Coming Soon: Dinner With a Side of Art

It's nothing novel that art and food dovetail seamlessly. Restaurants have been employing the works of local artists for years, while artists frequently turn to food and dining as a means of inspiration. As two of the ultimate examples of creative expression, it makes perfect sense that the two would marry. But not quite to the degree that Fulton Market Kitchen is taking it. Short of hiring artists as cooks, the forthcoming West Loop restaurant promises to be the most artistically inspired restaurant in Chicago. Soon you'll be able to eat with your mouth and your eyes at the same time.

(Interior)

Opening March 21 at Sangamon and Fulton in arguably Chicago's fiercest dining district, Fulton Market Kitchen comes to us via Daniel Alonso. Currently of Black Bull, this new endeavor affords the creator and designer to get crafty with a miscellany of varying art mediums, juxtaposed by the equally art-minded food coming out of the kitchen. Executive chef James Gottwald and chef de cuisine Kyle Petersen tag-team a menu of globally inspired, often locally derived contemporary fare. Expect quirky, offbeat presentations of items such as octopus, pheasant, and lamb to match the awe-inducing art on the walls. To drink, there's wine, craft cocktails, and beers aplenty.

(Octopus at Fulton Market Kitchen)

And speaking of art, Alonso drew inspiration from Miami's Wynwood Walls for the motif, utilizing the handiwork of Alex Morales to help stylize and design the space. With the idea to implement several artistic styles across the walls, the restaurant currently features a collaboration with FM*Gallery and other contributing artists such as Dominic Sansone and Franklin Riley. Collections will then rotate several times throughout the year, featuring new artists and styles. Sort of like the changing seasons and the ingredient-driven cuisine. Isn't that neat?

- Matt Kirouac