Chicago just can't get enough of its big steakhouses, but this new spot, III Forks, imported from Dallas, will offer a little bit more than the average place with a little old school, 1960s retro feeling when it opens on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
The design of the 13,000 square-foot, 200-seat restaurant harks back to the Rat Pack-era of big steaks and hearty martinis with two-sided stone fireplaces, Italian mosaic columns, wood paneling, leather booths and banquettes, a massive U-shaped bar with dozens of bottles hanging above, a glass wine room with 300-plus selections from around the world and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Millennium Park.
Keeping things simple, exec chef Tommy Nevill's menu basically focuses on the "meat market" and "fish market" featuring exactly what it sounds like: eight- and 12-ounce USDA Prime filet; 16-ounce prime rib; 16-ounce USDA Prime New York Strip; Chilean sea bass; Lake Superior whitefish; scallops; cold water rock lobster and more. Start off with apps like ahi tuna, bacon-wrapped scallops, a wedge salad or lobster bisque. The "local favorites" section has rack of lamb, French dip sandwich, salmon Caesar salad and, of course, you can always get a solid burger.
Ascend to the sexy outdoor roof deck with heated cabanas and a totally separate small plates menu featuring things like tobiko deviled eggs, kobe sliders, lamb meatballs, duck and waffles (duck in a waffle cone served with port wine cherries and creme fraiche), lox flatbread and steak tartare.
III Forks, located within the new Village Market in Lakeshore East, will be open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
III Forks Dinner & Lounge Menus
· III Forks [website]
