Terrace 16 at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago held a grand opening celebration that was filled with vibrancy and glamour. The celebration marked the turning of a new leaf in style
By: Jessica Bond
Posted on: July 23, 2018
July 11, 2018 marked the grand opening celebration of the new restaurant Terrace 16 at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago. And from entry to exit, Terrace 16 proved to be the more vibrant, younger brother of Sixteen – the 2-Michelin star restaurant it has replaced.
The decor of the restaurant hasn’t changed much. It radiates cozy and vibrant energy, with warm and rich tones. The grand chandelier remains, adding to the elegance of the restaurant. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow views of the city which can be seen no matter wherever you are in the restaurant. The elegant wine bottles doing the guard of honors at the entrance are again unchanged.
What has changed, however, is the addition of the outdoor seating. All you have to do is imagine how the sun shines better and the breeze flows with more gusto on the sixteenth floor! The outdoor bar allows guests of the restaurant to be able to enjoy their drink in the early evening Chicago summer. God knows we need our Vitamin D!
Another major change is how the hotel’s terrace garden is playing a more central role in the décor and menu of the restaurant. Winding through the outdoor seating area, herbs such as Lemongrass and Mustard are grown and used in many dishes served at Terrace 16. The garden is a particular passion of Terrace 16’s Executive Chef Nick Dostal, who has worked with Chef Thomas Lent before. Chef Dostal is making the menu not only beautiful as the images show, but much simpler by dotting it with familiar classics. Case in point? Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Caesar Salad and Whole Crispy Fried Chicken! You don’t need to break the bank anymore to eat at Trump Hotel Chicago..
The celebration event was filled with an energetic crowd that was met with a high-energy setting. As cocktails, wine and champagne flew off the bar, servers moved around the crowd offering samples from the new menu such as the Green Gazpacho (a refreshing cold soup made with green strawberries and almonds) and Chicken Liver Mousse (served with toasted thin-crust bread). Groovy music by a live-DJ filled the newly opened restaurant, making sure the event was anything but dull.
Although the exterior of Terrace 16 is filled with glitz and glamour, the journey to the opening of the new Terrace 16 was anything but easy. Restaurant Director, Adam Stark, conceded that there was a lot of thinking done before finalising the change from a Michelin star-rated restaurant to a restaurant with more affordable options. “We realised that it wasn’t fair to the family who was staying with us to have to go out for a cheeseburger. We should be able to provide them that right here!”
Ultimately the decision to open the new restaurant allowed the staff to branch out and show that they are capable of creating something that everyone can enjoy, which could be seen in the smiles and laughs of the restaurant guests.
The end of night was celebrated with dessert - a creative rendition of the modest s’more, which was definitely the talk of the night. With the s’mores placed precariously over some twigs and branches, accompanied by a small live fire to heat your smores over (if you want to – you don’t have to though), the concept was intriguing for all present. And might we say, we have never had better s’mores! The marshmallow was creamy and soft, accompanied by fine, homemade, sugar-sprinkled crackers, and just the right dose of choclate.
The final speeches by the two young gentlemen, Mr. Stark and Chef Dostal, were filled with light jokes and laughter, setting the tone for many a night to come.
Since the conception of Terrace 16, the restaurant has served over 100 people in one day compared to Sixteen’s 40 to 50 people. Between the new menu options and breathtaking views, Terrace 16 is paving a stupendous way for itself and leading the pack. Insider tip: watch the Navy Pier fireworks from Terrace 16 – it will be a moment to freeze in your memory.
Coordinates: 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
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