Embeya, Chicago’s West Loop dining destination known for its innovative approach to Asian cuisine, is inviting guests on a new culinary excursion: A Journey Through Asia. This dining adventure—cultivated by Executive Chef Mike Sheerin—represents an exciting evolution for the restaurant, wherein the menu’s geographic focus will change completely every three months, giving guests an opportunity to deeply explore the cultures of myriad Asian countries through food, beverage and music. The first stop on the journey is Thailand, starting May 2.
“The landscape of Asian cuisine is enormous,” says Chef Sheerin, “and we are really energized by this new, hyper-focused approach. It allows us all—our culinary team, front of house staff, and guests alike—to delve deeper and truly explore one specific culinary region at a time, showcasing the distinct flavors and dishes of those areas. We believe that both this intense focus, followed by ever-changing offerings, will appeal to loyalists as well as new individuals that haven’t yet experienced Embeya.”
It is in this spirit that the Journey through Asia begins. Chef Sheerin will present an imaginative menu encompassing the unique flavor profiles of Thai cuisine, uniting the Midwest’s finest ingredients with exotic flavors. Guests can choose their depth of exploration ordering from Embeya’s a la carte offerings, or electing Chef Sheerin’s three-course tasting menu for $39, featuring his favorite dishes on the menu and available for dinner Monday to Friday, or the three-course business lunch for $25. Dishes from Chef Sheerin’s Thailand menu include:
First Course ($10 to $16)
- Steamed Mussels
- Phanaeng Curry, Sugar Snap Peas, Red Onion Confit, Mint
- Charred Tiger Cry Beef
- Romaine, Hearts of Palm, Lychee, Lemon Balm
- Northern Turmeric Pork Sausage
- Cucumber, Mint Salad, Red Chili Glaze
Second Course ($22 to $32)
- Shrimp Pad Thai
- Rice Noodles, Bean Sprouts, Spicy Peanuts, Tofu, Scrambled Egg
- Spring Chicken Satay
- Peanut Tamarind, Pickled Cherries, Long Beans, Bean Sprouts
- Grilled Snapper
- Green Tomato Chili Glaze, Wokfried Mustard Green, Green Squash
Dessert ($7)
- Macerated Strawberries
- Pandan Ice Cream, Turmeric Wafer
- Warm Coconut Rice
- Champagne Mango, Black Sesame Ice Cream
Embeya’s journey extends to the beverage program, as well. With mixology led by Renea Lyles Solis, an array of thoughtful, Thai-influenced cocktails and beers complement Chef Sheerin’s cuisine. Unique, region-specific items—such as play on a classic gimlet with Thai basil, kaffir lime and lemongrass-infused gin and Thai beers Singha and Chang—continually inform Embeya’s love for all things Thailand. To sample the breadth of the beverage program, Embeya curates a $25 beverage pairing as an add-on, including a beer indigenous to Thailand, a cocktail, and a glass of wine.
Music inspired by the food, the people, and the culture of each country adds to the spirited atmosphere.
Following Thailand, Embeya’s Journey Through Asia travels to Japan in August, followed by China in November.
