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

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL!: Playing Dress Up with Decades' Christos Garkinos & Cameron Silver

No matter your age, we all play dress up at some point in life. Whether we were channeling Sleeping Beauty in one of our mother's long, delicate dresses or pretending to be Pocahontas in her vintage pony skin boots, Sally and I still treasure those hours we spent transforming into the heroines from our favorite Disney films and Brothers Grimm books.

Getting Her Beauty Sleep: Dakota Fanning 

dressed in DIOR Fall 2006 for Vanity Fair

Today, we still love holding court in our closets just as much as we enjoy interpreting the style of our favorite, modern day "guardians of good taste" in our own unique way.

But if pillaging your closets' contents to dress your inner Grace (or Minka!) Kelly isn't your forte, don't fret. Help is on the way! For your next fashion epiphany, you need only know two names: Christos Garkinos and Cameron Silver.

Esquire magazine's "Sexiest Woman Alive" 

Minka Kelly dresses up by dressing way down

Famed for their exquisite taste and signature style, Christos and Cameron are the co-owners of Decades and Decadestwo.1, the nation's "top shops" for vintage and über-luxe consignment clothing.

Sitting Pretty: Cameron Silver at Decades

So what is this creative duo doing when they aren't scouring the world for one-of-a-kind fashions, transforming clients with their icon-making clothing, (re)defining what's hip and hot around the country, or (Cameron Silver) being named one of the "25 Most Influential Names and Faces in Fashion" by Time magazine? Why hosting their third two-day, pop-up installment at Chicago's space519, on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16, of course!

Here, Decades' Christos Garkinos gives us the inside scoop on what we can expect and weighs in on everything from reality shows and jewelry collaborations to his personal picks for cold-weather dressing. 

Detroit native and Decadestwo.1's 
Christos Garkinos

Luxe File Chicago: Last April, vintage lovers, fashion bloggers, and the city’s top tastemakers flocked to Decades’ second pop-up shop event at space519 which featured a clever mash-up of fashionable must-haves - from Manolos and Louboutins to red carpet-ready designer dresses donated by some of Hollywood’s most revered leading ladies. What’s in store for shoppers at your next pop-up presentation? 

Christos Garkinos: We are bringing amazing winter wear, sexy cocktail dresses, and insane Chanel accessories. And on Sunday, our $150 shoe event and $50 Decades denim event will be a fashionista’s dream come true! Click HERE for a sneak peek.

Shoe candy on display at Decades' second pop up event at space519

LFC: You have a passion for collaboration and your latest venture with Miriam Haskell is no exception. What drew you to the luxe costume jewelry giant and tell us what is unique about the “Uptown/Downtown“ collection, which includes twenty-four pieces and was designed exclusively for Decades? 

Christos Garkinos: We have always loved and sold Miriam Haskell in our vintage boutique. With this collaboration, we were able to go into the archives and apply that special Decades touch to bring a sense of modernity to the line. The uptown/downtown feel lets the Decades girl adorn herself based on her look and it is quite reasonably priced, too. 

Miriam Haskell earrings for Decades

LFC: Although deeply entrenched in LA culture, Decades is familiar with the Midwest’s fashion mentality – conservative luxury. With that in mind, what stylish essentials would you recommend for a Chicago girl who wants to add some spice to her wardrobe this season? 

CG: I'm originally from Detroit, so I get the Midwest fashion mentality. From our winter collection, we are bringing coats that are chic, but also sturdy – those winter winds are brutal! We have great Rick Owens leather jackets, Prada coats, and for some spice – great Louboutin boots!

Warm things up this winter with Louboutin. 

We love this furry pair!

 
LFC: Most of us know Decades - the Hollywood-based luxury retailer that consigns vintage and modern designer duds from the closets of celebrities, stylists and fashion icons and sells everything up to 80% off retail – but few know how the company got started or the Garkinos/ Silver collaboration. Come out of the closet and catch us up Cliff Notes-style, please!
 
CG: Cameron started the vintage business in 1997 – he was a cabaret singer before then and would vintage shop in the different cities he performed. A mutual friend set us up on a blind date – it was complete disaster - but we got along very well as friends. In 1999, the vintage clients wanted to sell their more modern pieces, so Cameron and I went into business together. I had a retail background and thought that this would be a great opportu- nity. 
 
LFC: Bravo TV’s just-launched reality show, “Fashion Hunters”, gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the DIOR-drenched world of second-hand fashion. The savvy staffers of New York’s trendy thrift-store-cum-cult-clothing-emporium, Second Time Around, race around the city dressing their hip clientele while searching for buried treasure in the closets of the city’s most stylish. 

Design Dandy: Second Time Around's 

Wilson Payamps

 
This show has “Decades” written all over it! What would you do differently if Hollywood came calling?

CG: They have come a calling. You will just have to wait and see! 

Actress Cassie Scerbo at Decades Denim 

Launch Party, Beverly Hills, CA

LFC: Your website, Decadestwo.1, is a treasure trove of designer duds (we’re currently fixated on the heavenly Roberto Cavalli dress with gold metallic accents). Which is your favorite piece and which item(s) would you recommend we scoop up before they’re gone? 

 
CG: I’m a sucker for a Chanel necklace with Gripoix jewels. There is one on our site in green. It will be coming to Chicago. It’s fab!

Chain Gang: Chanel Gold Chain and 

Green Gripoix CC Logo Necklace

LFC: Your clients and friends are the Who’s Who of Hollywood – from Jessica Alba and Rose McGowan to Molly Sims and Rachel Zoe. Ba-na-nas! Who truly personifies the “Decades girl” and if you could pick anyone to dress head-to-toe, who would it be? 

 
CG: I think that someone like Marisa Tomei well personifies the Decades girl. She’s timeless, has innate style, and is willing to mix it up. Gaga. Because she needs us.

Gaga The Great: Pretty Monster Makeover?

LFC: Luxe File Chicago has dedicated its site to the “love of living luxuriously”. Finish this sentence, “When it comes to living luxuriously, always…” 
 
CG: "...be yourself." 

Christos Garkinos and Cameron Silver photo credit: XA, The Experiential Agency

Shoes photo credit: Kate Templin Stahl/PopSugar

Cassie Scerbo photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Posted by Kerry Shorr

Weekend Warrior: GREY GOOSE Chicago Beach Polo World Cup 2011

"Sport of Kings", "Chukkers", "Ralph Lauren": Many words and phrases have been tied to the game of polo but "Chicago" hasn't been one of them - until now. Chicago will become the center of the equestrian universe when it hosts the GREY GOOSE^© Chicago Beach Polo World Cup 2011, beginning Saturday, October 1.

Crafted after the Miami Beach polo events, this international tournament will feature a custom-built polo arena, a beachfront bar and grill, VIP suites, social tents, pop-up shops, fashion shows, and more. 

The two-day tournament will host eight teams: four men's teams will compete in World Cup Play while four women's teams will compete for the North Beach Women's Polo Cup.

Check out the GREY GOOSE^© Chicago Beach Polo World Cup schedule at the bottom of the page!

So it's your first beach polo tournament and you're wondering what to wear! Luxe File asked some of the city's top style and fashion mavens; TCW's Cassandra Gaddo; Stephanie Krol and Rebecca Kussmann, Chicago Beach Polo World Cup publicists; and polo player, Nic Roldan, what styles they'll be sporting this weekend. Here's what they told us:

If there's something familiar about Nic Roldan, it's not déjà vu. The 28-year-old polo prodigy, who was named one of Vanity Fair's "10 Hottest Horsemen", was in Chicago this week making some pre-World Cup appearances. While he won't be playing polo at North Avenue Beach (he'll be flying back to Florida for another tournament this weekend), the rising star and team captain told us what he'd wear if he could stay: "My favorite All Saints chocolate brown cords, a caramel RL cable cashmere sweater, and my Ferragamo tweed blazer and boots."

"Although polo tournaments tend to be very formal, I think Chicagoans might go for a bit more casual look this weekend. To go along with the equestrian theme, Salvatore Ferragamo Fersea leather riding boots and dark jeans would be appropriate. Expect it to be windy out at North Avenue Beach, so a Ralph Lauren Black Label Grayson shearling coat would keep you stylish and warm."
Cassandra Gaddo
Managing Editor
Today's Chicago Woman

"FINALLY- the much anticipated Chicago Beach Polo World Cup! I am looking forward to seeing my models rock the runway on Saturday - Factor Models will be showing off looks from City Blue Apparel and I plan to sport some threads from the store myself! My look will channel the 70’s - a Joie tiger-striped blouse with navy Theory slacks and a classic nude pump. I’ll pair it with my orange bag from Piazza Sempione for a pop of color."

Bridget Halanski
Director of Runway Division
Factor Model Management, Chicago

"I am in Paris at the moment showing the line at (capsule) Patis but some of my fall designs will be featured in Saturday's fashion show. If I were to attend, I'd wear the Taylor scarf, a multi-colored raccoon infinity scarf with a C/FAN tee, Uniqlo skinny jeans and Givenchy booties."

Christina Fan

President/Head Designer

C/FAN Designs

"I'll be sporting white jeans and polo boots, which are so comfortable since I'll be running around with media all day and trying to keep up with the polo players! I'm also shopping for a fun hat to wear with a dress."

Stephanie Krol
Founder/Head Publicist
Stephanie Krol Public Relations

Chicago Beach Polo Extraordinaires: 

Rebecca Kussmann (middle) and Stephanie Krol (right) with their intern, Caroline

"Big sunglasses are a must on a polo scene so I'll be sporting my round Prada sunglasses and polo boots. I hope to break out one of my new dresses from Francesca's Collection and I'll be matching everything with my new orange trench coat!"

Rebecca Kussmann
CEO/Founder 
Bettie Bomb, Inc. Public Relations

"I'm probably going to wear loafers with cotton pants or jeans and either a shirt or sweater with a sport coat. I may mix in a tie if I need to dress up the jeans. Chicago preppy."

Vincent Anzalone
Principal

Genuine Entertainment Chicago

What's a girl to wear when she can't 

wear a bikini to the beach?

"I'll be sporting white slacks, a navy pin-striped Saks shirt and navy-and-white PF tennis shoes."

D.C. Crenshaw

Creator/Host

Game Time Dine

"I have been to numerous thoroughbred races around the nation but haven't made it to a polo match. I'm glad Chicago is hosting this tournament - now I won't need an excuse to go out of town. I plan to keep my look simple: Armani jacket, RL button-down shirt, and MEK jeans."
Michael Jurecki
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development 
Nuveen Investments

"Definitely jeans and a navy blazer - BOSS, of course - with a white polo shirt from La Martina."

Lonnie Rodriguez

Principal 
Genuine Entertainment Chicago

GREY GOOSE^© Chicago Beach Polo World Cup schedule:

Friday, September 30, 2011

9:00PM-12:00AM - Kick-Off Party at Crimson at Hotel Sax (VIP Only)

Saturday, October 1, 2011
11:30AM - Doors Open, Horse Parade & National Anthem
12:00-5:00PM - Match Play & Fashion Show
Matches:
*12:00PM - Game 1 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup:
Lufthansa vs Trump Residence
*1:00PM - Game 2 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup:
Gascon vs GREY GOOSE^© 
*2:00PM - Game 3 - Round Robin Chicago Beach Polo World Cup: Amstel Light/Comcast vs Team B; Amstel Light/Comcast vs Team C; Team B vs Team C
*3:30PM - Game 4 - Chicago Beach Polo World Cup: 
Team D vs Team E

Fashion Show:

2:00PM - Cityblue Apparel & Denim Fashion Show sponsored by Factor Models showcases fall designs from L.A.M.B, Sass & Frass, C/Fan, and more and features a "Best Dressed" Competition. One lucky winner will receive: round-trip airfare for two on American Airlines; a five-night stay at Miami Beach's Surfcomber Hotel; and two 4-day VIP passes to the Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII (April 26-29, 2012)
8:00-11:00PM - After-Party at Cuvee (VIP Only)

Sunday, October 2, 2011

11:30AM - Doors Open, National Anthem 

12:00-4:00PM - Match Play & Finals
Matches:

*12:00PM - Game 5 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup: Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 2

*1:00PM - Game 6 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup: Championship Match

*2:00PM - Game 7 - Round Robin Chicago Beach Polo World Cup: 1) Loser of Game 4 vs Third Place finisher of Game 3, 2) Second Place finisher of Game 3 vs Third Place finisher of Game 3, 3) Loser of Game 4 vs Second Place finisher of Game 3
*3:30PM - Game 8 - Chicago Beach Polo World Cup Championship: Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4
4:00-5:00PM - Award Ceremony
6:30-9:00PM - Closing Party at Crimson at Hotel Sax (VIP Only)

Cost: VIP two-day passes cost $250 each, or $150 per day, and include admission to the VIP Grandstand, open bar (if over the age of 21) and hors d'oeuvres. General Admission tickets cost $20 per day and include admission to the General Admission area; food and beverage may be purchased separately. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free. 

For more information, schedules, or to purchase tickets, click HERE. 

Posted by Kerry Shorr