A few friends and I batted around the idea of throwing dinner parties focused on art for mutual acquaintances last year. We had grand visions of all of our favorite people meeting one another and discussing art, meeting artists, enjoying great food - but we never got anything off the ground. Now I realize it's because we didn't own a restaurant!
So, lucky for us, other people have taken the charge and made these grand ideas actually happen in Chicago. These "Salon Dinners" around the city don't necessarily offer opportunities to see and be seen, if that's your thing, but you can eat delicious food, which is everyone's thing, and you can meet smart people while talking to artists displaying their art in a non-traditional setting. Foodies + art groupies = a fun crowd!
Often, art dealers host a private dinner for their artists and collectors when a new exhibition opens - the intimate occasions let everyone get to know each other outside of the noisy, cheap-wine gallery opening setting, and they're also by invitation only... However, a spin on the art dinner idea that also pays some tribute to the old intellectual French Salons is beginning to happen in Chicago, and some of our hippest restaurants are playing host (sort of - you do have to pay for these meals.)
The number of people who can attend is limited, and if you just speak up to your table mates, you'll undoubtedly meet cool people without feeling like you're sitting around a table at Benihana. The dinners are civilized yet unexpected, and the overall concept is creative at a time when people need to think a little differently about what entertains and stimulates them. Plus, if intimidation usually keeps you out of art galleries, how scary can the art world be when someone's putting a plate of yummy food in front of you?
Apparently, hosting one of these Salons at a restaurant named after a bird is also helpful, as the two Salon
Dinners profiled here are at Blackbird in the West Loop, and at The
Bluebird in Bucktown. For more info and restaurant details, be sure to 'continue reading' below...
Upcoming Salon Dinners:
BLACKBIRD in the West Loop
Wednesday, January 27
619 W. Randolph (60661)
Reception @ 6:30 pm • Dinner @ 7 pm
$115 inclusive
Limited space. Call 312-715-0708 for reservations.
Featuring artists (who have actually worked at the restaurant) Paul Jones, Sontra Stala, Joe Krasean and Ben Wilson. Chef Mike Sheerin creates a dinner tailored to accompany the artworks on display. The dinner is served in Blackbird's minimalist, private dining room, created by local designer Demian Repucci. Many gallery hoppers and West Loop dealers hang out at Blackbird, but this event will an entirely new dining experience.
THE BLUEBIRD in Bucktown
Update: for logistical reasons The Bluebird had to change the dates of upcoming Salons. They are now Sundays:
Feb 21: Leslie Baum (painter)
Mar 7: Leslie Baum
Mar 21: Alex Menocal (painter)
Apr 11: Alex Menocal
And coming up after that, Doug Fogelson (photographer), Tina Lutz (NY fashion designer, Lutz & Patmos), Bladon Conner (furniture designer)
1749 N. Damen (60647)
Tel 773 486-2473
$35 tickets include family-style dinner & wine pairings and an artist discussion.
Event is limited to 36 patrons.
Featuring artist Leslie Baum. The rustic, cozy restaurant and wine bar on North Damen in Bucktown is an intimate setting for the Salon Dinners. The artist is present for the dinner and happy to discuss her work. Plus, $35 is a good deal for dinner just about anywhere, and the price means you can attend more than once! Dinners are served family-style, which should help when trying to figure out how to talk to your dining neighbor. Once you've broken the ice, you can talk about the star of the evening - the art!
Tags: Art, blackbird, bluebird, chicago dining, Foodies, salon dinner
