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International Back-of-the-House Restaurant Tour

Monday, May 18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Discover some of Chicago’s top dining establishments and enjoy one of the most popular events exclusively for international guests registered for NRA Show 2009. Sign up early so you don’t miss out on these half-day tours.

Go behind the scenes and into the kitchens to meet acclaimed chefs, general managers, and other key personnel. Learn about their successful business models, research and development, menu creation, kitchen layout, and operational challenges. Take home ideas to improve your own operation.

Tour A

Blue Water Grill
Chicago is home to the Blues Brothers, the House of Blues... and Blue Water Grill! Located in River North, Blue Water Grill serves up fresh fish and savory steak dishes in a seductive setting. One look at this imaginative and creative surf-and-turf menu and you'll know why Blue Water Grill was named Best New Seafood Restaurant in the May 2006 issue of Chicago Magazine. From the sea, you'll see Olive Oil Poached Salmon with Hearts of Palm, Breakfast Radish, and a Yuzu Ginger Nage. And to pay homage to the Chicago meatpacking industry, we proudly offer 14 oz Dry Aged New York Strip with Parmesan Fries, Jumbo Asparagus, and Béarnaise Sauce. Roll into Blue Water Grill for Sushi Chef Hiroshi Takaishi's wide variety of special maki rolls or sample his Fin Fish Platter when you're in the mood for "a little bit of everything." Just remember to save some room for our irresistible Cracker Jack Sundae with Housemade Cracker Jack, Peanut Butter Shell, Butter Peanut and Salted Ice Cream with a Cracker Jack surprise!

Hub 51
Located at the corner of Dearborn and Hubbard in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, the restaurant takes its name both from its address and what the owners hope the space has become – a casual yet hip gathering place where guests can experience great dining, entertainment and a bustling social scene all in one spacious urban setting. Native Chicagoans, R.J. and Jerrod Melman bring a lifetime of experience in the hospitality industry to their first solo endeavor. Their employment backgrounds range from tenures in fast food to fine dining, along with the added bonus of being mentored by their father, Richard Melman, Founder and Chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises®. The restaurant’s distinctive menu of inclusive American cuisine features a wide variety of dishes with influences from coastal regions in California, Mexico, Australia and Asia. The food is simple in approach and ranges from homemade tacos to seafood to signature sandwiches to sushi.

Tour B

Macy's on State Street
Macy’s on State Street is a quintessential Chicago experience. This flagship store features five restaurants, each with its own menu and concept. The historic Walnut Room, which celebrated its centennial in 2007, maintains its marble fountain, Circassian Walnut paneling and Austrian chandeliers. The new Wine Bar at the Walnut Room is the perfect after-work meeting spot and ideal for pre-theater refreshments. The Macy’s Culinary Council, including chefs Rick Bayless, Takashi Yagihashi and Marcus Samuelsson, inspires diners with their premier food concepts in the Seven on State gourmet food court. Macy's own chefs regularly host classes and events in the 7th floor state-of-the-art Culinary Studio. And don’t forget the Frango chocolates, a true taste of Chicago, that you and your friends back home will want to enjoy. As the second largest department store in the world, the State Street location, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been a Chicago destination for more than a century.

Signature Room at the 95th
Located atop the John Hancock Center, in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Signature Room at the 95th offers Contemporary American fare with sweeping views of the city. The elegant wood designs and art-deco interior create an inviting and intimate atmosphere for you and your guests. The Signature Room features the finest in American cuisine. Along with top-flight food and exceptional service, you’ll enjoy live jazz on the weekends and a wine selection of dizzying proportions. Our internationally acclaimed cellar features 250 wines from the finest wineries around the globe. Our vision is to become a world leader in providing extraordinary food and beverage experiences. We are proud to provide quality products and services while serving the community with an environmental conscience. We always strive for a healthier approach to fine dining by using organic products from local purveyors whenever possible. Join us for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch and see why we are "the restaurant Chicago looks up to!"