Looks like the chef/group behind Esme are opening a steakhouse in One Chicago, which I'd personally consider River North but Eater is calling Gold Coast. Either way, I'm very curious to see how long this lasts. My personal ambivalence towards Esme aside, I have trouble seeing how yet another steakhouse is going to differentiate itself from the countless that are already here in our city. The bit about the paid memberships is interesting as well – maybe I'm ignorant, but I cannot see that taking off. The entire concept here feels to me like a low-effort cash grab banking on name recognition…
by Ovy_on_the_Drager