Phil Potempa’s Daily Entertainment News Column
Elegant dining in surroundings that pay tribute to the art decodesigns of the 1920s highlights the experience at Grand Lux Cafe,600 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago.
- Provided by Grand Lux Cafe
Dinner’s “grand finale” at Grand Lux Cafe in Chicago isn’tcomplete without dessert, especially luscious cheesecakes.
- Philip Potempa | The Times
Elegant dining in surroundings that pay tribute to the art deco designs of the 1920s highlights the experience at Grand Lux Cafe, 600 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago.
- Provided by Grand Lux Cafe
Even though today is Halloween, it’s not unusual for many people to already be thinking about their Thanksgiving, Christmas and even New Year’s dining plans.
Kelly Hoxie, senior general manager for Grand Lux Cafe, along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, says Northwest Indiana diners are among the roster of “regular guests” at the trendy and inviting restaurant, which is about to celebrate its first decade in the Windy City.
The Chicago location, with it’s signature large glass bay style dining room windows overlooking Chicago’s famed shopping strip along Michigan Avenue, opened in 2002.
And Hoxie said many guests even plan their holidays around the advance reservations they secure each year at Grand Lux Cafe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Lux Cafe
Is Grand Lux Cafe currently offering delivery or takeout?
Yes, Grand Lux Cafe offers both delivery and takeout.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Grand Lux Cafe accepts credit cards.
How is Grand Lux Cafe rated?
Grand Lux Cafe has 3.5 stars.
What days are Grand Lux Cafe open?
Grand Lux Cafe is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun.
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The idea for Grand Lux Cafe came to life when The Venetian Resort, Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas asked David Overton, founder of The Cheesecake Factory restaurants, to create an upscale casual restaurant concept for its property.
Excited by the proposal and the opulent Venetian theme, Overton traveled to Europe to study Italian trattorias, French bistros and the grand cafes and pastry shops of Vienna. His culinary tour through Europe, focused on food, architecture, decor and design and provided the inspiration for what the restaurant was destined to become.
Blending the grandeur and luxury of European cafes with the sensibilities and spirit of an all-American restaurant, Grand Lux Cafe was born. Today, there are 13 locations across the country, all boasting the same promise: “unique, casual global cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.”
Until this month, I’d never had the chance to dine at any of the Grand Lux Cafe locations. But I’d certainly walked by the downtown location in Chicago many times.
Grand Lux Cafe’s eclectic menu offers extraordinary variety and selection, with flavor profiles ranging from Thai, Malaysian and Caribbean, to classic American and European specialties.
With every item prepared fresh to order in an exhibition-style kitchen, the focus remains on providing guests with the finest, freshest foods available and everything always served in generous portions.
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And Now We Move Briefly To Chicagofor Great Food In A Luxurious Setting
Grand Lux Café, 600 North Michigan Ave, Chicago. Cnr Ontario /Michigan
Rod in the gorgeous corner cupola room
Looking up in the cupola room
Dont let the name fool you: This is no ordinary café. Good food in beautiful surroundings in grand style, but not at a luxury price.
This great restaurant find in Chicago is an absolute delight. Its bigger and grander than youd realize from outside. The décor is opulent and very beautiful, tables with real linen cloths, but its not at all snooty and the prices are reasonable. Wait staff are excellent and very friendly and the food is always good. It seems to be a local institution, as its invariably full, and is especially popular for weekend brunches.
Enter on Ontario and go upstairs on a long escalator and marvel at all the marble and art deco glitz and glitter: Walls, high ceilings and floors are all decoratedin lovely painted patterns, or designs in marble mosaic, and gorgeous glass lamps, all in brown, cream, amber, orange, yellow tones Marble paneling, mosaics, pictures, molded ceilings, all in warm cream, gold, orange, yellow, brown colors Interesting light fixtures, almost like hanging lilies.
One of many pretty lily-like lights
At breakfast with friend Monica in one of the large rooms
For an early lunch during the week, you can still have a luncheon omelette . A Bento Box lunch is also fun , but theres also a large choice of soups, salads, sandwiches, fish etc. Lunch is served 11am-5pm.
All Food In One Place
Two things that make any cafe or restaurant memorable are food and dining experiences. Well, both these qualities are abundant in the Grand Lux Cafe Chicago. Here you will get the chance to taste internationally inspired cuisines presented in an elegant but calming way.
Here are some mouth-watering dishes from the menu:
- Sweet-Hot Chili Shrimp
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Grand Lux Cafe Chicago
Grand Lux Cafe is a chain of cafes, started by the founders of the Cheesecake Factory. The very first Grand Lux Cafe Chicago was established at the famous Venetian Resort, Hotel, and Casino in Las Vegas. The idea for the design and ambiance of the cafe is inspired by the European tours of grand cafes and pastry shops in Vienna. Even the food is also inspired by famous Italian cuisines like trattorias and french bistros.
However, despite having the glory and luxury of European cafes, the sensibilities and spirit of being an all-American restaurant are not so subtle in Grand Lux Cafe. Whether it is the amazing cuisine or decor, everything in this cafe upgrades your experience of fine dining.
Now that you have an idea about the history of Grand Lux Cafe in Chicago, lets have a look at some essentials of the cafe:
Grand Lux Caf At The Venetian
GLOBAL CUISINE, AMERICAN, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, 24 HOUR DINING, LATE NIGHT, CASUAL DINING, $$
Grand Lux Cafe has an extensive menu from snacks to breakfast to dinner. The cafe is open 24/7. Theres something for everyone, much like its sister restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory.
Grand Lux Cafe fulfills any hunger. Choose from breakfast items, appetizers, pizza, seafood, steaks, burgers, chicken, specialty items, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and over 20 fabulous desserts. The wine list is equally eclectic, including selections from all regions.
Best beignets outside of New Orleans: Grand Lux Cafe at The VenetianFood Network
The creators of The Cheesecake Factory have taken culinary tours around the world to bring you Grand Lux Cafe. Blending the grandeur and luxury of European cafes with the sensibilities and spirit of an all-American restaurant, Grand Lux Cafe offers unique global cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. With entrees ranging from our Asian-inspired miso-glazed salmon to our mouth-watering chicken Madeira and our authentic specialty pasta dishes, Grand Lux Cafe’s expansive menu features “Something that everyone will love.” Try our baked-to-order signature chocolate molten cake and New Orleans beignets for dessert. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. In addition to providing you with excellent food you will remember, we are dedicated to taking exceptional care of you and your guests.
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What Is The Best Time To Visit Grand Lux Cafe In Chicago
Well, there is no bad time to have a delicious meal at the Grand Lux Cafe Chicago. But if you want to make your meal memorable for life, then a Sunday brunch sounds like a good idea. Here are some meaningful suggestions for you to enjoy on brunch at the cafe with your friends or family:
Address:600 N Michigan Avenue At, E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Menu: grandluxcafe.com
Phone:+1 312-276-2500
Reviews For Grand Lux Cafe
We stayed at the Sheraton and two nice women working near the bell captain stand recommended this restaurant. Marlin, the bartender, served lunch to us and our friends. He was so funny and kind. We enjoyed the Moscow mule with lavender, the Cuban sandwich, the apple pie and ice cream and butter cake and ice cream.
Started our girls trip with lunch at the Grand Lux. Recommended by a friend. Beautifully decorated, comfortable seating with views. Extensive menu with something for everyone. Awesome waitress. Big plate portions, even for lunch! Im sure from the decor of the lighting, its a great romantic type ambiance for dinner
I popped in for late lunch while staying at hotel nearby. I was swiftly seated at table overlooking the Magnificent Mile. The server was friendly and attentive. I opted for the Apple Chicken Sandwich and fries with a Sprite. It was swiftly delivered to the table and was really tasty. I would definitely recommend and return when next in the city
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