A TASTE OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU 2012

A TASTE OF
LETTUCE
ENTERTAIN
YOU 2012
A TASTE OF LETTUCE
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about us
CONTACT: Nicole Aylward/Jennifer Bell, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. (773) 878-7340
Since 1971, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. (LEYE) has maintained a sense of humor
and enjoyment while creating high quality, successful restaurants. Due to the innovation
of LEYE’s Founder and Chairman, Richard Melman, and his creative team of partners
and employees, LEYE currently owns, licenses or manages more than 75 establishments
in Illinois, Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Georgia, California and Virginia.
The founding of LEYE was the result of joining Melman’s food ideas with the confidence and
support of Jerry A. Orzoff, Melman’s first partner. A successful real estate agent and North
Michigan Avenue haberdasher, Orzoff (who died in 1981 at the age of 45), played a crucial
role in Melman’s life as a friend and mentor. “Jerry was a guy I respected and related to,”
says Melman. “He believed in my ideas. Meeting him was the turning point in my life.”
After meeting Melman for the first time in 1970, Orzoff liked his off-beat ideas, and believed
in his ability. Working together as new friends and partners, Melman and Orzoff raised
a total of $17,000 to create an upbeat eatery geared toward young singles interested in
rock music, casual clothes and healthy food. Melman hired bright, attractive waitresses
and bartenders and filled the location with hanging plants and modern artwork.
The menu was designed to appeal to a variety of tastes, and included
everything from vegetarian and macrobiotic foods to hamburgers, sandwiches,
milkshakes and the first fruit and vegetable-laden salad bar.
Melman and Orzoff paired their first initials, added the sound a pig makes when eating and baptized
the establishment R.J. Grunts on June 10, 1971 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Despite a lackluster
response in the opening weeks, Orzoff provided the much needed confidence and enthusiasm to
keep Melman optimistic until his dream became reality. After one month, Grunts became a success.
For Melman and Orzoff, the success of R.J. Grunts marked the beginning. In 1973 new ideas and
concepts were created, including the debut of Fritz That’s It! in Evanston, Illinois, followed by the Great
Gritzbe’s Flying Food Show in 1974; Jonathan Livingston Seafood in 1975; and Lawrence of Oregano
in 1976. With each new restaurant Melman’s style evolved as he welcomed new challenges.
Having mastered the off-beat casual restaurant style, Melman directed his attention and energy
toward the world of fine cuisine when he reopened the famous Pump Room in Chicago’s Gold
Coast in 1976. In an attempt to maintain the ambiance and reputation of this establishment,
which originally opened in 1938, Melman trained with a noted Chicago culinary expert,
reorganized the kitchen, redecorated the room, and hired a staff trained in the LEYE philosophy.
(NOTE: the Ambassador East Hotel currently handles Management of the Pump Room)
In 1979, Melman decided to expand to the Chicago suburbs and opened Bones in
Lincolnwood, Illinois. In 1980, LEYE took the popular R.J. Grunts, added a more
contemporary look, and opened a second location in Glenview, Illinois.
Due to the success of The Pump Room, Melman became interested in an expansion of fine
dining restaurants. As a result, in 1980, Melman with Chef Gabino Sotelino, traveled together
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to France where they insisted on bringing contemporary French cuisine to Chicago. This
led to the opening of Ambria and a lasting partnership between Melman and Sotelino.
The success of Ambria inspired additional trips to Europe in order to study food and style.
As a result of such visits, LEYE opened Un Grand Café, a French styled bistro, and the
sophisticated Italian restaurant, Avanzare. The success of such establishments has earned
LEYE increased recognition across the country for its international expertise and flair.
Never content to leave things as they are, Melman is constantly open to embracing
innovative ideas and challenges. In 1982, Melman took his concepts and creativity
beyond metropolitan Chicago when he opened Don & Charlie’s American Rib
and Chop House in Scottsdale, Arizona with partner Don Carson.
As the 1980s progressed, so did the success of Richard Melman and LEYE. With the
desire to embrace diverse styles of cuisine, LEYE has developed a variety of concepts
from seafood houses such as Shaw’s Crab House/Blue Crab Lounge (1984-85) to the
Spanish tapas restaurant Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! (1986) and upscale dining at Everest (1986)
to innovative Mexican creations at Hat Dance (1988). LEYE’s fast growing Italian Division
has also experienced great success with establishments such as Tucci Benucch (1988)
and its city cousin Tucci Milan (1989) and the southern Italian trattoria, Scoozi! (1986).
LEYE continued to expand its Italian Division in the 1990’s with the opening of Maggiano’s Little
Italy in Chicago (1991) and Oak Brook (1992), re-creating the classic pre-World War II dinner
house featuring family size portions. (Please note: the Maggiano’s concept was purchased by
Brinker International in 1995, however, the Chicagoland, Edina, MN and Wauwatosa, WI locations
continue to participate in the Lettuce Entertain You Frequent Diner and Gift Card programs)
A second Tucci Bennuch (1992) located in the new Mall of America in Minnesota; and
Tucchetti in Phoenix, Arizona (1990). At the same time, Melman exhibited his flair for
creating new and innovative concepts with the success of Papagus Greek Taverna
(1991), featuring Grecian delights and mezedes amidst the friendly surroundings of
a rustic taverna; and Big Bowl (1992), focusing on Fresh Chinese and Thai.
In the spring of l993, Melman introduced to the public two new innovative dining concepts
with the opening of foodlife and Mity Nice Grill, located in Chicago’s Water Tower Place.
foodlife, a revolutionary food forum, offers abundant choices among 13 kiosks while Mity
Nice Grill, located at the east end of foodlife, is a comfortable, neighborhood grill which
has the decor and feel of the 40’s, accompanied by a diverse yet simple menu.
Just over a year later in June 1994, expansion outside of the Chicago market continued with the
opening of a new restaurant, Twin City Grill, in Minnesota’s Mall of America. Twin City Grill is a quiet,
cozy restaurant embracing the nostalgia of the 30’s and 40’s and serving classic American dishes.
At the end of 1995, LEYE opened two new distinctive restaurants. Brasserie Jo, an authentic,
lively French brasserie offering traditional French cuisine and an extensive selection of European
cocktails, opened in September. The second restaurant, Wildfire, which features quality
steaks, chops and seafood in a warm and stylish environment opened in December.
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LEYE began 1996 with a “bang,” opening its first Chinese restaurant in January, Ben Pao, which loosely
translated means firecracker. In December 1998, Wildfire opened in Oak Brook, Illinois. Wildfire also
opened its doors in Lincolnshire, Illinois, in 1999. In addition, several exciting new concepts opened
in 1999 including a fine-dining restaurant, Tru, with Chef Partners Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, and
Vong with partner Jean-Georges Vongerichten. In April of 1999 Richard Melman and Gerard Centioli
announced the formation of ICON, LLC. (ICON) ICON was formed to establish partnerships with
established restaurant icons for the expressed purpose of multi-unit expansion and development.
LEYE also expanded into the exciting Las Vegas area with two concepts in the Paris Hotel; Eiffel
Tower, developed by Chef/Partner Jean Joho and the second Mon Ami Gabi with Gabino Sotelino.
In 2000, LEYE continued to grow with many new openings. ICON, a division of Lettuce
Entertain You, opened Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab-a Miami restaurant icon,
in Chicago. Mon Ami Gabi opened its third location in the Oakbrook Mall. Shaw’s expanded
to the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg with Shaw’s Crab House and Red Shell.
In early 2001, LEYE expanded into Chicago’s Loop area with a brand new restaurant concept
called Petterino’s, located in the Goodman Theater building featuring prime steaks, fresh
seafood and classic specialties in a 1940’s atmosphere. At the end of the year, Wildfire
opened its fourth location in Eden Prairie Center Mall in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Vong-Chicago was revamped into Vong’s Thai Kitchen (VTK)
with a lower-priced menu and a vibrant atmosphere. In spring 2002, LEYE ventured to the
East Coast with Mon Ami Gabi’s fourth location in Bethesda, Maryland. At the end of the year
a kiosk serving both savory and sweet crepes opened in Minnesota’s Mall of America called
Magic Pan Crepe Stand. A second Magic Pan opened in Ridgedale, MN in December 2004.
As the success of Wildfire continued, in June 2003 a new location was opened in Schaumburg,
Illinois. Later that summer, LEYE developed a new fast casual concept called Wow Bao, located
in the entrance of Chicago’s Water Tower Place shopping center. Wow Bao, specializes in Asian
influenced savory steamed buns, nourishing broths, crunchy salads and specialty sodas and teas.
In 2004, two more restaurants were opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, opened in September, is located
in the Fashion Show while Joe’s, opened in October 2004, is situated in The Forum Shops at
Caesars. Also in October, Lund Food Holdings, Inc. and Lettuce Entertain You introduced a
retail food concept called “Shanghai Circus – Stir Fry and Steam Show” at Byerly’s in Minnesota.
Shanghai Circus offers Asian food with “cooked-to-order” freshness including a “steam bar”
featuring Hong Kong style buns called “bao.” Soon after, Osteria Via Stato, conceptualized
by Rich Melman, was created to embrace the lifestyle of Italian dining in Chicago’s River North
neighborhood. At the end of the year in December, Wildfire opened its sixth location in Glenview.
Early in 2005, Shanghai Circus expanded to Chanhassen, MN in January and Edina, MN
in April 2005. LEYE also bought back Big Bowl, a casual Asian restaurant and Bar, serving
contemporary versions of Asian-inspired dishes in Chicago, Lincolnshire and Schaumburg,
Illinois, Minnetonka, Roseville and Edina, Minnesota and Reston, Virginia. During the summer,
Magic Pan Crepe Stand opened in Northbrook Court Mall in Northbrook, Illinois. Shortly after,
the holiday season brought a new concept to Northbrook Court Mall called Di Pescara.
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Almost a year later in November of 2006, Wildfire opened its seventh location in
Atlanta, Georgia. This would mark the first LEYE restaurant in the Southeast.
The second Wow Bao in the new Chicago Loop location started off 2007. In March,
Wow Bao opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering breakfast bao, entrée salads,
dumplings and potstickers. In the spring, Stripburger was opened on the Las Vegas Strip
adjacent to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! featuring burgers, shakes and cakes. The fall of 2007
brought the opening of Pizzeria Via Stato, a Roman-style pizzeria; Reel Club, a seafood
restaurant in Oak Brook; and a third Wow Bao location in the theater district. Wildfire was
continuing to grow and its eighth location opened at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia.
Soon, Frankie’s Fifth Floor Pizzeria opened in the 900 Shops offering Sardinian and Tavern Pizzas
to order. Frankie’s Scaloppine opened next to Frankie’s Fifth Floor Pizzeria, a neighborhood Italian
restaurant with style featuring chicken, veal and vegetable scaloppini. Also that year, with Wow Bao
being so well received, the third location opened at State and Lake in the Chicago Theater District.
In May of 2008, Melman and Chef Laurent Gras opened L2O - a modern, high-end seafood restaurant
offering an exceptional array of the world’s best fish and shellfish served in several tasting menus
that highlight seafood’s elegance. In the summer of 2008, Melman’s sons, R.J. and Jerrod, opened
Hub 51, an American concept located in River North. Hub 51 duals as a restaurant/bar skewed
to the young and hip with great food, drinks and music. In the early fall, Mon Ami Gabi opened its
fifth location in the Reston Town Center. Next door, Community Canteen opened as a breakfast,
lunch, brunch, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and take-away option for diners in the greater D.C. area.
In spring 2010, the kitchen table room at Tru was transformed into Michigan Avenue’s newest burger
joint called M Burger. Guests could walk up to this affordable burger counter and enjoy single and
double burgers along with the signature “M Burger” topped with bbq sauce, bacon and secret
sauce. In Las Vegas, things were heating up with the opening of El Segundo Sol serving up their
signature tacos and margaritas. As the summer of 2010 came to a close, a second M Burger
opened at 5 W. Ontario Street. Like the first, it was carved out of an existing LEYE restaurant
kitchen, but this time the kitchen of Osteria Via Stato. With an increased seating capacity and
extended service hours, the second M Burger is bound to double the River North evening bustle.
“We’re a very disciplined organization. We run restaurants well,” says Melman. “People think
of us as creative–and I do believe we possess creativity–but more importantly, we play good
solid ball. Our costs are good. We surround ourselves with good people and we train them
well...not a lot of fancy stuff, just the basics. And, we work very hard.” Adds Melman of LEYE’s
success, “We’ve had the ability to give people what they want almost before they know
they want it. You can call it trendsetting. I prefer to call it the ability to listen to people.”
**Please note that some of the restaurants have changed ownership or have closed, visit
our restaurant page at www.leye.com for our current restaurants and locations.
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LEAVES OF LETTUCE
ANTICO POSTO
antico-posto.com
118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 586-9200
Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of Oakbrook Center is a little slice of Italy. Antico
Posto “the Old Spot” showcases their passion for Italian cooking, offering seasonal
handcrafted and simple authentic ingredients. Two mahogany cruvinets house 24
wines by the glass. A fine collection of wines by the bottle is also available.
BIG BOWL
bigbowl.com
6 E. Cedar, Chicago, IL (312) 640-1555
60 E. Ohio, Chicago, IL (312) 951-9888
215 Parkway, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 808-8880
1950 E. Higgins, Schaumburg, IL (847) 517-8881
3669 Galleria, Edina, MN (952) 928-7778
1705 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville, MN (651) 636-7173
12649 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, MN (952) 797-9888
11915 Democracy Dr., Reston, VA, (703) 787-8852
Big Bowl, Fresh Chinese and Thai is a casual restaurant and bar, serving contemporary
versions of Asian-inspired dishes. Each dish is wok-tossed to order, prepared with
only the freshest ingredients. Taste unique offerings like our homemade Fresh Ginger
Soda made with real ginger, any of our specialty sauces such as the fresh chili sauce
on your table, or our wide variety of Asian noodles, curry and stir fry rice dishes.
BIG BOWL CHINESE EXPRESS
bigbowlchineseexpress.com
Lunds & Byerly’s
2945 W. 50th Street, Lunds, Edina, MN (952) 926-6833
1151 Wayzata Blvd., Lunds, Wayzata, MN (952) 476-2222
7171 France Ave S., Byerly’s, Edina, MN (952) 837-3601
800 W. 78th Street, Byerly’s, Chanhassen, MN (952) 474-1298
13081 Ridgedale Drive, Byerly’s, Minnetonka, MN (952) 541-1414
3777 Park Center Blvd., Byerly’s, St. Louis Park, MN (952) 929-2100
3455 Vicksburg Lane, Lunds, Plymouth, MN (763) 253-3125
5725 Duluth Street Golden Valley, Byerly’s, Golden Valley, MN (763) 544-8846
Dierbergs
11481 Olive Blvd., Dierbergs West Oak, Creve Coeur, MO (636) 812-1466
Big Bowl Chinese Express is a quick way to enjoy the same fresh and authentic Chinese
food that made Big Bowl restaurants so popular. Big Bowl Chinese Express is open at
select Lunds and Byerly’s locations in the Twin Cities and Dierbergs in Missouri.
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CAFE BA-BA-REEBA!
cafebabareeba.com
2024 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL (773) 935-5000
Enjoy a delicious trip through Spain at Chicago’s first tapas bar, serving regional,
traditional Spanish tapas (the ‘little dishes’), entrees, paella (authentic Spanish rice
dishes) and desserts against a vivid backdrop of Mediterranean colors. Outdoor
patio, award winning wine list and famous sangria complete the offerings.
COMMUNITY CANTEEN
communitycanteen.com
11950 Democracy Dr., Reston, VA (703) 707-9442
Community Canteen features breakfast, lunch, brunch, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and take-away
dinners. Guests can relax and eat inside, outdoors on the patio or take with them a wide array of
pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches and full meals including seafood, meat, and poultry.
DI PESCARA
di-pescara.com
2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL (847) 498-4321
Named for an Italian fishing village on the Adriatic coast, Di Pescara serves Fresh Seafood,
Homemade Italian and Steaks in a contemporary atmosphere. The extensive menu includes
specialties, such as Signature Orchard Salad with Green Goddess dressing; Hot & Crunchy Tilapia;
Sicilian Style Skirt Steak; Miso Glazed Black Cod; and Homemade Flat Pasta with Meat Ragu.
DON & CHARLIE’S
donandcharlies.com
7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ (480) 990-0900
The first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant outside of Chicagoland brings a bit
of the Midwest out west, serving Award-winning barbecued baby-back ribs,
chicken, prime rib and steaks, fresh fish and an assortment of other dishes.
EIFFEL TOWER eiffeltowerrestaurant.com
The Paris Resort and Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV (702) 94-TOWER
World-renowned and award winning Chef/Owner Jean Joho has brought his artful culinary
skills to Las Vegas. With its unrivaled French cuisine, elegant bar and stunning view, Eiffel
Tower has already established itself as the premier restaurant in the Las Vegas dining scene.
EL SEGUNDO SOL elsegundosol.com
Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas, NV (702) 258-1211
El Segundo Sol is serving up their signature tacos and they’re as authentic as any you might
find across the border. Ranging from all-natural chicken to lobster, slow-braised beef short rib
to vegetarian, there is a taco that will appeal to every taste bud. Tortillas are made from scratch
daily, pressed and griddled fresh-to-order by professional ‘tortilleras.’ El Segundo Sol’s signature
margaritas include traditional favorites, as well as unique flavors such as Cucumber-Mint and
Prickly Pear. Just outside El Segundo Sol’s front door is Sin City’s first-ever, Strip-side taco
“shack,” with high quality tacos and other simple Mexican fare served well into the night.
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EVEREST everestrestaurant.com
One Financial Place, 440 South LaSalle, 40th floor, Chicago, IL (312) 663-8920
Everest, one of the country’s premier dining rooms, is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago
Stock Exchange building. The world-renowned cuisine of Chef/Proprietor J. Joho has earned
top honors, including the Five-Diamond Award from AAA, the Mobil Dining Award and top
ratings from the Zagat Survey. Locally, the restaurant has been awarded the highest ratings,
including four stars each from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago magazine.
The 75-seat Everest dining room features an intimate atmosphere with a spectacular western
view of Chicago. Everest’s Chef/Owner Jean Joho, called “The most creative chef in the city”
by the Chicago Tribune, orchestrates the creation of his award-winning signature cuisine.
FOODEASE
foodeasechicago.com
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 335-3663
Cooking, eating and entertaining made easy! At Foodease we use fresh ingredients from
quality vendors to prepare foods from scratch. Offering restaurant-quality food to go,
we also showcase popular menu items from various Lettuce restaurants! Menu choices
include made-to-order sandwiches, hand-rolled sushi and meals from our gourmet deli, as
well as custom salads, homemade soups and hot entrées. Our unique wine bar and retail
wine shop feature over 150 selections. You will also find many handmade local products,
artisanal cheeses and a chocolate room filled with our favorite sweets and confections.
FOODLIFE
foodlifechicago.com
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 335-3663
A revolutionary food forum, featuring choices from cuisines around the world such as American
Comfort food, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Barbeque, Soup Bar, salads made to order and a grill area.
Fresh, healthy food to satisfy any craving is cooking somewhere at foodlife. foodlife Market, an
inviting adjunct to foodlife, features healthful, prepared foods to go as well as a fresh salad bar.
FRANKIE’S SCALOPPINE
& FIFTH FLOOR PIZZERIA
frankiesscaloppine.com
900 N. Michigan Chicago IL (312) 266-2500
Next door, a neighborhood Italian restaurant with style, Frankie’s Scaloppine offers
signature chicken, veal and vegetable scaloppini, fresh salads, homemade pastas
and classic Italian dishes. Desserts include fresh Italian pastries, ice creams and a
variety of homemade Italian cookies, which arrive via Juddino’s Cookie Cart!
At Frankie’s Fifth Floor Pizzeria, it’s the real thing - Classic and Sardinian pizzas inspired by Italy
to flavor the shores of Lake Michigan. Creations featured are house pizzas including: Margherita,
Potato and Rosemary and Rita Dee’s. In addition, there are Sardinian pizzas such as Fennel and
Rosemary and Garlic Pizza. Pair a pizza with their selection of Antipasti and Classic Salads.
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HUB 51
hub51chicago.com
51 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL
Created by Richard Melman’s sons, R.J. and Jerrod, Hub 51 opened its doors as an a casual yet hip
place where guests can experience great dining, entertainment and a bustling social scene all in one
spacious urban setting. The restaurant’s distinctive menu of inclusive American cuisine will feature a
wide variety of dishes with influences from coastal regions in California, Mexico, Australia and Asia. The
food will be simple in approach and range from homemade tacos to signature sandwiches to sushi.
JOE’S SEAFOOD,
PRIME STEAK & STONE CRAB
joes.net
60 E. Grand, Chicago, IL (312) 379-5637
3500 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV (702) 792-9222
Lettuce Entertain You and ICON team up with a four-generation legend, Joe’s Seafood, Prime
Steak & Stone Crab. Since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab, in Miami, has been serving its awardwinning menu to hundreds of thousands of seafood lovers during the Stone Crab season,
October through April. Unlike the original, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab will be
open year round and will still offer Chicago and Las Vegas a taste of its world-renowned Stone
Crab Claws and Key Lime Pie but will also have a variety of fresh seafood and prime steaks.
L2O
l2orestaurant.com
2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 868-0002
Helmed by Chef Laurent Gras, this modern, high-end seafood restaurant offers an exceptional
array of the world’s best fish and shellfish served in several tasting menus that highlight
seafood’s elegance. Mimicking the elemental formula for water, L2O is an abbreviation for
Laurent and water, evoking chef Gras’ cherished relationship with seafood and the water.
L2O’s modern interior combines comfort and luxury. There is an experience for every moment
and palate, from the cocktail lounge to the private Tatami Room and party spaces.
L.WOOD’S lwoodsrestaurant.com
7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood, IL (847) 677-3350
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge is a north woods supper club in the honored
tradition of timeless Midwestern towns. Presenting classic American comfort
foods featuring BBQ Ribs, Chicken, fresh fish and nightly specials. L. Woods is
a great gathering place where guests can relax with family and friends.
M BURGER
mburgerchicago.com
161 E. Huron St., Chicago, (312) 254-8500
6 W. Ontario St., Chicago, (312) 428-3548
Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph St., Chicago, (312) 578-1478
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL (312) 867-1549
M Burger is Michigan Avenue’s newest burger joint. If Midwestern beef burgers are what you
crave, try them atop an oven fresh bun and with crisp lettuce, onions, sharp American cheese
and savory bacon. The signature “M Burger” is slathered with “secret sauce” making each bite
one to savor. Golden slim fries and creamy chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry milkshakes are
perfect accompaniments to the melt-in-your-mouth burger. Diners can also bite into “Nurse
Betty,” an all-vegetable sandwich, chicken sandwiches and chicken chopped salads.
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M STREET KITCHEN
mstreetkitchen.com
2000 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA (310) 396-9145
The restaurant features modern American food with a new take on beloved classics,
including the Sonoma Salad and Brussels Sprout Salad, the Green Chili Burger and
Ahi Tuna Burger, the Vegetarian and Filet Tacos and the Pulled Chicken Nachos, to
name just a few. As the restaurant approaches the summer months, expect to see
other new, seasonal fare to be added to the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY
maggianos.com
516 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL (312) 644-7700
240 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 368-0300
175 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL (847) 933-9555
1901 E. Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, IL (847) 240-5600
2685 Southdale Center, Edina, MN (952) 285-4339
2500 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, WI (414) 978-1000
1847 Freedom Drive, Naperville, IL (630) 536-2270
Visit www.maggianos.com for a complete listing of locations. Hours vary by location.
Maggiano’s is a classic re-creation of a New York City pre-war “Little Italy” dinner house.
The delicious home cooked Italian cuisine is served family style – perfect for large
parties. (Please note: the Maggiano’s concept was purchased by Brinker International
in 1995, however, the Chicagoland, Edina, MN and Wauwatosa, WI locations continue
to participate in the Lettuce Entertain You Frequent Diner and Gift Card programs)
MAGIC PAN CREPE STAND
leye.com
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN (952) 853-0200 (call Tucci Benucch)
Savory or sweet, crepes (the French word for pancakes) have been folded, rolled and
wrapped around various fillings for centuries. Choose one of the many fillings or sauces at
The Magic Pan Crepe Stand and see why crepes are enjoyed throughout the world. The
Magic Pan Crepe Stand features the classic Magic Pan standards, such as cherries royale,
chicken divan, and spinach soufflé, as well as our favorites from the street corners, such
as chocolate, nutella, and crepes suzette. Each made to order crepe is carefully crafted
by hand, combining the convenience of quick service with old world artisanship.
MITY NICE
mitynicechicago.com
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 335-4745
Located at the east-end of foodlife, this comfortable, 1940’s style bar and grill with a simple motto
“good food, served right.” Relax and enjoy this casual “neighborhood spot” in the restaurant or at
the classic full bar. Enjoy our staff that is “Mity Nice” and will serve you our diverse yet simple menu.
The menu features an extensive menu including grilled steaks and fish, fresh pastas, flatbreads and
salads. Mity Nice also offers homemade desserts and signature martinis with hand stuffed olives.
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MON AMI GABI
monamigabi.com
2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 348-8886
Paris Resort and Casino-3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South (702) 944-GABI
260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 472-1900
7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD (301) 654-1234
11950 Democracy Drive, Reston, VA (703) 707-0233
Mon Ami Gabi is a French Steak House renowned for Steak Frites and fresh seafood.
The menu at Mon Ami Gabi signals a return to simple French food and features a
shellfish bar serving Fruits de Mer and Classic Steak Frites offered in a variety of styles.
Also features French wines that are served by the ounce, the glass or the bottle.
NACIONAL 27
nacional27.net
325 W. Huron, Chicago, IL (312) 664-2727
This “Modern Latin Restaurant, Ceviche Bar and Salsa Club” was named “Chicago’s hottest
Nuevo Latino restaurant.” (Restaurant Hospitality) Featuring the “bold combination of flavors”
(Bon Appetit) of 27 countries from South and Central America and the Latin Caribbean.
“With all the swank of a Ricky Ricardo nightclub” (John Mariani) guests dine on Chef Randy
Zweiban’s new Latin cooking from a menu named “Nations Restaurant News 2004 Best
Independent Operator Menu in America”, while sipping legendary mojitos, exotic cocktails and
wines from our Wine Spectator award winning wine list. Each Friday and Saturday at 11pm,
our DJ spins Latin tunes for Salsa and Merengue dancing until 2am (Saturday until 3am).
OSTERIA VIA STATO
osteriaviastato.com
620 North State, Chicago, IL (312) 642-8450
Osteria Via Stato, embraces the lifestyle of Italian. Osteria Via Stato, which translates into
‘tavern on State’, will celebrate the simplicity and quality of authentic Italian food and
wine with humor and hospitality. The meal at Osteria Via Stato will follow the traditional
Italian dining format, rather than offering an American-style succession of courses,
which gets progressively heavier and larger from appetizer through dessert.
PARIS CLUB
parisclubchicago.com
59. W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL (312) 595-0800
Internationally-acclaimed French Chef Joho and RJ and Jerrod Melman have teamed
up to introduce the highly-anticipated Paris Club in Chicago’s popular River North
neighborhood. The trio has set out with a goal of serving up approachable French
fare in a casual, urban setting that appeals to a new generation of diners.
PETTERINO’S
petterinos.com
150 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL (312) 422-0150
Nestled in the heart of the Theater District on North Dearborn Street in the new Goodman
Theater, Petterino’s offers Chicagoans a glimpse of the 1940’s by celebrating the glamour
and excitement of past decades. Named after Arturo Petterino, the longtime maitre d’ of
Chicago’s famed Pump Room, Petterino’s pays homage to past, present and future Chicago
legends. Petterino’s serves prime steaks, fresh fish and homemade comfort food specialties.
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PIZZERIA VIA STATO
osteriaviastato.com/pizzeria
620 North State, Chicago, IL (312) 337-6634
Pizzeria Via Stato features Roman-style pizza with classic presentations, artisanal ingredients
and a crisp, thin crust. Chef David DiGregorio’s menu includes a selection of salads and small
plates, with composed pizzas the highlight. The pizza-driven menu includes “Tavern Pizzas”,
the classic style all Chicagoans are familiar with, broken down into Red and White selections,
and the ingredient-driven menu features artisanal meats (salumi, housemade sausage), handpulled mozzarella, and seasonal, market-inspired vegetable toppings. And what better to
accompany a delicious Italian pizza than an all-Italian wine program featuring 300 wines by
the quartino and bottle, draft and bottled beers, and specialty cocktails from Adam Seger
REEL CLUB
reel-club.com
272 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 368-9400
Lettuce Entertain You is excited to announce the opening of a new Seafood restaurant in the Oak
Brook Center this month. Reel Club, located on the east side of the mall at 272 Oak Brook Center
Dr. will feature a broad array of Fresh Fish, Alaskan King Crab, Maine Lobster, as well as Dry-Aged
Prime Steaks, Signature Salads and a new twist on Ice Cream Desserts. Complementing the fare is
an extensive Beverage Menu, featuring many Wines by the Glass, compiled by Master Sommelier,
Alpana Singh and Signature Cocktails and Non-Alcoholic Specials by Mixologist, Adam Seger.
R.J. GRUNTS
rjgruntschicago.com
2056 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL (773) 929-5363
Lettuce Entertain You’s first restaurant, R.J. Grunts, boasts a casual atmosphere
featuring music and decor reminiscent of the ‘60’s and early ‘70’s, with an overflowing
salad bar, award-winning chili, oversized burgers, a wide variety of chicken
sandwiches, home smoked BBQ Ribs and hand dipped shakes and malts.
SARANELLO’S
saranellos.com
The Westin Hotel 611 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL (847) 777-6878
Inspired by his travels and passion for Italy’s culture, Executive Chef Mychael
Bonner has created a broad menu of Italian-fare utilizing the freshest ingredients
to create the fullest flavors to bring homemade, hand-crafted pizzas and
pastas, as well as prime steaks and fresh fish dishes to the table.
SCOOZI!
leye.com
410 W. Huron, Chicago, IL (312) 943-5900
Located in Chicago’s art gallery district, Scoozi! features the cuisine of the Italian countryside
in a large, lively Italian Renaissance-style atmosphere. Serving a large assortment of
antipasti, pasta, traditional Italian thin-crust pizzas and wood burning oven specialties.
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SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE shawscrabhouse.com
21 E. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL (312) 527-2722
1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL (847) 571-2722
Two restaurants in one - Shaw’s Crab House is Chicago’s leading seafood empire
offering fresh seafood including crab legs, lobster, scallops, and a variety of seasonal
catches. The Oyster Bar at each location features a variety of freshly shucked oysters
with a large variety of shrimp and raw oysters at its “Shuck-N-Shell Bar.”
STELLA ROSSA PIZZA BAR
stellarossapizzabar.com
2000 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA (310) 396-9145
Stella Rossa Pizza Bar offers a select menu of 12-13-inch Neapolitan style pizzas highlighting
a range of sustainable, locally-grown ingredients found at the Santa Monica farmer’s market
and sourced by nearby purveyors. Varieties are to include Margherita, Charred Pepperoni,
Quattro Fromaggi, Shaved Mushroom and Spicy Calabrian, among others, which change
seasonally. Cooked in a stacked oven at extremely high temperatures (650 degrees
Fahrenheit) to achieve Stella Rossa’s signature crisp crust, the restaurant’s culinary team
spent countless months (and more than 30 variations) perfecting its signature pizzas.
STRIPBURGER
stripburger.com
Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas, NV (702) 737-8747
Stripburger features burgers, shakes and cakes located right on the Las Vegas Strip at the
Fashion Show Mall. Stripburgers’ menu consists of classic 100% all-beef signature hamburgers,
free range chicken breast sandwiches, spotlight sandwiches, Salads, Milk Shakes and Cakes.
Don’t forget about the Jumbo Cocktails and impressive collection of wine and beer. Stripburger
is a bright, modern, all outdoor burger joint with misters and fans in the dead heat of the Las
Vegas summer and heaters during the winter months so guests can still enjoy the hustle and
bustle of the strip! For people on the run, Stripburger also offers the entire menu for carryout.
TRU
trurestaurant.com
676 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL (312) 202-0001
TRU brings together Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. and Gale Gand and
Rick Tramonto, chefs and owners of the award-winning, popular Brasserie T
restaurant (now closed). The menu consists of progressive French cuisine focusing
on the freshest, most flavorful ingredients possible served on a spectacular array
of non-traditional surfaces produced by local and international artisans.
TOKIO PUB
tokiopub.com
1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL (847) 278-5181
Tokio Pub specializes in Asian small plates, fusion cocktails and a pub-style beer list.
Inspired by authentic Japanese Izakayas, this pub incorporates flavors from Japan, Korea,
Thailand and Latin America offering delicious, quickly served food ideal for sharing. Menu
favorites include skewers grilled on the robata grill, Asian inspired tacos with house-made
corn tortillas, and garlic-ginger chicken wings. With its lively music and edgy atmosphere,
Tokio Pub offers the North West Suburbs a new option for lunch, dinner and cocktails.
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TUCCI BENUCCH
tucci-benucch.com
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425 (612) 853-0200
Tucci Benucch has a country Italian setting amidst the urban excitement
of the magnificent mile and Mall of America. Tucci Benucch specializes
in fresh salads, thin crust pizzas, and delicious pasta dishes.
TWIN CITY GRILL
leye.com
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN (612) 854-0200
Twin City Grill serves classic American cuisine in a comfortable setting reminiscent
of the 30’s and 40’s. The menu features famous flatbreads, fresh salads, barbecue
ribs, beer battered walleye, prime steaks and signature mashed potatoes.
WILDFIRE
wildfirerestauarant.com
159 W. Erie, Chicago, IL (312) 787-9000
232 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL (630) 586-9000
235 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 279-7900
3020 Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN (952) 914-9100
1250 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg, IL (847) 995-0100
1300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL (847) 657-6363
1714U International Drive, McLean, VA (703) 442-9100
Wildfire, a steak and chop-house, is a step back in time to the 1940’s when going out for dinner
meant something really special. From the décor to the jazz music, Wildfire has the style and warmth
that makes for a perfect evening with friends or just for two. Wildfire’s open flame cooking and spit
roasting over wood creates hearty savory dishes with a unique fullness of flavor. Wildfire’s signature
dishes include Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon, Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Barbecue Baby
Back Ribs, Char Crusted Ribeye Steak, Wood-Roasted Mussels, Cedar Planked Pacific Salmon
and Ahi Tuna “T-Bone”. In addition we offer a variety of fresh, seasonal salads and sandwiches.
WOW BAO
wowbao.com
Water Tower Place, Chicago, IL (312) 335-4745
175 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL (312) 334-6395
1 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL (312) 658-0305
225 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 226-2299
Wow Bao offers quick, flavorful, unique and casually priced Asian favorites. Wow Bao creates soft,
chewy buns, or baos, that are filled with a variety of colorful, savory fillings such as: Thai Curry Chicken
(tender chicken and red peppers cooked in a fragrant curry paste and light coconut sauce), Sichuan
Spicy Eggplant (golden eggplant lightly cooked in a spicy-hot chili sauce), Kung Pao Chicken and many
more. Other options include nourishing walkaway broths, delicious crunchy salads and special Asian
influenced sodas, frappes, and teas. Wow Bao is now the convenient spot for lunch breaks, shopping
snacks or quick dinners in the Loop! The bao you savor at Water Tower Place is now available in the
heart of downtown Chicago at 175 West Jackson. The new loop location serves breakfast, lunch and
dinner Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. In addition to savory steamed buns, nourishing
broths, crunchy salads and specialty Asian beverages, the new Wow Bao focuses on variety with entrée
salads, breakfast bao, dumplings and noodle bowls.
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LETTUCE IN THE NEWS
SAVEUR
p. 15
ASSOCIATED PRESS
p. 18
CS
p. 19
CHICAGO MAGAZINE
p. 23
CHAIN LEADER
p. 28
TIME OUT CHICAGO
p. 34
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RESTAURANT IMAGES
JOE’S SEAFOOD, PRIME STEAK
& STONE CRAB®
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FRANKIE’S 5TH FLOOR PIZZERIA™
SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE®
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REEL CLUB®
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HUB 51®
WILDFIRE®
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L2O®
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FOODLIFE®
CAFE BA-BA-REEBA!®
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