Former Acclaimed West Loop Restaurant Owner on House Arrest to Face Fraud Charges

Ex-Embeya owner released to house arrest to face fraud charges

Attila Gyulai, the former owner of acclaimed Randolph Row restaurant Embeya, appeared in a federal courtroom in Chicago on Tuesday for the second time this week as he faces charges of $300,000 of wire fraud, the Sun-Times first reported. He was then released to house arrest on the Northwest Side, according to a Tribune report. Gyulai was sued by his former partners and chef Thai Dang in March 2016, abruptly shuttered Embeya in June 2016, and traveled to multiple countries before being hit with the fraud charge in February 2018 and was found in Spain in January. The Embeya space is now home to Bellemore.

Michigan Avenue stalwart the Purple Pig closes to move to new location

The Purple Pig is officially on the move. Jimmy Bannos’ ever-popular Michigan Avenue restaurant closed in its longtime location at 500 N. Michigan Avenue last week and is starting to move to a larger space slightly south at 444 N. Michigan Avenue. Management is hoping to reopen during the week of June 18, according to a Facebook post. Chick-fil-A will reportedly move into the Purple Pig’s previous space.

Fulton Market hotspot Aba starts brunch this weekend

Chicago diners and drinkers will have more opportunity to try one of the city’s busiest restaurants starting this weekend. Aba, Lettuce Entertain You’s ever-busy rooftop spot in Fulton Market, will start serving weekend brunch on Saturday. New dishes and drinks include peaches and feta with rose water, black pepper, opal basil, shiso and mint; and the bloody smash with Tromba tequila, mighty vine Tomatoes, olive oil and isot pepper.

Uptown fine dining restaurant introduces ‘turbo’ menu

And finally, Brass Heart, Uptown’s fine dining restaurant that opened in August, is trying out something new for those who worry they don’t have the time for a lengthy coursed-out dinner. Every Tuesday, starting on June 11, Brass Heart will serve a special six-course tasting menu designed to be eaten in about an hour. The regular tasting menu from chef Matt Kerney is nine to 12 course and is usually eaten in about three hours. In addition to the abbreviated menu, the restaurant will also begin to serve rare beers from smaller breweries, and new wines and cocktail selections. The six-course menu costs $75 or $60 for the vegan option.