Michael Mina-helmed French restaurant headed to Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Margeaux Brasserie, Chicago's debut restaurant from James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Mina, will bring French cuisine to Chicago's historic Gold Coast neighborhood. Located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago at 11 East Walton Place, the restaurant will combine the culture and feel of dining at a Parisian café with elevated French cuisine combined with locally sourced ingredients. Margeaux Brasserie will be joined by Petit Margeaux, a classic French patisserie on the hotel's lobby level.

"I have always admired the hospitality and dining sensibilities of Chicago. When the Waldorf Astoria Chicago presented me with this opportunity, I was thrilled to collaborate with a venerable hotel partner," said Mina, chef and founder of Mina Group. "We have wanted to be part of Chicago's stellar restaurant scene for quite some time and are excited to join this community in the most iconic of neighborhoods with the opening of Margeaux Brasserie and Petit Margeaux at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago." 

Executive Chef Brent Balika, formerly of The Dawson, will be at the helm of the kitchens of Margeaux Brasserie and Petit Margeaux. Mina and Balika collaborated to create a menu that focuses on product and technique, while showcasing regional, Midwestern ingredients. Mina has long favored French cuisine for its bold, craveable flavors and exquisite technique along with its capacity to let exceptional ingredients shine. Additionally, the menu will feature a robust selection of raw seafood, alongside time-honored French staples, such as:

• Heritage Chicken Roti: Champignon de Paris, Haricot Verts, Sauce Vin Jaune
• Porclette "Cassoulet": Suckling Pig, Tarbais Beans, Toulouse Sausage, Duck Confit
• Steak Frites: Filet, Rib Eye, NY Strip, with Pommes Anna or Bearnaise
• Escargot Bordelaise: Parsley, Garlic, Porcini Mushrooms, Puff Pastry Crumble
• Frog Legs a la Trois Gros: White Wine, Eschire Butter, Cumin, Potato Gnocchi
• Dover Sole Meuniere: White Asparagus, Brown Butter, Lemon Confit

"I am honored to be representing MINA Group and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in my hometown of Chicago," said Balika. "Michael has been a wonderful guiding force in my career and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with him and representing his vision at Waldorf Astoria Chicago."

Margeaux Brasserie will serve breakfast and dinner, along with weekend brunch.