Avenues
3.5
- The Peninsula Chicago Hotel
- 108 E. Superior St.
- Chicago, IL 60611
- 312-573-6754
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
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Rate Avenues
"We stayed at The Peninsula..."
By s&j from chicago, il, July 22, 2007
We stayed at The Peninsula for my b-day and went to Avenues for dinner. We could find no fault with anything at this fine restaurant. The wait s...
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"It was definitely hit or..."
By Ts from Glen Ellyn, il, April 23, 2007
It was definitely hit or miss. Some of the courses (of our 5 course tasting menu) were good. Others (like the halibut) were bland or overwhelmed by...
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"My husband and I went..."
By Geeta from Chicago, IL, December 15, 2006
My husband and I went to Avenues for our anniversary. Food was great - tasty, innovative and served well. However, the wait staff was always hoveri...
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