It’s difficult to believe that the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago is turning eight this May. And while the Renzo Piano-designed white aerie continues to beguile with its unrivalled collection, the powers-that-be felt it was time to spruce up its third-floor restaurant, Terzo Piano.
The original architect Dirk Denison was drafted for the task, adding a new reception area anchored by a white marble bar top that’s lit with an Eileen Gray ‘Tube Light’, while introducing a grey swatch of walls and leather paired with Patricia Urquiola chairs, Arne Jacobson stools and white benches. And just to remind you of where you are, a clutch of sculptures by Nairy Baghramian hold court in vitrines.
The restaurant’s owner and chef Tony Mantuano recently recruited Carolina Diaz to direct the kitchen. Here, the focus may be Mediterranean by way of Italy, but the ingredients are resolutely sourced from the Midwest. Think Wisconsin Parmesan shaved over truffle-scented mozzarella, smoked grapes, spaghetti with bottarga and tuna crudo, and a triumphant lamb ragu sauced with saffron butter.
During the long drab winter months especially, Diaz’s menu is best savoured at tables lining the long stretch of high windows that look out over Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. In the summer, it will be all about al fresco dining on the Bluhm Family Terrace, which will also mark the debut of British architect David Adjaye’s ‘Washington Skeleton’ chairs for Knoll.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
The Art Institute of Chicago
3rd Floor Modern Wing
159 East Monroe
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anthony Tahlier
-
How architects are redefining disaster relief through designDisaster relief architecture is a critical component of humanitarian aid across the globe; read our ultimate guide on how architects can make a difference through design
-
Paul Gulati on storytelling, multi-sensory design and the evolution of Universal Design Studio'f a space works – not just as a beautiful image, but for the people using it – then we’ve done our job,' he tells us
-
Seiko and Datsun mark a shared heritage and history with three new limited-edition watchesThe Japanese brands pay tribute to the Datsun 240Z and Prospex Speedtimer in a new collaboration
-
Why everyone in LA is talking about Café TondoHelmed by chef Valeria Velásquez and designed by Aunt Studio, this new spot delivers Latin American buzz all day long
-
Size doesn’t matter at Now Now, a micro-hotel for solo travellers in New YorkCan you pack style into 32 square feet? We find out
-
At this LA dining hotspot, go Spanish or Japanese as you pleaseA dual-concept dining destination designed by the Rockwell Group brings Mediterranean warmth and Japanese precision to Century City
-
The Benjamin’s chic new upstairs bar is Hollywood’s hottest hideawayAt Bar Benjamin, speakeasy mystique meets elevated snacks, cocktails and views
-
More is more at Bar Issi, a maximalist new dining destination in Palm SpringsFettle studio fuses eco-conscious materials with bold design gestures in this playful space inside the new Thompson Hotel
-
Do luxury hotels need a farmer-in-residence?From Ibiza to Indonesia, hospitality brands are cultivating a new travel experience, where wellness begins in the soil and ends at the table
-
A local’s guide to AtlantaDrawn by the city’s diversity and queer community, life coach and writer Cator Sparks returned to Atlanta after 25 years away. He shares his favourite haunts
-
Philadelphia’s ‘Grande Dame’ reopens with a dazzling French twistThe Bellevue Hotel has been restored to its former glory through a stylish renovation by design studio Ward + Gray
