CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Midtown Athletic Club and The Hotel at Midtown in Chicago today announced the appointment of Hot Chocolate alumnus Amanda Barnes as executive chef of Chromium, the property’s flagship restaurant set to open at the start of September in tandem with the completion of Midtown’s $80 million renovation.
The Chromium culinary experience will offer contemporary American cuisine that goes beyond health conscious. The restaurant aims to deliver simple, wholesome, locally-sourced and responsibly-farmed ingredients, delivered fresh to the table with warm and engaging hospitality. To satisfy customers with a sweet tooth, Chromium will serve indulgent options using fresh ingredients as well.
“At Midtown, we believe active, social people lead happier, healthier lives,” says Steven Schwartz, president and CEO of Midtown Athletic Clubs. “In Amanda, we have found an amazing Executive Chef who, with her team, has shaped a menu that offers our guests beautifully balanced meals with delicious, real ingredients. We have meals perfectly suited for those seeking happier, healthy lives from options in moderation to those who want to indulge. After all, what’s life without chocolate, cheese and wine?”
As Chromium's executive chef, Chef Barnes will leverage her 15 years of experience in Chicago’s restaurant industry to showcase delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner services with a focus on simple, fresh ingredients. Previously, Barnes worked in prominent Chicago kitchens under chefs including Jimmy Bannos Jr. of The Purple Pig, Paul Kahan of The Publican and bakery luminary Mindy Segal of Bucktown’s staple Hot Chocolate.
“Our goal was to create an exciting menu with great tasting food that happens to be healthy,” says Chef Barnes. “Both Midtown Athletic Club and The Hotel at Midtown cater to the fitness-driven and with this new venture, we will deliver members, their families and guests a space they can enjoy a delicious meal.”
Signature dishes created by Chef Barnes include but are not limited to:
- Roasted Chicken with Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
- Whole Snapper with Fregola Tabbouleh and Spicy Sauce
- Chilled Tuna Crudo with Kohlrabi Salsa Verde
- Soy Caramel and Herb Salad
- And of course, Chef Barnes' twist on a Chicago-style Hot Dog
Chromium will offer portions in full, half and shared portions. The restaurant will feature Lavazza Italian Premium Roast, Cold Brew Coffee by Dark Matter, Kombucha Tea on draft and a delicious variety of smoothies and cold pressed juices. In partnership with Chicago’s West Town Bakery, members will find an assortment of baked goods. The restaurant’s bar will serve a full range of premium liquors, craft cocktails, draft beers and a comprehensive selection of wines from around the world chosen by Chromium’s Sommelier.
Placed strategically near the pool deck and hotel, the space will house 182 seats, with private dining for 16 and outdoor dining for 60. With an aesthetic that combines warm woods and soft tones, including Boos & Company Cherry Wood Tables Tops, the service, staff and ambiance will be elegant and approachable.
When open, Midtown Athletic Club and The Hotel at Midtown will be the largest premier health-and-fitness property in the U.S. boasting more than 575,000 square feet, making it perfect for active travelers and fitness and lifestyle enthusiasts alike. Midtown’s 55-room boutique hotel will have four private suites, including The V Suite designed by Venus Williams design firm, V STARR Interiors.
For more information on Chromium and Midtown Athletic Club and The Hotel at Midtown in Chicago, please visit www.midtown.com.
About Midtown Athletic Clubs
Midtown Athletic Clubs manages a portfolio of super-premium health and fitness clubs in the U.S. and Canada, including Midtown Athletic Club and The Hotel at Midtown in Chicago. Midtown provides members and guests with the places and people to help them live healthy and happy lifestyles. Midtown Athletic Clubs feature the best of everything at world-class facilities – from spas to swimming pools, tennis to turf training, bistros to boutiques, and of course, state-of-the-art fitness. For more information, please visit www.midtown.com.
