Confirmed: Ian Schrager Teaming with Jean-Georges Vongerichten for Pump Room

A press release went out this morning confirms the rumor we wrote about two weeks ago that Jean-Georges Vongerichten will partner with Ian Schrager to run revamped Pump Room in the hotel formerly known as the Ambassador East.

Schrager will rename the hotel Public, but will honor the Pump Room's legacy in the city. The restaurant will be inspired by JGV's ABC Kitchen in New York, which just won best new restaurant at the James Beard Awards, but will be "tailored for Chicago," according to the release.

JGV will support local farmers and purveyors and will offer a farm-to-table experience and craft a special chef's tasting menu. The restaurant will convert into a 1930s/1940s supper club nightly and feature tapas-style plates, some with Asian influences. Public will also feature "chat rooms" where guests can gather in intimate settings to relax and converse, while drinking the featured Stumptown coffee. At night, the cafe, which will be called the Library, will morph into a lounge featuring international beers and small plates by JGV.
· Is Jean-Georges Taking Over the Pump Room? [~EChi~]

Jean-Georges Vongerichten [Photo: LAT]