RIA Earns Two-Star Rating in Chicago's First-Ever Michelin Guide

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- RIA restaurant, located within the chic Elysian Hotel in Chicago's Gold Coast District, has been awarded the distinguished two-star rating in Chicago's first edition of the Michelin Guide.  Internationally recognized as the preeminent epicurean standard, Michelin selected RIA as one of only three restaurants to receive the two Michelin star distinction in Chicago.  

"Achieving Michelin star status is one of the most prestigious culinary honors that a restaurant can hope for," says Chef Jason McLeod.  "I am thrilled to share this award with my dedicated team whose passion has made it possible for our restaurant to receive two Michelin stars less than a year after opening.  Chicago has some of the world's best restaurants and most talented chefs, and we are deeply humbled to be recognized among them."    

RIA opened in December 2009 to nearly instant acclaim and has continued to win favor by offering unpretentious fine dining at its very best in an elegant but warm and comfortable space.  With a focus on seafood, RIA's menu features an ever-changing menu of sustainably sourced, local products coupled with the finest of ingredients.  Chef Jason McLeod and Chef de Cuisine Danny Grant lead a team with decades of experience in some of the finest kitchens in the world.

A native of Victoria, Canada, Chef McLeod has 21 years of gastronomic expertise, having worked in some of the world's most celebrated restaurants and studied under various notable chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Marco Pierre White.  He received his culinary degree from Camosun College in Canada and afterwards moved to London, where he was inspired by international cuisine and embarked on a personal journey to master a variety of cooking styles.

Chicago is the third city in the U.S. to adopt the Michelin Guide, following New York and San Francisco.  Additional restaurants in the area to receive Michelin star recognition this year include Avenues and Charlie Trotter's (two stars) and Alinea and L20 (three stars).  To evaluate restaurants included in the influential guide, highly trained Michelin inspectors anonymously visit each establishment and provide objective assessments.

RIA is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.  For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit www.riarestaurantchicago.com  or call 312-880-4400.

About the Elysian

The Elysian hotel creates a new experience in luxury - uncompromising and unexpected, warm and welcoming, modern and fashion-forward, energetic and young.   The Elysian's use of space, technology and service innovations set a surprising new standard, keeping promises few others can even make.  Examples include the hotel's "no tipping" policies, multi-function ambassadors, generous suite size and "single-button service."

SOURCE The Elysian Hotel