L2O in Chicago Unveils Tatami Room and Private Dining Rooms
L2O (pronounced el-two-oh), the recently opened modern seafood restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood from Chef Laurent Gras and Richard Melman, chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises®, unveils its exclusive Tatami Room, Semi-Private Dining Room and Banquet Room.
Since opening on May 14, 2008, L2O has received critical acclaim for breathing new life into the dining landscape, with elegant cuisine that is both dynamic and appealing. Now, with the launch of the Tatami Room, Semi-Private Dining Room and Banquet Room, designed by Chicago-based Dirk Denison Architects, diners have a variety of ways to experience Chef Gras’ cuisine and the restaurant’s signature personalized service. Be it a romantic evening for 2 or business meal for 4, a jovial dinner for 10 or a celebration for 60, L2O offers an environment for every occasion.
Tatami Room
Inspired by Chef Gras’ trips to Japan, the Tatami Room is traditionally appointed with grass-mat floors, sunken tables of yellow cedar and Edelman leather upholstered Zaisu seats. As in Japan, guests trade their shoes for slippers before entering the room. Behind the sliding doors, the Tatami Room can accommodate two to eight diners in complete privacy. A Kaiseki-inspired tasting menu is served exclusively in the Tatami room. Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese meal based on the tea ceremony, has evolved into a culinary art where the finest seasonal ingredients harmonize in taste, texture, appearance and color. Presented by a kimono-clad server, the 14-course meal follows a designated progression of small portions of luxurious ingredients. A meal may begin with freshly squeezed juices, Japanese macha and amuse bouches. Exotic selections of seafood, served in both raw and cooked preparations ensue, followed by sweet and savory dishes, and specialty desserts. The Tatami Room tasting menu is $225 per person and is L2O’s most exclusive offering.
Semi-Private Dining Room
The semi-enclosed dining room is elevated from the dining room, separated with etched glass panels that provide lightly veiled privacy. It is accessible directly from the entrance. The center piece of the room is a table for ten handcrafted from a single fallen walnut tree from Oregon, made by Chicago-based Lagomorph Design. Diners may order from the dining room menus ($110 four-course prix fixe or $165 12-course tasting) or may pre-select a special catering menu.
Banquet Room
L2O’s private dining room is sequestered from the main dining room, offering a space that can be personalized to suit any event. Parties have their own entrance with a glimpse of the kitchen and wine closets, and private restrooms. The room seats up to 60 guests or can be divided into two rooms which seat 20 and 30, respectively. Special catering menus range from luxurious cocktails and canapés to three-course meals to complete tasting menus. The private room’s decor echoes the dining room esthetic with blond Sen wood paneling, frosted glass columns, leather-swathed chairs and chocolate-hued drapery. The room is outfitted for all audio visual needs, including drop-down screens and projection systems that are compatible with laptops, DVD and CD players, and iPods.
Upholding the highest standards of hospitality, L2O ensures that each guest feels as if he or she were invited to an elegant dinner party, be it a party for two or 60. With its innovative cuisine and engaging atmosphere, L2O reveals a fresh perspective on fine dining in a variety of environments.
L2O is located at 2300 Lincoln Park West and serves dinner six nights a week: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00PM-10:00PM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00PM-11:00PM and Sunday from 5:00PM-9:00PM. For reservations, please call 773-868-0002 or visit www.L2Orestaurant.com.
