Table for Crate is Crate and Barrel’s new Oak Brook restaurant | Eater Chicago

"A 75-seat restaurant located inside a Crate and Barrel at Oakbrook Center that doubles as a living showroom for the retailer’s plates, silverware and décor; the space (taking over the former Land of Nod at 35 Oakbrook Center) is designed as an interactive experience where meals demonstrate merchandise in action. Chef Bill Kim, a Chicago-raised, Seoul-born cook trained under Charlie Trotter and known for Pan‑Asian casual food, leads a sharable-menu approach that includes signature items such as a deep-dish cauliflower lasagna (made with steamed, thinly sliced cauliflower layered like pasta, cheese and tomato sauce) and a kale salad with toasted ground almonds and fish sauce replacing traditional egg and anchovy in the dressing. The operation also offers afternoon tea towers (salmon rolls, roulade and cucumber sandwiches with smoked white bean hummus), grab‑and‑go items, a coffee bar and eight cocktails crafted by Julieta Campos; an outdoor patio and playful drinks like the Tito’s‑based “Hey, Hi, Hello” expand the casual vibe. Backed by Cornerstone Restaurant Group’s resources, the project aims to challenge expectations for suburban dining; the chef planned to be on-site during the opening period, with a target to open in July." - Ashok Selvam