Proxi, Opening Today, Brings a Vibrant Exchange of Culinary Cultures to Randolph

It took him a decade, but Sepia owner Emanuel Nony has finally opened a second restaurant. Proxi debuts today at the corner of Jefferson and Randolph, right next to Sepia, a West Loop fine-dining institution since 2007. It’s a bit more playful than its older sibling, but serious when it comes to the techniques used by chef Andrew Zimmerman and his kitchen staff.

Nony and Zimmerman are globetrotters and they’ve brought their travel experiences to Randolph Street. A farmer’s market bhel puri channels trips to South Asia. Fried fish collars bring back memories from Thailand. Zimmerman still keeps his perspective as an American chef with dishes like a bone-in ribeye beef steak. But the beef is unique, accented with both Italian and Japanese flairs thanks to a miso bagna cauda.

Is Chicago still a rib town? Proxi reminds diners there’s more to racks than just pork and beef. The lamb ribs are served with mango pickles and cashews, adding a little Indian chutney to the dish. Augment the meal with a European-style gin and tonic, and that counts the night as a win.

Guests will be able to order the full menu from the bar and patio areas. Read the full menu below. Will Proxi earn a space on the mantle of great West Loop restaurants? Find out starting tonight.

Proxi, 565 W. Randolph St., (312) 466-1950, open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. (kitchen closes at 10:30 p.m.) on Monday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes at 11:30 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday.