Acclaimed chef Curtis Duffy and his business partner Michael Muser are making moves in Chicago once again, announcing today that their forthcoming restaurant, Ever, will open at 1330 W Fulton Market in spring 2020. The fine-dining destination will serve 12- and 15-course tasting menus, one focused on seafood and protein and the other devoted to vegetables (though not strictly vegetarian).
Ever marks Duffy and Muser's return to the West Loop after three-Michelin–star Grace shuttered abruptly in late 2017, the result of a nasty ownership battle with Grace owner and real estate developer Michael Olszewski. For months after Grace closed, Duffy and Muser were tied up in non-compete clauses that kept them from opening anything new in Chicago. The clauses ended in November 2018 and June 2019 for Duffy and Muser, respectively.
“This restaurant is for Curtis,” says Muser. “His relentless ambition has not ebbed; to the contrary it has intensified. He is never satisfied.”
The 6,000-square-foot restaurant will seat 75, including a private dining area for 12. According to a story from The New York Times, the tasting menus will fetch $300 to $500. Along with the steep price tag comes Duffy's obsessive attention to detail, which has been evident throughout his storied career.
“At Ever, the guest does not march to our rhythm,” Duffy says in a press release. “Instead, the restaurant watches over each individual table and adjusts its cadence to the guest. Every phrase is smooth and delivered precisely—a perfect match to each diner’s pace and preferences.”
Want to be among the first to dine at Ever next spring? Diners can drop their email addresses at ever-restaurant.com to be notified when reservations open.