Many Chicago restaurants that have never dabbled in the delivery scene have been forced to explore their options this week, following Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order that all bars and eateries must close their doors to dine-in guests to help curb the spread of coronavirus. But here's one name we never expected to see on the list: Alinea, Chicago's only three-Michelin-starred establishment.
Alinea co-owner Nick Kokonas seemed equally surprised in his tweet announcing the new service, writing, "Here's something else I never thought I'd write... Alinea To Go is now live!" The fine-dining destination is using Tock to push out a weekly pickup menu. Up first, a three-course menu that includes beef short rib wellington, 50-50 mashed potatoes and crème brûlée. Here's the real kicker: They're charging just $34.95 per person. It's no 15-course Alinea menu with edible balloons, but we'll absolutely take it!
Kokonas also launched similar take-out options for the group's other fine-dining establishments Roister and Next. Another silver lining? Kokonas tweeted that as a result of these new efforts, Alinea Group has been able to hire back some of its staff, adding that "any profits will be shared amongst whole staff."