Celebrated chef Art Smith has opened a new restaurant, Reunion. Featuring Chef Art’s iconic take on southern comfort food with contemporary twists, Reunion also offers a fully stocked Shine Bar with a selection of Moonshine and so much more. The waterfront dining hot spot just opened on Tuesday and is Located at Navy Pier. It’s no wonder the restaurant is already a hit with an expansive patio, prime water views and a delicious comfort-focused menu.
Located at Navy Pier’s west entrance, the new restaurant is considered the sister restaurant to the award-winning Homecomin’ which is located at Disney Springs. This new restaurant was inspired by the look and feel of Chef Art’s Chicago home kitchen. The Hyde Park resident, who first started his career cooking at his Chicago home, now brings those same city-inspired decor elements to Reunion. The decor is cozy, with wooden beams, hanging lights and long wooden-booths.
Reunion’s menu is a standout, as one would expect with signature comfort foods, some with a healthier spin. Plus, there’s a variety of new dishes inspired by the Midwest’s supply of farm-fresh meat, and fruit. There’s fried chicken, pulled pork, shrimp & grits, and mac & cheese of course, but the menu does not focus on red meat, instead adding more vegetarian and vegan options like a chopped salad, souther braised green beans, and roasted vegetables. There’s also a signature cocktail menu along with a full beer and wine list. Don’t forget about dessert! There’s a hummingbird cake, lemon pie, and a pecan pie.
Chef Art is no stranger to the Chicago restaurant scene. In 2016, along with partner and local Chicagoan Fred Latsko, opened his flagship restaurant, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden. The popular farm-to-table spot is located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Smith has cooked for some of the world’s most famous figures such as the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey, where he served as the icon’s personal chef for about a decade.
TAG Restaurant group owners, George and Manolis Alpogianis, are in charge of managing the new space, with George acting as an executive chef, and Manolis working as the director of operations. Reunion is open from Sunday-Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Book a table here.
Address: 700 E Grand Ave #131, Chicago, IL 60611
[Featured photo via: Reunion]