STARTER
Venteux Pendry CHICAGO
Words: Eleanor Howard Photography: © Neil Burger
IN A BITE Developer: Montage International, Rodina Operator: Pendry Hotels & Resorts, Clique Hospitality Architecture: Booth Hansen Interior Design: Studio Munge Serveware: American Metalcraft Cutlery and Glassware: Steelite International www.pendry.com
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ringing a flavour of France to the Windy
Beyond a vintage partition is the brasserie,
City’s Magnificent Mile, Venteux is a
an eclectic dining room featuring classic tufted
new modern French restaurant helmed
banquettes upholstered in deep burgundy velvets
by Executive Chef-Partner Donald Young, the
atop vintage Persian rugs. A textured palette of
youngest Michelin-starred chef in Chicago.
warm oak, expressive marbles, cognac leather
Occupying the ground floor of The Pendry,
and brass accents define a richly nostalgic
the venue is divided into two spaces – an airy
environment embodying the sophistication of
café and seductive brasserie – with interiors by
French culture. Accompanied by saucer-shaped
Alessandro Munge and his eponymous studio.
milk glass chandeliers, the Bordeaux-coloured
“Complementing chef’s menu, I was inspired
rooms act as a backdrop for the collection of
by eclectic French brasseries and artists’
French-inspired artwork curated on gallery
salons, conservatories, and botanical gardens,”
walls by GZ Art Co. At the table, diners can
reveals Alessandro Munge, the firm’s founder
expect dishes such as steak frites, roast duck
and Design Director. “We spent a lot of time
and oysters – served on hammered aluminium
thoughtfully building the storytelling palettes
seafood trays from American Metalcraft – and
and curating the many layers necessary to
washed down with speciality cocktails and
infuse Venteux with its continental charms
wines in glassware from Steelite International.
while steering away from clichés.”
“Venteux is subtly French and nostalgic,”
The café is imagined as a Jardin Botanique,
concludes Munge. “I’m bringing a flavour of
a verdant sanctuary featuring 40ft ceilings and
France and Provence to Chicago. It is about
vast windows allowing daylight to cascade
creating emotion and wonder with materials
over lush hanging planters, a whimsical brass
and details that make the guests feel like the
pendant light and dramatic botanical mural.
venue has been established forever.”
