From the inbox…new restaurant Current opens next month

Here's one from the inbox. Looks like a great spot to add to the Chicago foodie bucket list!

CURRENT OPENS THIS MAY

Cornerstone Restaurant Group is pleased to announce that this May, Current - a social, Italian-inspired restaurant with Executive Chef Gregory Elliott at the helm - will open in the W Chicago - Lakeshore.

True to its name, the menus at Current will feature a fresh, modern take on seasonal Italian cuisine showcasing Chef Elliott's simple and soulful ingredient-driven dishes. "Having worked in this location leading up to the opening of Current, we really developed our menus with our guests in mind," explained Chef Elliott. "Pair our made-in-house pastas, pizzas and salami with our hand-crafted Italian cocktails, boutique wine list and array of local micro brews, and you can't go wrong."

Celebrating the New & Now: A Look at Current's Menus

Upon completion of  the multi-million dollar construction project by owner Chesapeake Lodging Trust, Current will celebrate the new & now, beginning with menus that will showcase both up-and-coming Chicagoans who are making things happen in the city - including rising fashion designer Alexander Knox and Catapult Chicago Co-Founder and President Ryan Leavitt - as well as local landmarks, including The Art Institute of Chicagoand Lincoln Hall. Profiles will change quarterly and guests can nominate both notable Chicagoans and their favorite Chicago landmarks on Current's Facebook and Twitterpages.

When it comes to the cuisine, expect Chef Elliott to serve seasonal, Italian-influenced flavors with a modern twist morning, noon and night. To start the day, the breakfast and brunch menus will allow guests to choose between starting guilt-free with a smoothie or granola, or filling up on decadent options like pastries; Nutella Stuffed French Toast made with brioche, Frangelico and bananas; or Frittata made with mortadella, sharp provolone, peperonata and chives. Lunch guests will choose between Cicchetti (bite size starters),Antipasti, Zuppa & Insalate (appetizers, soups and salads), Sandwiches & Paninis, Pizza & Pasta, Secondi (main course) and Contorni (sides). And for those opting for a fun and festive dinner in Current's modern dining room, Chef Elliott's favorite dishes include the housemade Stracci with wild mushrooms, pecorino and oregano; Sea Urchin Risottowith scallop and tarragon; and Grilled Slagel Family Farm Pork Chop, Bisteca, 15 oz. bone-in ribeye, lardo-rosemary pesto.

After dinner, Current will encourage guests to socialize a little longer and sample sweetdolci like Chef Elliott's Torta Tenerina, flourless chocolate cake with espresso gelato and grappa cherries, or the Tiramisu made with mascarpone, ladyfingers and topped with cocoa powder. Because dessert is always a good idea.

Bevande! Cordials, Vino, Cocktails and More

Time to unwind... whether a glass of wine at lunch, a cocktail on the patio or a late night microbrew (or two), guests will be able to have their libation of choice in Current's lively open dining space. The extensive menu will include a variety of Cordials (including Romano Sambuca and Frambuie), a selection of Single Malt Scotches (including Glenlivet, Takisker and Oban), hand-crafted Italian cocktails (like the Venetian Peach made with bourbon, luxardo apricot and egg white and Lavender Fizz with Ciroc vodka, domaine de canton and lavender soda), a boutique wine list (including more than 100 varieties wines by the bottle and 26 by the glass) and an array of local micro brews, giving guests a reason to linger a little longer after their meals.

Step Inside Current

Once guests enter into Current's lively and inviting space, they will notice interesting design details inspired by the restaurant's prime location situated between sprawling Lake Michigan and the stunning Chicago skyline. With the use of cool tones and highly reflective polished chrome mixed with earthy stone and silver-washed wood, Current will invoke a modern and funky vibe for its guests. Current will also offer a stunning lakefront patio with unparalleled views of Lake Michigan. 

Upon opening, Current will be open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 9am to 11pm, with the bar open nightly until midnight. For more information, visit www.currentchicago.com or the restaurant's Facebook and Twitter pages.

About Current

Located at W Chicago Lakeshore, Current combines Executive Chef Gregory Elliott's simple and soulful ingredient-driven dishes with an extensive beverage menu including hand-crafted Italian cocktails, a boutique wine list, wines on tap and an array of local micro brews. With its stunning backdrop (Lake Michigan and Navy Pier are just steps away), Current is open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 9am to 11pm, with the bar open nightly until midnight. For more information, visit www.currentchicago.com or the restaurant's Facebook andTwitter pages.

About Cornerstone Restaurant Group

Cornerstone Restaurant Group and affiliate Jump Higher, L.L.C., led by restaurateurs Jonathan Albert and David Zadikoff, in partnership with Michael Jordan, oversee all Michael Jordan-brand restaurants, including Michael Jordan's Steak House (Chicago, Connecticut and New York), Michael Jordan's 23.sportcafe (Connecticut), and SolToro Tequila Grill (Connecticut). Additionally, Cornerstone Restaurant Group's growing Asian ventures with Chef Bill Kim include bellyQ, Urbanbelly and Bellyshack, all located in Chicago. Cornerstone Restaurant Group also manages operations for Current at the W Chicago-Lakeshore, ENO Wine Room (Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC) and ZYLO at the W Hoboken. For more information, visit www.cornerstonerestaurants.com.

About W Chicago - Lakeshore

Located on Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive in the heart of the City and just steps away from Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, W Chicago - Lakeshore is currently undergoing a $38 million dollar relaunch.  The hotel's full-scale redesign by Meyer Davis Design reflects the energy of the city onto the glittering waters of Lake Michigan which sets the stage for the W brand's fully integrated lifestyle experience.  W Chicago - Lakeshore features a 9,600 square foot signature Bliss® spa and FIT gym that overlooks the lake, the cuisine of Current, where Executive Chef Gregory Elliott showcases his simple and soulful ingredient-driven dishes along with an innovative beverage menu, as well as over 12,000 square feet. of meeting space including SKYLINE and Altitude on the 33rd floor which offers 360 panoramic views of the lake and skyline with floor to ceiling windows.  The hotel's 520 stylishly re-designed guestrooms, including 23 Marvelous suites, 1 WOW suite, and 1 Extreme WOW Suite all incorporate the innovative designs found throughout the property. Facebook: wchicagolakeshore // Instagram/twitter: @wlakeshore

About Chesapeake Lodging Trust

Chesapeake Lodging Trust is a self-advised lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investments primarily in upper-upscale hotels in major business and convention markets and, on a selective basis, premium select-service hotels in urban settings or unique locations in the United States.  The Trust owns 20 hotels with an aggregate of 5,932 rooms in eight states and the District of Columbia. Additional information can be found on the Trust's website atwww.chesapeakelodgingtrust.com.