Historic Lockwood Restaurant Undergoing Renovations, Will Close March 24 for Two Weeks

The main dining option of one of the most historic hotels in the country is about to undergo a makeover. While Lockwood only opened in 2007, the hotel that houses it, the Palmer House Hilton, has stood since 1871 after burning in the Chicago Fire and reopening as "the world's first fireproof hotel." Lockwood, in its present state, is an homage to turn-of-the-century schmaltz, littered with crystal chandeliers, business travelers and dainty dishes. All of these might change.

Beginning Sunday (March 24), the restaurant's interior will get a cosmetic facelift, adding more modern design touches and 20 more seats. Chef Joe Rose, who took over in October, is coincidentally about to release his first spring menu. If the dishes recently seen at the restaurant are any indication of what's coming, Lockwood might soon be a bastion to modern Asian-inspired cuisine.

Rose loves Far East flavors, so look for plenty of sake-infused, wasabi-glazed courses resting on beds of spring pea puree or yuzu. Wafer and foie gras towers topped with cherries; and steak-and-bone marrow lettuce wraps with a variety of sauces and accoutrements were also witnessed. When Rose was asked whether the lettuce wraps fit into restaurant's classic upscale motif, he replied "we'll see in three weeks."

Potter's Lounge, also inside the hotel, will remain open during renovations for another dining option. It'll be interesting to see how much of the history remains intact come April 7.
· All Lockwood Coverage [~ECHI~]
· Lockwood [Official Site]