Peek into Future Restaurants

It’s tough waiting for a new restaurant to open. Often, the process can be long and delayed, making us hungry while restaurateurs get antsy. A win-win solution has arrived in the form of recurring dinner series’ that provide previews of the restaurants to come, subsequently keeping our cravings at bay and keeping chefs/owners working on menu conceptualization as construction takes place. 

Diana Dávila is one chef making the most of construction time, via a new summer menu concept dinner series in anticipation of her upcoming restaurant. As construction continues on the new Mexican restaurant, she’s hosting a series of Granja Urbana (Urban Farm) dinners to fine-tune the development of her menu, set to launch later this year. Diners can expect novel interpretations of Mexican classics, which she learned through extensive travels through Mexico. Each dinner will take place in a different location, highlighting community organizations and culinary education all the while. Dinners take place monthly from June through October, with slight differentiations for each menu. All proceeds from each dinner benefit organizations that strive to support community through urban agriculture. The inaugural dinner takes place at City Farm.

Another restaurant offering up monthly previews before its fall opening is Formento’s, the West Loop Italian venture from the folks behind The Bristol and Balena. Named after co-owner John Ross’ grandmother, Formento’s promises a contemporary take on red sauce-style Italian, crafted by executive chef Tony Quartaro. The monthly meals take place at The Bristol, featuring four courses of food such as Italian seafood salads, multi-layered chocolate cakes, and vegetable lasagna. 

Granja Urbana
4800 N. Broadway, Chicago
(312) 834-4054
Website

Formento’s
954 W. Randolph Street, Chicago
Website