Crate and Barrel’s First Restaurant Opens in Suburban Chicago | Eater Chicago

"Opened today at Oakbrook Center, this bilevel, full-service restaurant at 35 Oakbrook Center is helmed by James Beard–nominee Bill Kim (Urbanbelly) and offers shareable, seasonal, largely vegetable-focused dishes in a space designed to showcase Crate and Barrel’s kitchen tools and tableware. Created in collaboration with Cornerstone Restaurant Group, the Table at Crate seats 75 across indoor and outdoor areas and features the brand’s spare, modern aesthetic—dusty rose, green, and grey chairs around smooth wooden tables, large sun-filled windows, clustered creative lighting, and white-and-grey dishes artfully arranged on a wall. The menu highlights ingredients from local farms including Three Sisters Garden, Mick Klug Farm, and Green Acres Farm, with garden and greens like mushroom fricasse (white corn grits, truffle oil, herb butter) and watermelon salad (poached shrimp, forbidden black rice, agave dijon dressing); three tartines (avocado, BLT, and “mighty vine” tomato); bowls such as cavatelli (double smoked bacon, tomato sauce, basil); protein-forward mains including garlic and rosemary–marinated skirt steak (tomato salsa, waffle fries); and Kim’s favored deep dish cauliflower lasagna (tomato garlic sauce, mozzarella). The beverage program includes wine by the glass and bottle, beers and ciders with local options, eight cocktails (for example the “Hey, Hi, Hello” and “Midnight Surmise”), spirit-free cocktails like the “Crime of Passion,” plus grab-and-go items and a coffee bar. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; note that the store will close early on 5/31 and remain temporarily closed through 6/3." - Naomi Waxman