Fora (311 N Morgan St.) – a new seafood-driven restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood – will come to life at The Emily Hotel this Thursday, August 11. Offering its own handcrafted version of eclectic Mexican food, Fora will have a focus on seafood, raw plates and its masa program. The team has prioritized fresh, high-quality ingredients (some even grown on the hotel’s rooftop garden) to create unforgettable dishes that pay homage to traditional methods. Fora will offer an array of seafood dishes, with a focus on raw plates – and use of masa woven throughout current and upcoming dishes. On the beverage side, Fora will offer an elevated list of handcrafted, agave-forward cocktails and a Mexican wine list.
Fora was developed and concepted by Chef Billy Caruso (Rye Deli + Drink) and will be helmed by Executive Chef, Matt Danko (Grace, Sink | Swim, Trentina, Greenhouse Tavern). To pair, cocktails by Beverage Director Cristiana DeLuca (The Office at The Aviary, Maple & Ash, The Drawing Room) will transport guests to serene beaches of Mexico through celebration-inducing flavors. Fora will mirror the hotel’s expressive sensibility, while serving up Tulum-inspired menu, through Japanese techniques and French execution. Fora’s opening menu highlights include:
Dishes:
Kanpachi – Aguachile Rosa, Smoked Beets, Butterfly Sorrel
Hamachi – Pomelo, Avocado, Yuzu Kosho, Hoja Santa
Carne Apache Tostada – Lime, Salsa Seca, Magic Oil
Chayote Salad – Mint, Basil, Pepitas, Green Goddess, Citrus Lace
Tetelas – Summer Squash, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, Tlatonile
Cocktails:
Bright Lights, Big City (Bright Citrus, Bubbles) – Tito’s, Chareau, Yuzu Marmalade, Lemon,
Pink Bubbles
Allison #7 (Whiskey Sour Riff, Roasted Red Pepper) – Sazerac Rye, Giffard Pineapple,
Roasted Red Pepper, Egg White Sour
Sotol Me Something Good (Spirit-Forward, Stone Fruit) – Sotol, Dry Vermouth, Yellow
Chartreuse
El Presidente (Refreshing, Tropical, Beachy Vibes) – Rhum Clement, Magdalene Orange, Carpano Dry, House-Made Grenadine
Designed by Ste. Marie Design Group, Fora’s space echoes a commitment to embracing artists from near and far. Raspy Rivera, a local creator and the hotel’s inaugural Artist In Residence, has commissioned pieces for the hotel and Fora. Like The Emily, Raspy Rivera’s mural in Fora’s entryway captivates and draws the eye of locals and visitors alike, inviting them to gather, collaborate, celebrate and become inspired. Textile work in the space comes from Vita Boehme’s artist, Jessica Alejandra, who is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and currently resides in Palm Beach, Florida. Fora’s mirror piece was created by Candice Luter, an Iowa-based fiber artist and interior designer. The plates that adorn the restaurant’s walls were gathered from an array of sources, including Every Story Studio out of Nottingham, England, YomYom Ceramic by Joseph Malca from Israel and Pottery Props by Paula in Madrid, Spain. Through the presence of these works from all over the world, Fora’s space radiates with an appreciation for the artistic community.
Delicious and distinct, evocative and elaborate, aromatic and intriguing — guests are welcomed to revel in the flavors and ingredients of Mexico.
Fora’s opening operating hours will be Tuesday through Saturday starting at 12pm with dinner hours of 4-9pm. For more information, please visit forachicago.com or emilyhotel.com and follow on Instagram @forachiago.
Throughout 2022, The Emily will be rolling out exciting additions to its carefully curated space introducing fresh dining concepts and continuing to provide guests with a welcoming stay in Chicago. Akin to any masterpiece, The Emily has taken a thoughtful and artistic approach to its blossoming. Fora and Selva will mirror the hotel’s expressive sensibility, while infusing inventive and high-spirited fare.
Summer Hotel Programming – Opened this summer, the Rooftop Cinema Club is the ultimate open-air cinema experience located on the rooftop of The Emily Hotel. Its ambiance encompasses a mixture of movie-watching, dining and nostalgia, all surrounded by breathtaking city views. The club hosts multiple screenings daily and offers signature concessions, developed by Executive Chef Matt Danko, sweets & treats by Pastry Chef Felicia Mayden and a cocktail program by Beverage Director Cristina DeLucca for the ultimate viewing experience.
