Chicago-based Cooper’s Hawk, a winery and restaurant group, opened a new fine-dining concept in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk is the first brand extension for the parent company that has 49 restaurants and a 545,000-member wine club.
Previously, the location was a Cooper’s Hawk restaurant but this newly reimagined location will give guests and wine club members a new way to experience the brand’s ethos, which is rooted in building community and celebrating milestones over food and wine.
Built in 1938, the Esquire Theater facade and vertical sign have been retained while interior updates were supported by both Aria Group and PGAV Destinations. The three-level structure boasts nearly 24,000 square feet which will feature glamourous art deco-inspired furnishings, fresh floral arrangements, and new wine collectibles displayed throughout. Additionally, a large digital display will be used to promote the restaurant's Visiting Chef Series. The centerpiece of the space is a 50-foot glass-enclosed wine tower holding over 1,600 bottles of wine from around the world. Which is flanked by two large dining rooms with intimate seating, a tasting bar, five private dining rooms and an outdoor terrace overlooking Oak Street. Guests and wine club members will continue to have access to a wine pickup counter.
Designed to be a culinary destination, Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk has a goal to bring some of the world’s best food and wine experiences to Chicago. The restaurant's Visiting Chef Series premiered with a 7-item menu from acclaimed Chef Tom Colicchio. Running through May 21, 2022, the menu is inspired by the chef’s commitment to simple, seasonal cooking and will feature some of his favorite ingredients like Peekytoe Crab, Agnolotti and Rohan Duck. Dishes will be served with a wine pairing, curated by Cooper's Hawk Master Sommelier, Emily Wines.
"We are so excited to welcome Chef Colicchio as our first Visiting Chef," said Tim McEnery, Cooper's Hawk Founder & CEO. "He sets a level of excellence that we plan to bring to guests and wine club members throughout this series and beyond. His dedication to food and wine exploration perfectly pairs with our vision for Esquire and future 'by Cooper's Hawk' brand extensions."
In addition to Chef Colicchio's menu, (and subsequent menus from future Visiting Chefs) Executive Chef Nate Henssler (formerly of Tao, Portsmith, Bellagio, Sensi and Michael Mina) has created an elevated menu based on Cooper's Hawk favorites, in addition to happy hour and a weekend brunch, debuting in early summer. Esquire by Cooper's Hawk will also feature menu pairings and happy hour tastings from the venue's 1,600 bottle wine collection.
Images courtesy of Cooper's Hawk
