March 5, 2015: Seven Lions, the contemporary American clubhouse restaurant from proprietor Alpana Singh, has opened its doors in Michigan Avenue. At 12,000 square feet, it is located in the landmark Peoples Gas building, across from the famed Art Institute of Chicago.Executive Chef Chris Curren and his talented team – including Chef de Cuisine Patrick Russ (previously of The Dawson and Next) and Pastry Chef Karianne Soulsby – offer a modern interpretation of American clubhouse fare. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine with twists on classic dishes like Lobster Cobb Salad, Lamb Ribs, Chicken and Duck Club Sandwich, Citrus-Braised Pork Shank, a three-tiered Relish Tray and more. For brunch, menu options include a Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Dutch Baby Pancakes, Duck Hash and other daytime fare.
Soulsby, who owns DIVA Chocolates & Confections Inc., has developed a unique dessert menu that offers a contemporary approach to favorite American sweets. Guests can bite into a Caramel Bacon Éclair made with salted caramel and bacon bits at brunch or revel in the traditional S’mores Bread Pudding and the decadent PB & C with malted milk and peanut butter mousse, peanut butter-chocolate crunch and malted milkshake.
The beverage program includes a wine list curated by Master Sommelier Alpana Singh, featuring more than 250 American bottles at a range of price points. An intriguing variety of American beers are available on draft and by the bottle. Seven Lions also serves creative takes on classic American cocktails, with ever-evolving options that reflect the season.
The dining room features 85 seats, and the bar area, offers 30 seats, plus ample room for mingling. The restaurant has a sophisticated, modern design contrasting the neoclassical façade of the Daniel Burnham-designed building. An eclectic combination of refined and raw materials achieves the contemporary look of Seven Lions. The space is defined by dark hardwood floors and bronze-tinted stucco walls and filled with tufted brown leather and crushed velvet booths. Gold-guilded crystal chandeliers are juxtaposed against beautifully aged, reclaimed lumber sourced from an entire barn in Indiana and installed throughout the space. Among antique mirrors hangs a huge photographic collage of Chicago images created specifically for the space by artist Gail Mancusco.
Seven Lions includes three private dining rooms ideally suited for a variety of events. The Blue Room, located on the main floor, is the most intimate and seats ten. The Den is also located on the first floor and seats 20-35 guests. The Symphony Room, located downstairs and aptly named after the building’s previous tenant’s musical practice space, serves as a banquet hall for up to 50 seated guests and offers a separate bar. An expansive al fresco space along bustling Michigan Avenue will open during the warmer months and seat 70-80. An off-site catering program and a menu of items to go will also roll out later in 2015.
