Thankfully Yours: Thanksgiving in Chicago

Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States, famously noted, "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen." Well, if the idea of playing executive chef this Thanksgiving has you feeling less-than-thankful, consider a visit to one of these feasting hotspots instead and leave the cooking (and cleanup) to the pros.

Luxe File Chicago also caught up with several top executive and pastry chefs to see what they were serving up and what they were grateful for. Bon appétit!

Café des Architectes
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 E. Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL
(312) 324-4000
Thanksgiving menu: $62 per person and $15.95 for children.

Luxe File’s Favs: Venison Carpaccio with candied pancetta, deviled egg, and blood orange; Roasted Organic Turkey Breast with brioche stuffing, green beans, and cranberry-sage jus; and Chocolate Mint Gateau featuring dark chocolate mousse, whipped mint ganache, and chocolate crunch.

Greg Biggers, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Roasted Organic Turkey. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without some great turkey.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My family, but I'm also grateful for leftovers! I'm looking forward to making a leftover turkey sandwich on toasted challah bread with sage gravy and cranberries.

Leigh Omilinsky, Pastry Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? The Pumpkin Coupe with malt caramel, milk chocolate cream and candied pumpkin seeds. It's the perfect blend nostalgia and indulgence.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My family and a great support system.

Filini Bar & Restaurant

221 N. Columbus Drive

Chicago, IL

(312) 477-0234

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $45 per person.

Luxe File’s Favs: Butternut Squash Soup; Pan Roasted Whitefish with artichokes, fingerling potatoes, soppressata, and herb salad; and Sweet Potato Pie with nutmeg and cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and toasted marshmallow.

Fulton’s on the River

315 N. LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL

(312) 822-0100

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $49.95 per person, $15.95 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children ages 3 and under.

Luxe File’s Favs: Seared Atlantic Salmon and brioche stuffing; Roasted Pork Shoulder; Banana Cream Pie; and a Mayflower Martini made with Plymouth Gin and fall spices.

Kevin Schulz, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? I love the Atlantic Shrimp and Blue Crab Cakes. It's a great way to update a Thanksgiving menu with something a little bit different.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? Good family, good friends, good food and the occasional cocktail.

Hash House A Go Go

1212 N. State Parkway

Chicago, IL

(312) 202-0994

Thanksgiving hours: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

A la carte Thanksgiving menu

Luxe File’s Favs: Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf with griddled smoked mozzarella, grilled onions, spinach, charred tomato, and barbeque cream sauce; Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with fresh nutmeg apple sauce, wild boar bacon mashed potatoes, corn on the cobb, and crispy leaks; and Roasted Turkey Breast with rosemary gravy, mashed potatoes, “old school” stuffing, carrots, and green beans.

Anthony Vidal, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Roasted Turkey. This dish brings all the holiday flavors together. It comes with pumpkin mashed potatoes, rosemary stuffing and cranberry chutney.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? The health of my family, my amazing job, but most of all I am grateful to know that no matter how hard things seem, my glass is always half full.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL

(773) 525-1111

Thanksgiving hours: 5:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $20 per person with canned good donation or $40 without donation.

Luxe File’s Favs: Sliced Turkey Breast with green beans sautéed with olive oil and sea salt; Pumpkin Tart; and a Pumpkin Vodka Martini.

JoAnn Witherell, Consulting Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Picking a favorite item on this menu is tough because it really all works together to make that perfect meal. I love mushroom gravy to complement the turkey, the stuffing and the mashed potatoes.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My family and friends. I truly believe in life the only place we are irreplaceable is with our friends and family.

Lockwood Restaurant

The Palmer House Hilton

17 E. Monroe Street

(312) 917-3404

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $65 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $30 for children.

Luxe File’s Favs: Honey Molasses Roasted Turkey with rhubarb compote, chestnuts, pistachio stuffing, and gravy; Sweet Potato Marshmallow Gratin; and Strip Loin with corn succotash and Pinot Noir reduction.

Joseph Rose, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? The Stone Ground Anson Mills Polenta with slow cooked Slagel Farm egg, hen of the wood mushrooms, and Banyuls jus.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My wife, Heather, and our one-year-old daughter, Addison.

Markethouse Restaurant & Bar

611 N. Fairbanks Court

Chicago, IL

(312) 224-2200

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $32 per person and $16 for children ages 12 and under.

Luxe File’s Favs: Maple Thyme-Mopped Young Turkey and Arkansas sweet potato purée with shagbark hickory marshmallow fluff; Baked Heirloom Apple Gratin with squash butter and granola; and Salted Butterscotch Sauce with praline ice cream.

Scott Walton, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? The cassoulet. The wonderful aromatics that fill the room remind me of warmth, comfort, and family.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? The time that I get to spend with my team who have been together for four years, and the joy we can bring families on Thanksgiving.

Mercat a la Planxa

638 S. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

(312) 765-0524

Thanksgiving hours: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving Suckling Pig Package: $220 for 6-8 ppl, $440 for 6-12 ppl (must be pre-ordered 48 hours in advance). Chef’s luxury tasting menu: $85 per person ($125 with wine pairings).

Luxe File’s Favs: Suckling Pig with grilled green onions, herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, espinacas a la catalane, and rosemary white beans; and Short Ribs and Bay Scallops with butternut squash, crispy brussels sprouts, and beluga lentils.

Cory Morris, Chef de Cuisine

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Coles de Bruselas. It’s a warm brussels sprout salad with candied walnuts, cranberry glaze, french feta cheese and shaved red onion.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? Living and working in one of the best cities in the world. Chicago is full of amazing, talented and passionate people and I feel honored to be part of the culinary community here.

Mity Nice Bar & Grill

Water Tower Place

835 N. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

(312) 335-4745
Thanksgiving hours: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving buffet: $45 per person and $16 for children ages 12 and under.

Luxe File’s Favs: Shrimp and Crab Bisque; Maryland Crab Cakes, Rosemary-Crusted Prime Rib and brown sugar-glazed sweet potatoes; Pineapple-Glazed Ham and “classic” stuffing; Butternut Squash Ravioli and green bean casserole; and Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.

John Chiakulas, Chef Partner

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Stuffing scooped right out of the bird. I can’t resist tasting it immediately. So moist and delicious. I prefer a stuffing without too many fancy add-ins like nuts, oysters, and bacon.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My family waiting for me at home. It is an amazing feeling coming home to a holiday party already in progress. It goes without saying that having a large happy family that lives in this town is plenty to be thankful for.

NoMI Kitchen

Park Hyatt Chicago

800 N. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

(312) 239-4030

Thanksgiving hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Chefs’ tables and a la carte offerings: $115 per person and $40 for children ages 5 to 12.

Luxe File's Favs: Steamed Crab Claws with mustard; Octopus Poki Salad featuring steamed octopus, ogo seawood, and sesame oil; Wild Mushroom Panzanella with butternut squash, marinated artichokes, and black truffle; Spiced Skate Wing with braised savoy cabbage, caramelized turnips, and truffled chicken broth; Chai Spice Cheesecake with speculoos cookie crust; and Chocolate Gingerbread Cake with milk chocolate chunks and dark chocolate glaze.

Ryan LaRoche, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Pumpkin pie, surprisingly enough. I love all the amazing savory stuff but ever since I can remember I have always been a sucker for pumpkin pie.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? When all the pilgrims and Indians put aside their differences for one day and created a national holiday so I can see my family over turkey.

Meg Galus, Pastry Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? We have a selection of macaroons on the menu and for Thanksgiving, we are doing Pumpkin-Caramel, Milk Chocolate-Pecan, and Cornmeal-Fig. Macs are one of my favorite things to make because they require a lot of skill and creativity. There are infinite ways to change up the flavors. They are also one of my favorite things to eat, and since they are small you can eat a bunch without feeling guilty!

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My husband. He not only puts up with my crazy schedule, but is also my biggest supporter and keeps me sane! We’ve been married almost nine years and I feel so, so lucky.

Park Grill

11 N. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

(312) 521-7275

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A la carte Thanksgiving menu

Luxe File’s Favs: Spiced Pumpkin Soup with caramelized pears, chives, and ginger cookie; Oven Roasted Turkey with cornbread sausage stuffing, cranberry orange compote, and giblet gravy; Fall Risotto featuring chantrelles, leeks, pumpkin, basil, and manchego cheese; and Southern Pecan Pie with vanilla ice cream.

Michael Wallach, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Roasted turkey dinner. It always reminds me of the past. Growing up and enjoying the whole process of Thanksgiving which is about being together with people who are important to us.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? For everything and everyone who have helped get me to this point in my life – from my new marriage to my dog, Lola.

David Burke’s Primehouse

616 N. Rush Street

Chicago, Illinois

(312) 660-6000

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $58 per person, $19 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages 5 and under.

Luxe File’s Favs: Pan Roasted Scallops with parsnip puree, wild rice and ginger vinaigrette; Cider Brined Pork Chop; Sweet Potato Mac 'n' Cheese; and Dark Chocolate Pot d’ Crème with coffee marshmallow, biscotti, and white chocolate crème parisienne.

Rick Gresh, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Surf & Turf featuring short rib dumplings with garlicky escarole and crab fritters.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My fiancé, Stephanie. She is a wonderful woman who has supported me constantly all year with all of my endeavors, traveling and crazy work schedule.

SUSHISAMBA rio

504 N. Wells Street

Chicago, Illinois

(312) 595-2300

Thanksgiving hours: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

A la carte Thanksgiving menu

Luxe File’s Favs: Braised Short Rib Gyoza with kabocha purée, red shiso leaf, and smoked ginger soy; Mojo Roasted Organic Turkey with linguiça quinoa stuffing and crispy Brussels sprouts; and Kabocha Cheesecake with candied cashews, bourbon caramel sauce, and milk chocolate whipped cream.

ZED451

739 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 266-6691

Thanksgiving hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving menu: $48 per person, $24 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages 5 and under.

Note: Complimentary shuttle service offered. Call restaurant to arrange pick-up.

Luxe File’s Favs: Autumn Harvest Tables laden with salads, artisan cheeses and house-made breads; Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham with green bean casserole, cranberries, and sweet potatoes with homemade marshmallows; and S’more Pie with homemade peanut butter and banana ice cream.

Curtis Hawk, Executive Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Butternut Squash Salad. It brings together all of my favorite things about fall with squash, cherries, bacon, and pecans.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? My family and their support. I am also thankful for all of the soldiers and the sacrifice they make to keep America free.

Kate Milashus, Corporate Pastry Chef

What is your favorite item on the holiday menu? Pumpkin pie and the jellied cranberry sauce out of the can. I can seriously eat an entire pumpkin pie myself and I've made cranberry sauce from scratch before, and can't really tell the difference between that and the canned!

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? I get to make sweets for people for a living. I'm still in awe of this even after nine years!

Photo Credit:
Thanksgiving illustration courtesy of Alex Eben Meyer
Photos of NoMI's chefs Ryan LaRoche and Meg Galus courtesy of Jorge Gera Photography

Thanksgiving - What Eight Chicago Restos Are Serving Up and a Q&A with Their Exec Chefs

THANKSGIVING: Chicago Chefs Design 

Sumptous Model American Fare 

Though it's often associated with rustic, comfort food, Thanksgiving has caught the attention of some of Chicago's most talented chefs who are using their creativity to turn this annual holiday into the ultimate gourmand's Utopia.

Whether you prefer a prix fixe menu or a full-scale buffet with a selection of irresistible options, here are eight restaurants that are sure to make you feel like celebrating - outstanding cuisine! Luxe File caught up with a few of our favorite Chicago chefs to find out which Thanksgiving dishes they like, and loathe, and what they are most grateful for this year.

State and Lake at theWit Chicago
Meal Highlights: Maple Brined Oven Roasted Turkey with traditional accompaniments 
Cost: $30 per person
Call 312-239-9400 for reservations.

Evan Percoco

Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I will spend the morning with my family at theWit, serving breakfast to our guests and friends. In the afternoon, I will cook alongside my beautiful wife, Lori, preparing a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for us and our baby, Stella, who is quite an adventurous eater!

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: I prefer to involve the whole family and cook together. That way, everyone can take pride and appreciation in the beautiful meal we’ve created together.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Stuffing

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Rutabaga

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: I grew up on the east coast and my favorite memories are the ones with a hoard of relatives including grandparents and cousins running around and getting into mischief. During these years, Thanksgiving meant a lot of visiting, laughter, hugs, and a cornucopia of food. When I look back at it, these were times that celebrate food bringing everyone together, I guess I was inspired in my career path by many family memories like this.

What I am most thankful for: My baby daughter, Stella, who surprises me every day. She wants to try everything Mommy and Daddy are eating and often bursts into a fit of giggles, which makes me melt. 

David Burke’s Primehouse

Meal highlights: Surf & Turf with Wagyu Sashimi, Horseradish Crema, Tempura Shrimp & Herb Salad; Country Pork Chop with Spiced Brown Sugar & Honey Glaze; and Sour Cream Apple Cheesecake with Roasted Apples, Graham Crackers & Cinnamon Caramel

Cost: $45 per person, $15 per child (ages 6–12), or free (ages 5 and younger)

Call 312-660-6000 for reservations.

Rick Gresh

Executive Chef 

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: Prepping all week for our Thanksgiving Day celebration at David Burke’s Primehouse!

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: One way or another I always end up in the kitchen. It’s the life of a chef!

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Pumpkin pie (no crust) with lots of whipped cream.

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Pecan pie. God awful way too sweet for me.

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: Being a kid, over at my grandmother’s house getting busted for eating her homemade pickled beets. How much trouble can a kid get into for eating his vegetables after all? Those beets were so delicious!

What I am most thankful for: Having a great family and friends while being able to live the great chef lifestyle. 

The Florentine

Meal highlights: Roasted Turkey; Glazed Brussel Sprouts; Butternut Squash Puree; and Ciabatta Stuffing

Cost: $28 per person

Call 312-660-8866 for reservations.

Todd Stein

Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I will be with my wife's family.  It is usually about twenty or more people and I am, of course, the official turkey carver. There’s a ton of food, some traditional and some not, with lots of good cocktails and wine, as well.

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: Either. I do not mind cooking, but enjoy when I do not have to.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: The stuffing is always my favorite. It’s only at this time of the year that I ever eat it, so I appreciate it a lot.

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Sweet potatoes. They do nothing for me.

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: Spending Thanksgiving with my wife’s (my then-girlfriend) family was something new for me. After spending so many years with my own family, it was exciting to see how someone else celebrated. It was, shockingly!, more food, wine, and people than we’d ever had.  There was also lots of laughter and great stories about my girlfriend. I felt truly at home. Everyone was surprised by how little I ate. It’s kind of funny to me but on Thanksgiving, I tend not to eat a lot.

What I am most thankful for: That I am still able to be with friends and family every year for the holidays.

Mity Nice

Meal highlights: Shrimp & Crab Bisque; Oven Roasted Turkey; Two-Bite Baby Back Ribs; Maple-Glazed Salmon; Brown Sugar-Glazed Sweet Potatoes; Pumpkin Chiffon Pie; and Upside Down Pear Cake

Cost: $40 per person; $16 per child (ages 12 and under)

Call 312-335-3745 for reservations.

Larry Donahue

Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I will be starting my day at Mity Nice, where we will be preparing a great buffet for 500+ people. Then, I will be heading home to watch football and enjoy all of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: I love to cook Thanksgiving food! I like recreating all of my childhood favorites.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: I think Thanksgiving has the best holiday food. I love all of the side dishes - one of my favorites is stuffed mushroom caps.

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: It would have to be giblet gravy.

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: When I was growing up, my family always hosted a huge Thanksgiving dinner, often for over 40 people. My mother would start prepping a week in advance. Those dinners are some of my earliest memories of myself cooking.

What I am most thankful for: I'm happy to be sharing Thanksgiving traditions with my family.

NoMI Kitchen

Meal highlights: Wild Mushroom Salad with Honey Glazed Duck; Pumpkin Risotto with Duck Confit; Roasted Turkey Breast with Potato Puree & Sage Cornbread Stuffing; Maple Panna Cotta; and Chocolate Caramel Lollipops

Cost: $115 per person; $35 per child (ages 5–12)

Call 312-239-4030 for reservations.

Ryan LaRoche

Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I will be happily celebrating Thanksgiving with my two families – the first being my family at Park Hyatt; and the second being with my wife and family in Oakbrook, IL for a homemade Thanksgiving dinner. I am cooking my famous deep fried turkey.

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: Surprisingly, cooked for.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Stuffing

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Ambrosia

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: The first time I met my wife’s massive Filipino family on Thanksgiving. I walked into a small concert of Tagalog karaoke. 

What I am most thankful for: A wonderful, supporting family because I usually do not make Thanksgiving.

Seasons at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Meal highlights: Portabello Capaccio with Forbidden Black Rice, Truffle Vinaigrette and Mizun; Roast Suckling Pig with Fennel Slaw, Mango BBQ Sauce and Butter Biscuits; All Natural Braised Amish Turkey Legs and Thighs with Sage and Marjoram Stuffing, Maple and Spice Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Homemade Marshmallow Crust; Apple Caramel Cheesecake; and Sweet Potato Flan with Meringue and Candied Walnut

Cost: $130 per person; $55 per child (ages 5-12)

Call 312-280-8800 for reservations.

Kevin Hickey

Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I will be serving over 700 guests a spectacular Thanksgiving feast until the early evening, at which point I will go home to my wife to cook a feast for 20 family members.

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: Cooked for!

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Tied - Pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream AND with my grandmother's bacon stuffing and gravy.

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Turkey!

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: Cooking for my family in my first apartment in San Francisco.

What I am most thankful for: Health and my family.

SushiSamba Rio

Meal highlights: Braised Short Rib Gyoza with Kabocha Puree, Red Shiso Leaf & Smoked Ginger Soy; Mojo Roasted Organic Turkey with Linguica Quinoa Stuffing & Crispy Brussel Sprouts; and Brazil Nut Apple Pie with Fuji Apples, Brazil Nut Crumble, Apple Cider Caramel & Wild Turkey Crema

Cost: Menu items are priced a la carte

Call 312-595-2300 for reservations.

Fernando Navas

Corporate Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I usually like to have thanksgiving at the restaurant with the staff that could not make it home.

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: I prefer to cook for the staff.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Mushrooms and green beans cassoulet

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Sweet potatoes with marshmallow

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: Every Thanksgiving has something special to remember.

What I am most thankful for: I am thankful for my friends and family and having good health and happiness.

Zed451

Meal highlights: Turkey Roulade with Sweet Sausage Stuffing and Turkey Veloute; Roasted Turkey with House Made Cranberry Sauce; Bourbon Glazed Ham; Sausage Stuffing; Sweet Potato Soufflé; and Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Cost: $49 per person; desserts priced a la carte

Call 312-266-6691 for reservations.

Patrick Quakenbush

Executive Chef

How I will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year: I will be here working. The life of a chef is not an easy one. We cater to those with a more traditional job and are one of the few restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the city.

On Thanksgiving, I prefer to cook OR be cooked for: Since I do most of the heavy lifting everyday, I tend to let others do the cooking and I will assist if needed.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Turkey Roulade. That is why we run it here.

Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Cranberries out of the can

Happiest Thanksgiving memory: When I actually get to spend it with my family instead of at work.

What I am most thankful for: Having a good job and a wonderful family. 

*All pricing excludes tax & gratuity.


Posted by Kerry Shorr