A TASTE OF LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU 2010

A TASTE OF
LETTUCE
ENTERTAIN
YOU 2010
A TASTE OF LETTUCE
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about us
CONTACT: Sue Chernoff/Marissa Joseph, 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.
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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 to France
where they insisted on bringing contemporary French cuisine to Chicago. This lead 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 BaBa-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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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-BaReeba! 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.
Lettuce then moved to the west coast and 2009 began with the opening of LGO. LGO Hospitality
creator Bob Lynn and R.J. and Jerrod Melman joined forces and opened La Grande Orange Santa
Monica (LGO) which focuses on fresh American cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“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.
BEN PAO benpao.com
52 W. Illinois, Chicago, IL (312) 222-1888
As Lettuce Entertain You’s first Chinese restaurant, Ben Pao offers an extensive menu of
contemporary Chinese. Ben Pao features cuisines that blend Cantonese, Szechwan, Mongolian
and Shanghai styles of cooking in a picturesque setting of soaring pillars and soothing waterfalls.
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.
BRASSERIE JO
brasseriejo.com
59 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL (312) 595-0800
Internationally renowned Chef Jean Joho’s lively, casual French brasserie offers traditional and
modern French cuisine along with a Parisian-style seafood bar in a stunning art deco setting.
Elegant wine salons provide a more upscale venue for intimate business and special occasions.
Enjoy the award-winning French Wine list or a wide selection of European beers and classic
cocktails with the crowd gathered at the authentic zinc bar.
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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
leye.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 eiffeltower.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.
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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.
FOODLIFE
foodlifechicago.com
Mezzanine Level, 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.
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.
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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 award-winning
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.
LA GRANDE ORANGE
lagrandeorangesm.com
2000 Main St., Santa Monica, CA (310) 396-9145
LGO Hospitality creator Bob Lynn and R.J. and Jerrod Melman have joined forces and opened La
Grande Orange Santa Monica (LGO). Taking their cue from the über popular original LGO Grocery
in Phoenix, this creative troika decided to make their new collaborative effort even more fun and
dynamic in its new Santa Monica location. LGO Santa Monica’s deceptively simple menu is a
testament to American cooking that Bob, R.J. and Jerrod like to eat. The dishes are created each
day with fresh and honest ingredients that emphasize seasonal organic cuisine from the farmer’s
market right down the street. LGO is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
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MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY
maggianos.com
516 N. Clark St., 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 Rd., 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 GRILL
leye.com
Mezzanine Level, 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.
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 ingredientdriven menu features artisanal meats (salumi, housemade sausage), hand-pulled 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.
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.
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.”
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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.
TUCCI BENUCCH
leye.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.
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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
94 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, GA (770) 730-9080
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
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
October 2007
p. 15
ASSOCIATED PRESS
March 2007
p. 18
RESTAURANT HOSPITALITY
December 2007
p. 19
CHICAGO MAGAZINE
December 2007
p. 23
CHAIN LEADER
February 2007
p. 28
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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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