REGIONAL NEWS
The Hampton Social
Mesler
RESTAURANT NEWS»
Mesler Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood saw the opening of the 98-room SOPHY Hyde Park this past fall. The hotel includes Mesler, a restaurant whose name literally translates to “to mix and mingle.” Brunch enthusiasts will enjoy Mesler’s daily brunch, served instead of the traditional breakfast and lunch service. From 2-5 p.m. daily is a “Hyde Park Social” period that is followed by dinner. Mesler also offers a late-night lounge menu seven days a week, as well as room service. Official menus include options like chicken and waffles, house-made pastas, a signature burger, and various cuts of sustainably raised beef served at dinner. A 15-foot, double-sided fireplace separates the hotel reception area from the 40-seat Mesler lounge. Hyde Park’s scientific discoveries from the last century have inspired décor centered on metals, orbital light fixtures, and geometric motifs. An outdoor lounge area will accommodate 24 guests.
42
ILM+E
| WINTER 2019
Split-Rail
Inside, a private dining room, complete with an outdoor patio and fire pit, accommodates up to 14 guests.
Split-Rail Chef Zoe Schor’s West Town favorite Split-Rail reopened in September following a closure for reconcepting. With a menu now revolving around Southern fried chicken and the essential accompaniments, it’s just the spot for down-home comfort food come winter. The restaurant has several options for private events: a private dining room accommodating up to 22; a chef’s table experience in the kitchen for up to 12; and a buyout that can hold up to 120.
The Hampton Social The third location of The Hampton Social, a splashy restaurant/bar concept from Parker Restaurant Group, opened in Streeterville in September. With a nautical-inspired ambience and two patio spaces, the restaurant is ripe with Instagram moments (think: a neon
“Rosé All Day” sign). At the opening event, guests had the opportunity to play “Prosecco Pong”—an activity worth asking about for private events, too. An outdoor rooftop has seating for up to 62, and the covered terrace will be available for use in any season. Accommodate up to 250 guests with a buyout of the entire restaurant.
Walton Street Kitchen + Bar Opened in September in the Gold Coast, the 158-seat, two-level restaurant from Ballyhoo Hospitality showcases American cuisine with a worldly approach from executive chef Jon Keeley. Menu highlights include king crab, Hamachi crudo and fried green tomatoes, in addition to a creative beverage program offering riffs on traditional cocktails, like a Moscow Mule made with ginger-flavored kombucha. A private dining room on the second floor accommodates up to 40 guests and overlooks Walton Street.
P H OTO S : N E I L B U R G E R ; T H E H A M P TO N S O C I A L ; M E S L E R ; Z AC H S C H O R
Walton Street Kitchen + Bar
