Kostali at the Gwen - Chicago
It's a family affair at Kostali as cousins Michael Nahabedian and Carrie Nahabedian team up for the third time with this project at the Gwen hotel. Located on the lobby level, Kostali focuses on coastal cuisines of southern Europe and northern Africa.
Their first restaurant, the now closed Naha, was French inspired and Michelin starred. Brindille, located in River North, showcases modern French fare and won a James Beard Award. And Kostali--which means "coast" in Maltese--takes on Mediterranean fare in the style only the Nahabedians can do.
Chef Carrie handles the cuisine, which includes a hearty seafood and vegetable selection. Michael is over the beverage program, which pulls from the Mediterranean's top wine producers. And beverage veteran Clarence Mills, who served as Fred's at Barney's lead bartender for 10 years before it abruptly shuttered, has joined to head up the cocktail and spirit offerings.
The restaurant's design is inspired by the great rivieras of the world, particularly those along the Mediterranean Sea.