Midsummer Night's Dream Inspiration for New West Loop Lounge

Club Royale, a new restaurant and lounge, opened in the West Loop in July. Owner Marcel Somfelean and architect Jeremiah Johnson took visual cues from Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream in designing the 3,000-square-foot space, ultimately filling it with dark woods, amber resins, and back-lit onyx walls covered in ghostly branch patterns. Though seating is available in oversize brown leather banquettes, the space lends itself more readily to cocktail receptions. The entire space can accommodate 245 guests.Executive chef Andre Christopher, who's previously held posts at Japonais and Pops for Champagne, created a menu that he describes as "western Japanese." On offer: basil- and caper-laced tuna tartare, oysters served with sake creamed spinach, and chili-crusted lamb chops with yuzu-dill yogurt sauce. The drink menu features a selection of champagne-spiked cocktails, including the Apricot Blossom (made with Veuve Clicquot and apricot brandy) and the Bubbling Margarita.