LIA Tavern

LIA, an Art-Inspired Restaurant, is Coming to River North | Eater Chicago

"The 3,500-square-foot space at 11 W. Illinois Street in River North occupies a room vacant since 2020 and will be anchored by a 62-foot-by-7-and-a-half-foot canvas behind the bar painted by the founders and inspired by Pollock’s abstract style. Detroit-based Pophouse will design the space (Pophouse is owned by Jennifer Gilbert; her husband, billionaire Dan Gilbert, is co-founder and chairman of Rocket Companies and majority owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers). The walls will feature local art and references to influential artists and movements, and each dish will be served on a different dining set to turn daily dining into an artful experience. The name stands for "Life Imitates Art," inspired by an Oscar Wilde quote. The menu is still in development but will offer artfully presented New American options drawing inspiration from across the globe; tasting menus will be created to reflect the chef’s interpretation of works by local artists on display. “Depending on whatever it is, I will create a menu working with the artist, and will pair a beverage component, too,” says the chef. Working in partnership with him, Michael Mauro is a sommelier who holds certificates from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine and Spirit Education, and the Sake Service Institute of Japan, and will curate wines, spirits, and cocktails that play into the arts vibe. The founders opened their first restaurant on June 10, 2024, and aim to open this River North project by that date the following year so the two openings fall within 365 days; the space is planned for a late-spring opening." - Serena Maria Daniels