When you meet in Chicago, hosting or arranging a group meal at one of its stellar culinary outlets is practically a must. Food can be a reflection of the local and cultural makeup of a destination, allowing people to better connect with the diverse array of communities that call it home—and in Chicago, the foodie scene is vast and thriving, with an abundance of recent openings and accolades won.
James Beard Award-winning Chef Johnny Clark and his wife and partner Beverly Kim opened Anelya in the Avondale neighborhood last October, naming the establishment after Clark’s grandmother. In September this year, the restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide for Chicago. The Ukrainian eatery serves up classic regional fare including varenyky, lokshyna, and krovyanka, and planners can take advantage of its private dining room for their groups. Anelya also offers customizable chef’s tasting menus for up to 16 people and cocktail parties for up to 25. anelyarestaurant.com
Asador Bastian, located in the River North neighborhood, was included on The New York Times’ 2024 “The Restaurant List”, which features its 50 best and favorite outlets in the country this year. Asador Bastian is a beloved steakhouse that serves up beef dishes with Basque influences, led by Chefs Doug Psaltis and Christian Eckmann. The restaurant is housed in an 1883 townhouse known by locals as the “Flair House,” and planners can arrange a private event on-site. asadorbastian.com
Inspired by the restaurants, markets, and flavors of Rome, Italy, il Carciofo will open at the end of this year in the Fulton Market neighborhood, led by Chef Joe Flamm. Visitors will find a seasonal menu of Italian favorites, from prosciutto di parma and crispy carciofo to Roman-style pizzas and traditional hand-rolled pastas. ilcarciofochicago.com
Opened in September, Salon 61 is a private event space by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises—a restaurant group comprising of some 120 properties—in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The venue features 3,900 square feet of function space that can accommodate up to 300 attendees reception-style. Individual on-site spaces include The Library, suited for cocktail hours or welcome dinners; and The Atrium, which offers a fully vaulted glass ceiling and large windows overlooking the historic courthouse building across Hubbard Street. Planners will find dining options here that include plated, family-style, and live stations serving favorite dishes from other Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. Interactive experiences can also be added, such a steak-carving station or sushi handroll bar. salon61events.com
