Heaven on Seven Reaches a Milestone
It takes a special restaurant to endure for generations. In an industry plagued by turnovers and closures, it’s an impressive feat when a spot can transcend and cement itself as a timeless classic. Few places can speak to such esteem quite like the Original Heaven on Seven on Wabash, a restaurant lauded for 35 years as Chicago’s quintessential destination for Cajun dining and merriment. And it’s all thanks to chef/owner Jimmy Bannos, the affable pioneer who boldly went where no restaurateur dared go before; to the seventh floor of the Loop’s Garland Building with a cuisine previously un-explored in Chicago.
Entering its 35th year in business, Bannos has stockpiled an assortment of celebrations and events throughout 2015, as well as noteworthy news such as the addition of dinner service, all with the aid of nephew, chef, and fourth-generation restaurateur Andrew Bannos. First up is the onset of dinner, which supplements Heaven on Seven’s storied breakfast and lunch menus with a similar array of hearty New Orleans-inspired classics, including the famed gumbo.
Next is Fat Tuesday, that New Orleans staple celebration perfectly in line with Heaven on Seven’s ethos. To commemorate the holiday, Heaven on Seven is hosting an all-day party on February 17 featuring specials like fried oysters and bacon with black pepper Meunière, duck and andouille tamales in Jorge’s famous mole sauce, chicken voodoo enchiladas, and smothered pork shoulder over dirty rice. Also, the restaurant is now offering Louisiana’s signature beer, Abita, on tap, along with bottled beers, wines, and Hurricanes.
In the coming months, Bannos plans to collaborate with guest chefs via kitchen takeovers, host more cooking classes, revive the “Hot as a Mutha” series,” and host beer dinners.
After 17 years, Heaven on Seven’s Rush Street location closed this past January. The west suburban Naperville location is open for business.
Heaven on Seven
111 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago
(312) 263-6443
Website
224 S. Main Street, Naperville
Website
