Wouldn’t you like to take your Valentine someplace they’ve never been before? Especially when they’ll be featuring oysters, chocolate and all the foods of romance?
Your odds improve when you choose the brand new Urban Union, now open on Chicago’s popular Taylor Street. It’s where Chef Michael Shrader and restaurateur Jason Chan have created a concept that offers everything from a wood-burning oven, to an extensive wine program, all wrapped up in a European approach to dining with great global flavors.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to bring my lifelong dream of owning a restaurant to fruition,” Shrader says. “Urban Union showcases my passion for food and wine – where sensible, seasonal and foundationally solid dishes will allow the flavor of every ingredient to shine.”
Adds Chan, “While we hope to set ourselves apart with Chef Shrader’s creative, minimalist cuisine, consistency – in both food and service – is the golden rule. Urban Union is a labor of love, and we believe that commitment will make every guest experience a memorable one.”
Menu items include favorites such as Parmigiano Reggiano gnocchi, Crispy pork shnitzel with turnip and beetroot greens salad with a Sicilian caper salsa verde, and Hardwood Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop with organic cider, roasted Michigan apples and sage. Or, if your tastes run to seafood, perhaps you’ll like the Fresh Atlantic squid or the Pacific Sand dabs. Or, try the raw bar with an extensive selection of oysters. Special menu items will be offered for Valentine’s Day . . . watch the video to hear more about that!
Oh, and when it comes to wines, Chef Shrader is a self-proclaimed oenophile, offering a list of 150 vintages, which will include 50 wines-by-the-glass, three varietals on tap, and a rotating selection of rare, reserve wines. Diners can also select from a variety of Classical European cocktails, which will incorporate fresh mixers and housemade garnishes from Chef Shrader’s kitchen, as well as a select variety of bottled beers from small-batch producers. The restaurant’s coffee program will highlight flavors from an Artisanal Coffee Company – including a special Urban Union Blend – that will be brewed and served tableside in individual French presses.
The restaurant offers distinctive seating configurations, inviting guests to choose the arrangement that best suits their needs, whether an intimate table for two in the back dining room, a spot at the 10-seat communal chef’s table, or a table for six in the private dining room. Throughout the evening, diners can watch their orders take shape by looking over a sleek Italian marble countertop into the open-air kitchen, where a wood burning oven, stainless steel appliances and white ceramic tiles provide a warm setting for Chef Shrader’s culinary endeavors.
For Valentine’s Day reservations, call (312) 929-4302 or visit the restaurant on Facebook and Twitter.
