Chicago Restaurant Guide

CONNOISSEUR READY TO SERVE CHICAGO

NEW BOUTIQUE RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR DISHES ELEGANCE AND ORIGINALITY

Chicago, IL (December 18, 2007) – Providing a much-needed respite to Chicago’s bar scene, Connoisseur is ready to provide an intimate, contemporary ambiance combined with an exceptional selection of wine, champagne, appetizers and desserts. Located at 1041 W. Grand Ave., Connoisseur is Chicago’s premier boutique restaurant and wine bar, providing a hybrid of conversational lounge and chic small plate restaurant set in the city’s vibrant River West neighborhood.

Exponential Sensuality
Serving as a destination spot to start or wind down an evening, Connoisseur is a celebration of sensuality and texture. Plush round fabric discs adorn the walls and suede benches outline the perimeter of the restaurant. Featuring a menu balancing taste and satisfaction, and extravagant yet thoughtful dishes coupled with first-class bottle service and fresh fruit martinis that are made table-side, Connoisseur is sure to create a relaxing experience.

With a penchant for refinement, detailed descriptions of the wine selections are provided, including how they were created and what foods best compliment them. A handwritten reminder of the bottle enjoyed is offered to patrons as a point of context for their next visit or to recommend to others.

“We aim to educate our guests about what they are drinking. We want them to know how the wine and food go hand-in-hand and what makes each bottle special and unique,” said Juliana Angel, Connoisseur’s Wine Program Director.

Culinary Delight
The menu was created by Chef Philipp Vitti, who previously worked at Chicago’s TRU restaurant. He has created a menu that reflects his four-star, classical French training. His collection is fashioned to expand one’s taste palate and create cuisine that is not only relevant but surprises the consumer.

“At Connoisseur, we offer desserts and small plates that perfectly compliment your wine or champagne choice. I see this as a food gallery that will expand people’s tastes and challenge conventional cuisine much like visiting an art exhibit,” said Owner Gerald Lott.

Connoisseur aspires to establish a new trend in Chicago’s night life by providing a venue where people engage in conversation and explore their elegant tastes. “I’ve seen wine bars and champagne lounges in Europe and New York and I think Chicago is ready,” said Managing Partner Frankie Versean C