The latest update to this iconic hotel is both delicious and beautiful
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For a taste of European luxury, still with Midwestern comfort, there is only one choice for a Windy City stay: the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile {20 East Chestnut Street, Chicago}. Locals and visitors alike have been coming to the Sofitel for years in order to be treated like family. That first-class treatment extends beyond the rooms and hospitality and into the food and beverage program, led by Director Cindy Tlaiye. From Le Bar to CDA, the hotel’s recently reinvented lobby-level restaurant, you can know you’ll always be dining in style here. Tlaiye gave us the inside scoop behind the updates to CDA, from its Mediterranean menu to her plans for the holiday season…
DiningOut Magazine: How was this revamp planned and executed?
Tlaiye: We wanted to keep our French roots, but be able to expand our offerings to include more approachable dishes. So we decided to incorporate the recipes and ingredients of the Mediterranean. We wanted to create a place where people can gather, celebrate, and share, so small, shareable plates focused on the freshest ingredients was our focus. We shifted the entire experience, so that trendy uniforms, soft furniture, lush greens, and vibrant music were all part of the finishing touches to complete this.
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What makes the Sofitel experience unique in Chicago?
We blend the passion and spirit of the Windy City with the flavors and feel of Europe and the Mediterranean. We involve and invite the community and value our local guests.
What do you want people to feel when they dine with you?
Welcomed and inspired. We want our guests to feel connected to our food, team, and atmosphere, arriving to warm welcomes and leaving inspired.
What are some of your favorite menu items right now?
We are dedicated to using local products and the freshest ingredients through each season. Our English Pea Ravioli is handmade in house using locally farmed onions and is a bright shareable dish for summer. Our hummus is made daily from scratch and served with our secret in-house recipe pita that is to die for.
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How does the beverage program support the overall menu?
Just like our food, we incorporate the bounty of flavors that the Mediterranean offers. Our cocktails highlight spirits popular to the region with bright flavors and balance. We hand squeeze all of our juices and infuse our own flavored spirits, like the fig-infused vodka in the Mediterranean Mule. Wines and beers were purposefully selected to enhance our dishes, with selections from throughout the region, like Estrella Damm lager from Barcelona, a Moschofilero from Greece, and our syrah from Morocco.
Can you tell us about event and catering opportunities?
CDA is the perfect place for gatherings and celebrations, with its large windows overlooking the Gold Coast and variety of menus options. Our terrace is a great option to see and be seen, and our staff is trained to ensure every celebration is memorable. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile houses more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space and event space. From weddings in our Paris Grand Ballroom to receptions in our Cigale private room, Sofitel offers expert guidance and an array of creative menu offerings.
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What plans do you all have for fall and the holiday season?
Our menu items will change with the seasons, bringing new flavors and ingredients. Located in the lobby, CDA will also be active with the bustle of guests and elegant décor. We are also excited to bring to life Sofitel’s Art de Noel activation. Every Sofitel across the world will bring a “Christmas Couture” theme to life in their own unique way, which will inspire guests and visitors to #LiveTheFrenchWay.
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Behind the Scenes with CDA at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.