Travel Through Temporis, West Town’s Intimate Tasting Menu Restaurant, Now Open

LED mood lights, foie gras ice cream, and more

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Jan 6, 2017, 3:45pm CST

Photography by Marc Much

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

The curtain has been raised on Temporis, the mysterious fine-dining restaurant in West Town, that word of first surfaced last spring. The tasting menu comes from a pair of chefs, restaurant veterans who met while working at Les Nomades, the venerable French restaurant in Streeterville. Although some of the techniques made it over, the food, which debuted in a series of pop-ups over the summer, is in a genre all of its own.

It’s an intimate space with room for only 20 people, and the only food option is the eight-course tasting menu for $110. The kitchen will try to accommodate dietary restrictions, but there’s no guarantees. Wine pairings cost $95. Bottled wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Inside, the vibe suggests business casual or cocktail attire. There’s a modern feel that comes with an LED lighting system that will change colors in hopes of adjusting the mood throughout the meal. It’s reservation only.

Dishes like foie gras ice cream, tandoori rabbit and a venison shank made with coffee stout, granola and pomegranate, show off the unique experience. Temporis officially opened on Thursday, so diners can try to snag a reservation today. Browse the photos and the menu below.

Temporis, 933 N. Ashland Ave., (773) 697-4961, open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday.