Award-Winning Celeb Chef Michael Mina Opening 2 Chicago Restaurants

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Feb 13, 2017 11:30PM

Chef Michael Mina (right) / Getty Images / Photo: Jason Kempin

Michelin-starred celebrity chef and restaurateur Michael Mina is expanding his empire east—and that's good news for Chicago. He'll be opening his first restaurants in our city this spring, according the Tribune.

Both spots will be located inside the Waldorf Astoria hotel (11 E. Walton Pl.) in the Gold Coast. Margeaux Brasserie will feature classic French fare and will reside on the third floor of the space; and a smaller sister shop, Petit Margeaux, will operate out of the hotel lobby, serving bakery offerings, sandwiches and coffee.

Margeaux Brasserie's menu will hew toward "classic brasserie style," although with some surprises, Mina—who is most well-known for his celebrated, eponymous flagship restaurant in San Francisco—told the Trib. It will be a 120-seater will have a bar and private rooms and, according to Eater, will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Brent Balika, ex-The Dawson, will serve as executive chef of both restaurants.