Spiaggia Eyes Second Michelin Star With New Tasting Menus
By Anthony Todd in Food on Aug 21, 2015 4:20PM
A dish from the new tasting menus, taken from their promotional video.
Earlier this week, Spiaggia announced that after more than a decade in operation, they would be transitioning to an all-tasting-menu format. The Italian spot helmed by Tony Mantuano is a favorite of President Barack Obama's and has a Michelin star.
One reason Mantuano is switching formats? He wants a second star. According to Crains:
“We're not happy with just one Michelin star,” Mantuano said. “We want more, and to do that, we need a well-oiled machine.” With a tasting menu, he said, chefs in the kitchen and front-of-the-house staff can better execute and hone in on one style of service and a fixed set of dishes.
We got a glimpse of what the new tasting menu dishes will look like, and they're absolutely gorgeous. If you enjoy food porn (with a touch of opera), watch this.
Introducing the new Spiaggia Prix Fixe Menu from Potenza Productions on Vimeo.
This move bucks the trend of late, which is moving towards less formal dining and shorter tasting menus (like the six-course dinner at Intro). The restaurant will offer two levels of tasting menu: $95 for seven courses and $165 for 14. In the bar, there will still be a few a la carte dishes, and if you want a more casual experience, head to the recently re-opened Cafe Spiaggia next door.
Spiaggia is located at 980 N. Michigan Ave.