L2O: The Elements of Dining

A native ofFrance, Chef Gras worked his way through a "Who's Who" of Michelin-starred kitchens with Alain Senderens, Jacques Maximin, Guy Savoy and Alain Ducasse before coming tothe United States in 1997 to take the helm at New York's Peacock Alley in The Waldorf-Astoria. In 2001 he took the position of Executive Chef atSan Francisco's renowned Fifth Floor, where he was named San Francisco magazine's Chef of the Year and Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chef in 2002.

At L2O Gras enriches his culinary perspective and French training by drawing from global cuisine and a repertoire of modern and traditional cooking techniques. As he explores the intricacies of fish and shellfish, he creates artful compositions that enhance the innate flavors of a singular ingredient. Collaborating with small artisanal purveyors around the globe, Gras is able to serve unique selections of top-quality ingredients such as hirame from the Hokkaido and Kinki prefectures inJapan, Spanish octopus from the Galicia region ofSpain and codfish fromMaine. Gras' fierce attention to detail is felt throughout, as even the bread, naturally leavened, is made in-house as are staples like butter, yogurt and creme fraiche.

A dining experience at L2O ranges from the lounge's alluring atmosphere where guests order from an a la carte menu, to an evening in the elegant dining room where both a four-course prix-fixe menu and tasting menus are offered. A meal may begin with the simple flavors of sashimi-sliced Shimaaji cured with red miso and soy salt. Second courses are replete with imagination, ranging from Gold Egg Yolk, Kampachi, Kurobuta Pork and Sake to Octopus, Coconut, Sea Bean, Olive Oil. Third courses encompass elegance and depth of flavor with dishes like Lobster with Tahitian Vanilla, Chanterelle and Watermelon Radishes. Desserts vary from the exotic Orange, Lemon, Honey and Crystal Ice Lettuce to the light-hearted Doughnuts with Pistachio andCherry.

Chicago-based Dirk Denison Architects has created a warm modern atmosphere that compliments Gras' cuisine with a blend of natural materials, acute detail and clean, simple lines. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are drawn into a gathering of floor-to-ceiling Macassar Ebony columns, which create a subtle, yet dramatic, transitional space between the building lobby and the dining room. Gently etched glass panels and stainless steel cable screens glow and shimmer, defining more intimate spaces within the main dining room. White leather chairs and caramel-hued settees beckon guests to unwind for the evening around complementary Macassar ebony tables and blond Sen wood paneled walls. A stunning white onyx niche houses a distinctive table for two, which glimmers with golden hues and sets the scene for a romantic evening and three private dining areas offer special experiences:

Sommelier Chantelle Pabros has created an extensive collection, offering guests opportunities to indulge in artisanal wines from small producers worldwide. The collection boasts whites from Burgundy and the Loire, an extensive array of Rieslings and Pinot Noirs of classic and progressive expressions. L2O's comprehensive champagne selection is ripe with aromatic finesse and femininity. Sakes, hailing from the finest prefectures inJapan, provide a playful accent to a meal, and are available by the glass and half-bottle to encourage experimentation.

Upholding the highest standards of hospitality, L2O ensures that each guest feels as if he or she were invited to an elegant dinner party. With its innovative cuisine and engaging atmosphere, L2O reveals a fresh perspective of elegant dining.

L2O is located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park Avenue (at Belden Avenue) and serves dinner six nights a week: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00PM-10:00PM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00PM-11:00PM and Sunday from 5:00PM-9:00PM. For reservations please call 773-868-0002. For more information please visit www.l2orestaurant.com.

SOURCE L2O

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Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze, Daily News

Tags: Food and Beverages, Restaurants, , National, illinois

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