LIA is a new concept restaurant coming to Chicago’s River North neighborhood, which has been experiencing a comeback in the culinary scene in recent years.
Owner Justin Vaiciunas has been planning this restaurant with his business partner, Michael Mauro, since they saw the success of their other restaurant in Rochester Hills, Michigan, called The Jackson.
“That’s been going well and we just wanted to go bigger,” Vaiciunas told What Now Chicago.
LIA will be located at 11 W. Illinois Street. According to the website, the meaning of the name is “Life Imitates Art.” This is reflective in the planned dishes, with an “artistic approach” to what will be served. Vaiciunas said their current restaurant has a similar approach, and they wanted to open in a city that has a strong art influence.
This location will have two types of menus. The first will be an “a la carte” menu with chef-forward shared plates, and there will also be a tasting menu based on interpretations of artists’ work. Mauro, who is in charge of the drinks, is also thinking creatively. He is planning on introducing agave drinks, a lavender tea mixed with gin and lemon juice, and a Spanish-style gin and tonic that appears purple.
“We’re adding a lot so it goes with the theme and the vibe of the restaurant to have a lot of color,” Mauro said.
Vaiciunas is excited about this project to expand his reach as a restaurant owner. There are currently inspections going on, and ideally the restaurant will be opened in mid-to-late May.
Follow on Instagram @liarivernorth for updates.
