Venteux

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

Bringing a flavour of France to the Windy City’s Magnificent Mile, Venteux is a new modern French restaurant helmed by Executive Chef-Partner Donald Young, the youngest Michelin-starred chef in Chicago. Occupying the ground floor of The Pendry, the venue is divided into two spaces – an airy café and seductive brasserie – with interiors by Alessandro Munge and his eponymous studio.

“Complementing chef’s menu, I was inspired by eclectic French brasseries and artists’ salons, conservatories, and botanical gardens,” reveals Alessandro Munge, the firm’s founder and Design Director. “We spent a lot of time thoughtfully building the storytelling palettes and curating the many layers necessary to infuse Venteux with its continental charms while steering away from clichés.”

The café is imagined as a Jardin Botanique, a verdant sanctuary featuring 40ft ceilings and vast windows allowing daylight to cascade over lush hanging planters, a whimsical brass pendant light and dramatic botanical mural.

Beyond a vintage partition is the brasserie, an eclectic dining room featuring classic tufted banquettes upholstered in deep burgundy velvets atop vintage Persian rugs. A textured palette of warm oak, expressive marbles, cognac leather and brass accents define a richly nostalgic environment embodying the sophistication of French culture. Accompanied by saucer-shaped milk glass chandeliers, the Bordeaux-coloured rooms act as a backdrop for the collection of French-inspired artwork curated on gallery walls by GZ Art Co. At the table, diners can expect dishes such as steak frites, roast duck and oysters – served on hammered aluminium seafood trays from American Metalcraft – and washed down with speciality cocktails and wines in glassware from Steelite International.

“Venteux is subtly French and nostalgic,” concludes Munge. “I’m bringing a flavour of France and Provence to Chicago. It is about creating emotion and wonder with materials and details that make the guests feel like the venue has been established forever.”