—RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: An increasing number of Chicago restaurants has embraced Pan-Asian cuisine, and the casually upscale Republic, 58 E. Ontario, is no exception. However, whereas some eateries' definition of 'Pan-Asian' may involve dishes from only a couple of countries, Republic incorporates items from Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia into its menu.
The décor is very contemporary and the space is impressive: the bi-level restaurant can accommodate 350 people; there are two dining rooms on different floors, a private dining area and an intimate sake lounge.
The very hospitable Sandy Yu—who co-owns Republic with chef Jeff Zhang—told Dish List that they actually bring ideas to Chicago from New York. ( Yu and Zhang had previously owned restaurants Jia's on Halsted, Jia's on State, Shine Morida and Rise. Yu said that she and Zhang have a responsibility to keep their longtime customers 'happy.' ) When asked what her favorite is, Yu laughed and said, 'They're all my favorites.'
The food, indeed, is wide-ranging ( with everything from Singapore noodles to rainbow maki to mochi balls ) , and the menu may challenge those whose idea of Asian cuisine involves shrimp-fried rice. Still, the food Dish List sampled was consistently good and the service was excellent.
It should also be mentioned that Republic provides a take on the whole 'dinner and a movie' theme; Dish List couldn't help but notice that films ( without audio or subtitles ) were projected onto a wall while patrons dined. When asked about the purpose of the movie, our server, Michael—while admitting that the addition is unusual—said that the films provide an escape from boredom and can even break the ice on a date. So if your date gets caught up looking at Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, it might be a signal to jump in—or jump out.
See www.RepublicRestaurant.us for more information.
News:
—Gruppo di Amici and Taste Food & Wine will hold the First Annual Jarvis Square Wine Affair Thurs., April 24, 6:30-9 p.m., at 1506/1508 W. Jarvis. Master Sommelier Alpana Singh ( from TV's 'Check, Please!' ) will be present. The cost is $30 ( $35 at the door ) . Tickets can be purchased by stopping by or calling Gruppo di Amici at 773-508-5565 or Taste Food & Wine at 773-761-3663.
—The full-service Italian restaurant Frankie's Scaloppine is now open next to Frankie's Fifth Floor Pizzeria at The 900 Shops, 900 N. Michigan. Pasta entrees include whole wheat capellini, handkerchief cheese ravioli and penne with eggplant ragu. Dessert offering include chocolate amaretto cake and lemon souffle cheesecake. Call 312-266-2500 for more information.
Send items about restaurant happenings ( including openings and closings ) to Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com .