Chef Eric Lees just took over the helm of the Spiaggia kitchen as its new Executive Chef from the former longtime Chef, Joe Flamm. Chef Lees grew up in Minnesota and has been no stranger to the fine dining culinary scene. Upon moving to Chicago, Lees worked at the famed Quince restaurant, which has contributed a lot to his further love of the culinary arts. Lees has worked at Spiaggia since 2016 as a Sous Chef and then as the Chef De Cuisine. Chef Lees adopts an “old school mentality” to cooking, and uses classic techniques and preparations in his kitchen; keeping things simple and letting good food be the star of the show.
Spiaggia has earned numerous awards, four-star reviews, and praise, and sets the standard for modern Italian cuisine. Spiaggia has a fresh, modern aesthetic, consisting of white chair cushions and linens, dark wood tables, white walls, white pendant lights, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. The restaurant is open and brightly lit, buzzing with the energy of patrons enjoying classic Italian dishes redesigned with a modern flair. You can choose between an A La Carte Menu or a Seasonal Tasting Menu which offers the option of 5 or 8 courses. A favorite appetizer is Zuppa Di Funghi, a roasted mushroom soup bursting with the flavors of pesto, leek, and pine nuts, this dish is perfectly portioned and a delightful take on a classic dish. The Gnocchi is the perfect choice for a first course and is seasoned abundantly with black truffle and ricotta. A lighter take on a classic gnocchi dish, the truffle flavor makes this dish one that can’t be missed. Spiaggia offers many great options for the main course such as Striped Bass with Sweet Potato, Kale, and Yuzu, classic Pollo Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Marsala, and Dry Aged Porterhouse that is topped with White Truffles and is even more delicious than the Black Truffles atop the Gnocchi (if that is even possible!). Your evening would not be complete without a specialty dessert such as the Risotto Dulce with Chocolate, Banana, Hazelnut, and Mascarpone, or a scoop of house-made specialty Gelati. No matter what you choose, any evening spent at Spiaggia will be a great evening.
- One Michelin Star
- Wine Spectator Grand Award, 2012 – 2019
Website: www.spiaggiarestaurant.com
Phone: 312-280-2750
One Michelin Star
Wine Spectator Grand Award, 2012 – 2019
Website: www.spiaggiarestaurant.com
Phone: 312-280-2750
Tony Lagana
Chef Tony is a 42-year veteran of the food industry and is often known by his peers as “The New Product Guru.” Throughout his illustrious culinary career, he’s earned several notable titles and positions including Acquisition International’s “Most Influential Product Development Expert, U.S.” in 2019.
In 1997, Tony also founded Culinary Systems Inc., a group of culinary consultants that assist with culinary training, restaurant start-ups, concept development, and more. Since then, Tony and his team have generated over two billion dollars in sales for their clients in restaurants, retail, and manufacturing.
The strategic, technical, and culinary skills of Tony and his team can be seen on the menus of national chains, in the portfolio of national food manufacturers, and on the grocery shelves of products produced by major retail companies.