Esmé
5-Course Culinary Canvas Tasting Event
Opened in August of 2021 in Lincoln Park, Esmé—French for “beloved”—has been showered with accolades, appearing on Chicago Magazine’s “Best New Restaurants” List in 2022, receiving a Michelin star, and seeing its chef, Jenner Tomaska, named a Semi-Finalist for a James Beard “Best Chef: Great Lakes” Award. Chef Tomaska, a Chicago native who graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales in Providence, earned his stripes working at the dear departed MK Restaurant and then joined the team at Next Restaurant, rising to Executive Chef and receiving two James Beard Rising Star Chef nominations in 2016 and 2017. With his wife and partner Katrina Bravo, he opened Esmé, which is inspired as much by art as food. Each course is plated on a collection of gorgeous, one-of-a-kind serving pieces sourced from sculptors across the country. And with its clean lines, blonde wood flooring, and white walls, it feels like a Scandinavian art gallery. Time Out calls the ever-changing menu “astonishing” while Infatuation calls the food “incredible.” Sounds like one that can’t be missed, so we look forward to seeing you there!
About the Host:
Jenner Tomaska
Chef/Owner
A Chicago native, Chef Jenner Tomaska graduated from Johnson & Wales with degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. He previously cooked at MK (under chefs Michael Kornick and Erick Williams) and Next Restaurant. In addition to receiving 2 James Beard Rising Star Chef nominations, he was named a James Beard "Best Chef: Great Lakes" Semi-Finalist in 2024.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated.
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Flaming Hot "Cheeto"
fermented chili, caramelized onion
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Garden Salad
basil broccoli, carrot, concord grape
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Sturgeon
heart of palm, sauce vin jaune, pine nut
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Wagyu Short Rib
salsify, grill sauce
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Granita
meyer lemon, makrut lime, pomegranate
Esmé
2200 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event we will be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions and food allergies. Just make sure to update your dietary restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are so we can give the chef a heads up.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Tickets to our events are non-refundable. However, for emergency requests, we may allow members to transfer their tickets to friends, provided the guest ticket surcharge of $25 is paid when transferring a member ticket to a non-member. All ticket transfer requests (as well as the guest ticket surcharge) must be sent to us prior to the event. Any guests who have not paid the guest ticket surcharge will not be allowed entry.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email [email protected] with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, there is nearby street parking available. Availability may be low however, so please plan accordingly.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $90 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
