Foodies all over Chicago, the United States, and the world over are aware of chef Grant Achatz and business partner Nick Kokonas’s three Michelin-star rated restaurant Alinea. The pair will soon be unveiling their new and ambitious restaurant Next. In typical Achatz fashion he will be pushing the idea of what a restaurant is. Next, and the adjacent lounge Aviary, will be a collaboration of the same creative design team as Alinea; industrial designer Martin Kastner, architect Steve Rugo, and interior designer Tom Stringer. Every three months the restaurant’s menu will reflect great moments in culinary history (or future). Instead of reservations, patrons will purchase “tickets,” and compared to Alinea, the prices will be extremely affordable. According to their website, “food will be $40 to $75 for the entire prix fixe menu. Wine and beverage pairings will begin at a $25 supplement.” I’m looking forward to experiencing the new restaurant when it eventually opens. It seems very interesting, and I’m confident Achatz, Kokonas, and their supporting cast will pull it off.
You can gather additional information about the restaurant via their website www.nextrestaurant.com.
