Lyra, a Downtown Greek Hit, Spawns a Suburban Sibling | Eater Chicago

"A tribute to the festive culture and cuisine of Mykonos, Violí is an airy, spacious sister spot to Lyra that opened at Oakbrook Center with a menu by chef‑partner Athinagoras Kostakos, a winner of Greece’s Top Chef. The restaurant leans into philoxenia—treating anyone who comes inside as a guest in the home—with communal, slightly more rustic shared plates not on the Chicago menu, such as huge skewers of chicken thigh, beef tenderloin, and pork shoulder souvlaki. About 20 Greek staff were brought to the U.S. for added authenticity, and there’s a deliberate cross‑pollination of ingredients between food and cocktails, exemplified by the Violí Martini made with olive oil‑washed vodka, olive juice, and feta‑stuffed olives. At 6,300 square feet the dining room echoes Lyra’s rustic, Bohemian design and also features a massive 2,000‑square‑foot pergola and patio decorated with bougainvillea and olive trees. Violí is at 260 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook and is open 5 p.m.–11 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Friday–Saturday, and 4 p.m.–11 p.m. Sunday." - Naomi Waxman