Ema - Chicago
"Top Chef" alum Chris "CJ" Jacobson joins the ranks of Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat), Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde) and Fabio Viviani (Bar Siena, Siena Tavern) with the thrill of an instant hit eatery in an ultra-competitive Chicago market.
His Ema restaurant, located on the lobby level of the Hyatt Place River North, is rooted in Mediterranean cuisine with Southern California accents. The focus is inventive small plates and spreads with fresh breads paired with regional wines. Signature dishes include spicy hummus, house-made stracciatella with vine-ripened tomatoes and lamb kefta kebabs.
Ema's happy hour takes place 3-6pm Monday through Friday when guests may take advantage of the $5 mezze plates, craft beer selections and glasses of wine. Those who miss out on seats for dinner may order the menu from one of the bars, one is at the front of the restaurant and the other is at the rear.
