Three Dots and a Dash—named after the Morse code for V, which was short for "victory"—is a new cocktail lounge with a tiki theme. Open in River North since July, the space is underneath the country-western-theme Bub City. Decked with tiki dolls and a tiki bar and scored with retro island music, the space has a private dining room that holds 20. The entire venue is also available for buyout and holds 240. At the bar, mixologist Paul McGee shakes up tropical libations using fresh juices, house-made syrups, and a collection of 150 rums. Served in unusual vessels such as ceramic conch shells or hollowed-out pineapples, drinks include "Bunny's Banana Daiquiri" and Planter's Punch. Bites include crab rangoon, coconut shrimp, and "Luau Chips" with pineapple guacamole. The tiki mugs are available for purchase and make for fun parting gifts.
The esteemed MK the Restaurant recently underwent a renovation. Unveiled in late July, the restaurant's new interior has a custom bar made from wood and glass. In the lounge, a new window banquette offers a view of the Chicago skyline, and a new "bar bites" men includes fried salt-cod fritters, crab toast, and farmer's market hummus with sesame crackers. In the main dining room, pear-wood paneling and trim work outline curvilinear fixtures, and new fabrics feature tone-on-tone, geometric shapes. Upstairs, a private dining space can hold seated dinners for 50 or cocktail receptions for 75. The space offers views of the Chicago skyline. Staffers work with event hosts to create customized menus with optional wine pairings, and can also assist with sound equipment, linens, and floral arrangements.
