Introduction to LIA
The combination of fine dining and fine art is not new; there was a time when restaurants bragged about their art collections, and dining beneath expensive paintings was part of the ritual of going to a fancy eatery. Justin Vaiciunas’s new restaurant, LIA, aims to put a dramatic new spin on the interaction of art and cuisine, with all of the fun and none of the fuss.
The Concept Behind LIA
Vaiciunas has one of the most geographically diverse resumes that I’ve seen. He’s run restaurants and hotels everywhere from Dallas to the Hamptons, from Palm Beach to San Diego. He even did a stint in Chicago about 10 years ago, working as (of all things) a corporate chef for Whirlyball. Most recently, he’s been running The Jackson in Detroit, an art-focused spot inspired by Jackson Pollock.
Choosing Chicago
After a few expansion deals around Detroit fell through, Vaiciunas looked to Chicago. “We want to be in a food town, a big city,” he says. “Chicago is, in my opinion, the only major food city aside from New York or Miami. My uncle used to play for the Blackhawks; I have a lot of connections here.” The real estate worked out — the space that used to house Bohemian House and Flora Fauna (11 W. Illinois St.) was available and LIA was born.
The Art of LIA
The restaurant’s name stands for Life Imitates Art, and the first thing that a diner will see when they walk into the restaurant is what Vaiciunas describes as “the biggest painting in the city that weighs over 1,000 pounds — it starts the energy off right.” The restaurant is full of art and the current focus is on the artist behind the Guest Check series at Laundry Room Studios (other artists will be similarly highlighted in the future).
Menu and Service
Vaiciunas has created an entire tasting menu inspired by the art, including dishes like “Are you going to eat that pickle?” (black garlic beef tartare served with a housemade five spice pickle) and “Is that salmon farm raised?” (Ora king salmon with chive-parsley aioli, summer vegetables, and lemon hollandaise). Even the servers get into the act — for “Are you going to eat that pickle?,” the intention is for the guest to have enough pickle on their plate that they have some left over, and the server will ask them if they’re going to eat it, tying everything back to the artwork.
Dining Options
The restaurant has both a tasting menu ($110 for six courses) and an à la carte menu. There’s a substantial vegetable section, and the restaurant is very vegan and vegetarian friendly. The tasting menu will offer beverage pairings for $50, with a mix of wine and cocktails, including a mini espresso martini to finish, inspired by another Guest Check piece.
Unique Presentation
Expect some dramatic looking dishes — every item on the menu has its own specific serviceware (“we have 26 different kinds of plates,” says Vaiciunas) and the dishes have been designed to have more color and vibrancy than you might see at some other restaurants. “We don’t have anything basic,” laughs Vaiciunas.
Opening and Reservations
LIA opens on June 5, and reservations are available now on Resy.
Conclusion
LIA promises to bring a fresh and exciting experience to the River North dining scene, combining art and cuisine in a unique and engaging way. With its diverse menu, extensive art collection, and commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience, LIA is sure to be a hit with foodies and art lovers alike.
FAQs
- Q: When does LIA open?
A: LIA opens on June 5. - Q: Can I make reservations?
A: Yes, reservations are available now on Resy. - Q: Does LIA offer vegetarian and vegan options?
A: Yes, LIA has a substantial vegetable section and is very vegan and vegetarian friendly. - Q: How much does the tasting menu cost?
A: The tasting menu costs $110 for six courses, with beverage pairings available for an additional $50.
