a 40-seat private dining room; full buyouts are available for 110. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a projection screen, and the option of floral service.
4. Graham Elliot
Local chef Graham Elliot Bowles opened this eponymous eatery in June. A semiprivate space seats 60, a curtained-off wine salon seats 25, and groups of eight can try the five-course tasting menu at the elevated chef’s table.
