Aikana
5-Course Globally Inspired Tasting Event
A fixture in West Loop since 2011, this Pan-American dining experience was created by Michael Olszewski, owner of the Michelin-starred restaurants Grace and Yūgen. Here, under the aegis of Executive Chef Alexander Quintero, diners encounter a menu that encompasses influences from Patagonia up through South and Central America all the way to Baja California. Amid a lush jungle décor, which can feel like a getaway from the chilly temperatures of the Windy City, Chef Quintero, a Miami-born, Costa Rica-raised veteran of The Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, Joie De Vivre, and, most recently, Trump Tower Chicago, works his magic, finding inventive ways to serve octopus, scallops, pork shanks, lamb, Cornish hens, and vegetarian options. Toast hails Aikana, whose name derives from the indigenous people who live in southwest Brazil near the Bolivian border, for its “thrilling Food & Beverage program aiming to evoke luxury & delight from beginning to end of the dining and late night experience.” We are eagerly anticipating our visit to Aikana and learning more about the food of the Southern Hemisphere from Chef Quintero.
About the Host:
Alexander Quintero
Executive Chef
Born in Miami but raised in Costa Rica, Chef Alexander Quintero attended Le Cordon Bleu Miami and Le Cordon Bleu Chicago, training in French cuisine. After graduation, he refined his skills in Italian cuisine under Chef John Coletta, before transitioning to cook at top hotels such as The Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and Joie De Vivre. Most recently, he served as Sous Chef at Trump Tower Chicago.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated.
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Ceviche
with lulo leche de tigre, sunchoke, yam, charred avocado, and white choclo
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Arepa
with shredded prime short rib, hoga'o, and aged gouda
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Octopus
with brazilian moqueca, yuca, mussels, and shallots
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Pork Shank
with cubase and lima beans, pico, and lizano cabbage slaw
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Flan
with guava bocadillo sauce, cotton candy, and spiced chicharron
Aikana
652 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
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.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $75 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- 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 except allium allergies. Please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What COVID safety precautions will be taken at this event?
- At this event, we will be accommodating all requests for separate tables rather than communal seating. Additionally, all food will be served individually-plated rather than family-style. As per local guidelines, as well as the restaurant’s own policy, attendees will not be required to present proof of vaccination for entry.
