Il Porcellino, the Italian concept that's replacing Hubbard Street former mainstay Paris Club, will open on Thursday. Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises has remodeled and reconcepted the restaurant into Italian, attempting to modernize the space while retaining a warm vintage feeling. Reservations open on Wednesday.
The space got a dose of cool when LEYE brought on Intro Chicago chef Aaron Martinez and acclaimed L.A. bartender Julian Cox. They've also opened up the dining room by removing the old bar that ran across the room and replaced it with a smaller one that greets guests as they enter. It fits 12 to 15 stools.
The exposed brick wall means the interiors aren't entirely unrecognizable compared to Paris Club, which was revamped in 2014. The white tablecloths are gone off the dark and wooden tables, and management says red and white checkered tablecloths will make an occasional appearance. The burgundy leather booths are also gone, replaced with a more neutral brown, and the chandeliers have been swapped out for more modern light fixtures.
Check out the photos above as LEYE banks on these changes to give Hubbard Street dining a shot in the arm.
