Oct. 23--Steakhouses continue to be the trend for 2015: Maple Ash, a traditional steakhouse with some tongue-in-cheek cocktails and twists on the usual wine list, is now open at 8 W. Maple St. in the Gold Coast.
Think steak, seafood and stiff drinks, with the opening menu touting a 40-ounce porterhouse steak named in honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who managing partner Brian O'Connor says liked to grill massive steaks over a wood fire, a grilled seafood tower, and drinks from a classic gin martini to the Scotchy Scotch Scotch, a reference to the movie "Anchorman" that blends two Scotches, a bourbon, Grand Marnier and vermouth.
Wine director Belinda Chang, the James Beard Award-winning sommelier, has fun with the wine list, offering traditional pours and some surprises; your bottle might be opened using a flame, a saber or a vintage corkscrew, among other tools.
O'Connor, formerly general manager of Ria restaurant in the former Elysian Hotel, says Maple Ash will be "a classic Chicago steakhouse" and will focus on cooking over a wood fire.
For reservations or information, contact Maple Ash at 312-944-8888.
wdaley@tribpub.com
Twitter @billdaley
