National Restaurant Association Show
May 11, 2009
It’s that time again! The NRA, (not that
NRA), The National Restaurant Association
is coming back to Chicago for their
annual trade show starting on the 16th of
May and going through the 19th. This is
as you well know is a great opportunity
to see what new things are happening in
the industry, to mingle with vendors and
sample some amazing foods. It’s going to
be a great weekend, so we can’t wait to
see you there!
A word to the wise, here are a few tips that can help ensure that you have the best and most productive visit to this fantastic convention.
For those of you who are coming to Chicago for the first time as well as all you Chicago vets, get out there and try some of the amazing restaurants that the windy city has to offer. Here are some picks that are sure to please, many of which are located downtown and are walking distance from most hotels.
Branch 27: An American style restaurant that steals its name from its roots, as the building it’s in was once a library for the 27th ward. Branch 27 specializes in home-style American cuisine with a modern twist as only created by head chefs Cary Michael and Howard Natinsky. Located in the West Town neighborhood at 1731 W. Chicago Avenue 312-850-2700.
Custom House: The latest addition to Spring Restaurant group, Custom House opened in the spring of 2006 to rave reviews from the Tribune, Chicago Magazine and even In-Style Magazine. This Contemporary American eatery merges style and flavor that only acclaimed Chef Shawn McClain can offer. Located in the trendy South Loop area at 500 South Dearborn Street 312-523-0200.
The Publican: A new ‘beer focused’ restaurant that is creating quite a buzz in and around Chicago. The Publican offers many types of food from seafood to steaks and country hams that are created to be simple and farmhouse fare. Brian Huston has created an eclectic menu that has everything from Japanese to French and American country favorites. Sure to please all appetites. Located in the burgeoning Fulton Market neighborhood at 877 West Fulton Market 312-733-9555.
Graham Elliot: Specializing in contemporary American cuisine, Chef Elliot has put a creative touch on all of his dishes, which has garnered both acclaim and national notoriety as a star chef. Graham Elliot restaurant has received rave reviews from newspapers on both coasts, and is not to be missed while here in Chicago. Located in the hip River North neighborhood at 217 West Huron Street 312-822-9600.
Japonais: Executive Chefs Jun Ichikawa & Gene Kato bring European elegance to Japanese cuisine in their Chicago incarnation of their famous and critically acclaimed New York City restaurant. This upscale steakhouse and Japanese restaurant puts a contemporary twist on Japanese dishes, a twist that is truly delicious. Located in the River North neighborhood at 600 West Chicago Avenue 312-822-9600.
Province: An American restaurant with flavor inspiration coming from Spain and central and south America. Chef Randy Zweiban has been influential to Chicago cuisine as the person who brought the idea of adding Spanish and Latin flavors to American dishes. An offshoot of his wildly successful Nacional 27, Province is a can’t miss experience. Located in the West Loop at 161 North Jefferson Street 312-669-9900.
Sepia: This contemporary American hot spot is a new creation of French restaurateur Emmanuel Nony and head Chef Kendal Duque. Duque has been a chef at famous Parisian eateries that have accrued multiple Michelin stars, and now he and Nony are bringing their talent and expertise to Chicago. Located in the trendy West Loop neighborhood at 123 North Jefferson Street 312-441-1920.
Spiaggia: Chicago’s premiere Italian restaurant, (an impressive feat in a city famous for great Italian cuisine), Spiaggia is the creation of acclaimed Chet Tony Mantuano. A favorite of people such as Martha Stewart and President Obama, Spiaggia is the premier Italian restaurant outside of Italy. Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile at 980 North Michigan Avenue 312-280-2750.
Sunda: A magnificent Asian restaurant hailed as one of the best new restaurants in Chicago 2009. Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot is clearly at the forefront of ‘new’ Asian cuisine in America as he serves up his amazing takes on Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai as well as many other Asian favorites. Located in the River North neighborhood at 110 West Illinois Street 312-644-0500.
Zed451: Rated as one of Chicago’s top 10 restaurants, Zed451 is a seafood and steak lover’s paradise. Zed451 has taken a concept that for one flat price, a patron should be able to experience an abundant array of seasonal soups, salads and let’s not forget a masterfully crafted steak or fantastic seafood entrée. Make sure you grab a cocktail and head up to the rooftop lounge. Located in the River North neighborhood at 739 North Clark Street 312-266-6691.
A word to the wise, here are a few tips that can help ensure that you have the best and most productive visit to this fantastic convention.
- Wear comfortable shoes. I can’t stress this enough… The NRA convention is going to be held at McCormick place, which is the largest convention center in the country, so you will be on your feet and moving about all day.
- Chicago is a city that has excellent public transportation, so take advantage of it! If your coming in from out of town, my advice is to steer clear of renting a car because parking in the city is both a hassle and very expensive. Also, you can take a bus or a taxi to the convention center for much less than it would cost to park there.
- I know I will sound like your mother with this golden nugget, but pace yourself. Don’t over indulge on one particular sample; there are going to be a lot of food samples out there, and you should try them all.
- Do you like Top Chef? How about the Iron Chef? If so then make sure you check out one of the live culinary competitions.
- Make sure you visit the booths that are most important to you. Don’t get bogged down at some of the more fun and exciting booths, (great advice after I just told you there will be live cook offs right!?), see what you need to see.
- Make a schedule. Don’t allow yourself to waste time, or if you do, make sure you have adequately planned for it. This is the most important industry convention of the year, so make sure you make the most of it.
- Come prepared. Make sure you come ready with literature about your business or samples of your product; and come ready with questions.
- And finally, check out one of the educational seminars. Get advice and information from some of the industries best and brightest and maybe you’ll gain some great insight that can help you expand your business!
For those of you who are coming to Chicago for the first time as well as all you Chicago vets, get out there and try some of the amazing restaurants that the windy city has to offer. Here are some picks that are sure to please, many of which are located downtown and are walking distance from most hotels.
Branch 27: An American style restaurant that steals its name from its roots, as the building it’s in was once a library for the 27th ward. Branch 27 specializes in home-style American cuisine with a modern twist as only created by head chefs Cary Michael and Howard Natinsky. Located in the West Town neighborhood at 1731 W. Chicago Avenue 312-850-2700.
Custom House: The latest addition to Spring Restaurant group, Custom House opened in the spring of 2006 to rave reviews from the Tribune, Chicago Magazine and even In-Style Magazine. This Contemporary American eatery merges style and flavor that only acclaimed Chef Shawn McClain can offer. Located in the trendy South Loop area at 500 South Dearborn Street 312-523-0200.
The Publican: A new ‘beer focused’ restaurant that is creating quite a buzz in and around Chicago. The Publican offers many types of food from seafood to steaks and country hams that are created to be simple and farmhouse fare. Brian Huston has created an eclectic menu that has everything from Japanese to French and American country favorites. Sure to please all appetites. Located in the burgeoning Fulton Market neighborhood at 877 West Fulton Market 312-733-9555.
Graham Elliot: Specializing in contemporary American cuisine, Chef Elliot has put a creative touch on all of his dishes, which has garnered both acclaim and national notoriety as a star chef. Graham Elliot restaurant has received rave reviews from newspapers on both coasts, and is not to be missed while here in Chicago. Located in the hip River North neighborhood at 217 West Huron Street 312-822-9600.
Japonais: Executive Chefs Jun Ichikawa & Gene Kato bring European elegance to Japanese cuisine in their Chicago incarnation of their famous and critically acclaimed New York City restaurant. This upscale steakhouse and Japanese restaurant puts a contemporary twist on Japanese dishes, a twist that is truly delicious. Located in the River North neighborhood at 600 West Chicago Avenue 312-822-9600.
Province: An American restaurant with flavor inspiration coming from Spain and central and south America. Chef Randy Zweiban has been influential to Chicago cuisine as the person who brought the idea of adding Spanish and Latin flavors to American dishes. An offshoot of his wildly successful Nacional 27, Province is a can’t miss experience. Located in the West Loop at 161 North Jefferson Street 312-669-9900.
Sepia: This contemporary American hot spot is a new creation of French restaurateur Emmanuel Nony and head Chef Kendal Duque. Duque has been a chef at famous Parisian eateries that have accrued multiple Michelin stars, and now he and Nony are bringing their talent and expertise to Chicago. Located in the trendy West Loop neighborhood at 123 North Jefferson Street 312-441-1920.
Spiaggia: Chicago’s premiere Italian restaurant, (an impressive feat in a city famous for great Italian cuisine), Spiaggia is the creation of acclaimed Chet Tony Mantuano. A favorite of people such as Martha Stewart and President Obama, Spiaggia is the premier Italian restaurant outside of Italy. Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile at 980 North Michigan Avenue 312-280-2750.
Sunda: A magnificent Asian restaurant hailed as one of the best new restaurants in Chicago 2009. Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot is clearly at the forefront of ‘new’ Asian cuisine in America as he serves up his amazing takes on Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai as well as many other Asian favorites. Located in the River North neighborhood at 110 West Illinois Street 312-644-0500.
Zed451: Rated as one of Chicago’s top 10 restaurants, Zed451 is a seafood and steak lover’s paradise. Zed451 has taken a concept that for one flat price, a patron should be able to experience an abundant array of seasonal soups, salads and let’s not forget a masterfully crafted steak or fantastic seafood entrée. Make sure you grab a cocktail and head up to the rooftop lounge. Located in the River North neighborhood at 739 North Clark Street 312-266-6691.
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