However, hotels—eager to hold onto their guests as well as attract other customers—have stepped it up in recent years. The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel’s bilevel Filini Bar & Restaurant (FiliniChicago.com; 221 N. Columbus Dr.) is a prime example of how those establishments have become places where people go to see and be seen—as well as to enjoy some tasty fare.
Upon seeing the restaurant (which is accessible through a separate, street-level entrance from the hotel), the first word that popped into my mind was “sleek,” thanks to a combination of steel and glass that’s artfully used. The second floor (more formal) is also a study in silver—although there’s substantially more there, including angled tiles in the ceiling as well as some booths that conjure a feeling of royalty (tall, purple seats).
A recent lunchtime stop at Filini revealed a bustling atmosphere (courtesy of nearby company employees as well as hotel guests). It also unveiled a menu full of menu items that, while not life-changing, are certainly more than satisfying—as well as the fact that this restaurant has expanded far beyond its Italian roots.
My dining companions and I started with a chopped salad that consisted of a tantalizing mix of chopped Romaine, ditalini pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, gorgonzola, green onions and sweet mustard dressing. We also tried the solid fritto misto—calamari, shrimp, monkfish, peppers and garlic aioli.
I continued with the Lakeshore East Cheeseburger (with cheddar, mushroom and tomato), one of the better sandwiches of that genre that I’ve had lately. My dining partners seemed similarly satisfied with their selections: the pasta dishes garganelli (with creamy cheese sauce, prosciutto, radicchio and white truffle oil) and gnocchi (with homemade potato dumplings and braised pork cheeks).
However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg regarding the lunchtime menu—and the dinner one is even more extensive. (Among some of the other lunch offerings are chicken wings, various pizzas, loaded fries (with braised short rib, white cheddar, avocado crema and scallions) and desserts such as chocolate lava cake and cannoli, not to mention various cocktails.)
Filini definitely warrants a visit—and a return.
By the way: Filini will be offering a four-course Valentine’s Day special ($75; $90 with wine); some of the items will include a seafood platter, linguine, filet, lamb and panna cotta. In addition, Filini will be one of the many places taking part in Chicago Restaurant Week, which takes place Jan. 22-Feb. 4 (three-course lunch for $22; three-course dinner for $33 each, sans tax or gratuity).