Avenues
3.5
from - The Peninsula Chicago Hotel
- 108 E. Superior St.
- Chicago, IL 60611
- 312-573-6754
- Price range: $$$$ ($26-$30)
For a big, fancy hotel, The Peninsula Chicago's flagship dining room certainly is not one to play it safe -- and Chicago foodies are the better for it. Chef Curtis Duffy, the former chef de cuisine at Alinea under Grant Achatz, took over the 4-star dining room in 2008. Duffy has been winning early raves for his approach, which he calls "thoughtful progressive," basically a blend of unique, pristine ingredients and cutting-edge, modern technique. His English pea dish, for instance, offers 15 kinds of wild lettuce and herbs, foraged in Oregon and Washington, then boldly served with lemon pudding, prosciutto. Another eye-catcher from his early menu: Wagyu beef with smoked coconut, crunchy soy, puffed tapioca pearls and Africaln blue basil. There are three tasting courses available: four couses ($75), eight courses ($115) and 15 courses for ($140), which takes just longer than two hours to complete, speedy by tasting menu standards. The dining room features earth tones with leather armchairs, an open kitchen and a glass-encased wine cellar with more than 600 bottles on display.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Superior St. and Michigan Ave.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 3-King Drive; 151-Sheridan; 147-Streeterville; 66 Chicago Ave. Red Line Train: Chicago.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 5:30-11 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 5-11 p.m., Saturday.
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary and French
- Meals Served:
- Dinner
- Price Range:
- $$$$ ($26-$30)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Highly recommended.
- Dress Code:
- Jackets required, denim not allowed.
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar. Extensive wine list; Champagne cart.
- Smoking:
- No
- Audience:
- Families
Features
- Carryout:
- No
- ATM:
- Yes. Across the street from the hotel.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- On-site Merchandise. No catering. No dancing. In the hotel gift shop. No children's menu Kid-friendly options available. No buffet.
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. Parties of no more than six are seated in the dining room; larger groups are seated in a private dining room (capacity: 14)
- Worth Noting:
- Recommended.
- Specialties:
- Occasional wine dinners.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- Capacity: 72
Write a review
Rate Avenues
"Avenues--November'08"
By bcn99 from LincolnPark, November 16, 2008
We had heard very good things about Chef Duffy, so it was time for us to try it. We ordered the long tasting menu ($140) and all the dishes ranged...
Report This Review 
"Horrible v alue"
By coo from loop, April 23, 2008
Portion sizes were ridiculous. Literally one bite. for a main course priced at 25.00 Biggest rip-off. Hostess asked us if we would like to start ou...
Report This Review
"Best in Chicago"
By habanerosrule from lakeview, March 3, 2008
Have eaten at Avenus twice now and both meals have been in my top three in Chicago. I have eaten at all the four star restauarnts once and many of...
Report This Review
