Esmé, the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, is announce its second menu installment of 2023. Inspired by the artwork of local artist Emmy Star Brown, guests can expect to see Chef Jenner Tomaska’s whimsical approach to fine-dining shine as he showcases the change in seasons and highlights local ingredients. Launching Friday, June 30, the new exhibit and tasting menu will transport guests to channel their inner child.
Together, Chef Jenner and Emmy Star Brown will take guests on a visual journey back to self by reclaiming parts often lost as we grow older while allowing the purest forms of playfulness, creative confidence, and imagination to come forward. The exhibit will highlight the joy, spontaneity, and fearlessness synonymous with one’s younger self.
“We’re excited to offer our guests a new exhibit this summer, “ says co-owner and Executive Chef Jenner Tomaska. “With cooking being both an art and science, we’ve been continuing to innovate the seasonality of our signature dishes as well as experimenting with other mediums to mirror Emmy Star Brown’s work.”
Chef Jenner will also provide guests with multiple immersive experiences, including a course where guests will receive a Squash and Daylily salad shaped in a bouquet served with paint-colored purees on the side. Guests can choose which flavor of Emmy’s custom colors they’d like to dress their salad with. The three flavors consist of strawberry and rose, chamomile and beet, and bergamot.
Signature Esmé favorites will return, such as the Corn On The Cod. Featuring a piece of cod wrapped with roasted corn, served with a carrot and peach bisque. The fun dish is then served on a plate printed with Emmy’s work. Guests can also expect an Asparagus Tart composed of asparagus, horseradish, raw dandelion greens, and shaved cured egg yolk.
With the menu change, the space will also transform to feature various artwork from the Chicago native. Emmy Star Brown has always been inspired by her hometown’s unique blend of style, story, and character. Similarly to Chef Jenner, Emmy’s work sparks playfulness and imagination and consists of everything from illustration, lettering, and canvas work to branding, packaging, and murals. This will also be the first time Emmy has ever created and displayed dimensional artwork.
“As a self-taught muralist and painter, I have always enjoyed challenging methods and mediums,” says Emmy Star Brown. “This year I have been taking on a new exploratory approach by looking at my work through a multi-dimensional lens, a nod to my creative hero Alexander Calder. It’s an honor to introduce my latest work in wood, resin, glass, and mobiles with Esmé.”
A selection of beverage pairings will also be available to enhance the experience. Guests can also choose from three different beverage pairings: Exploratory, Classic, and Non-Alcoholic. Tickets are now available on Resy for reservations starting Saturday, June 30th for $235 per person on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and $265 per person Friday through Sunday.
News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by WTWH Media LLC.
