Chef Jason Paskewitz, industry veteran and Jean Banchet award-winner, has been brought on as Executive Chef at River North’s home of Continental cuisine, Marchesa. His new menu will launch after Labor Day, and diners can expect more of the perfectly-executed dishes that he has honed throughout his lengthy career. “Given my background, the cuisine will be mostly French-inspired with splashes of the Continent throughout,” said Paskewitz.
This spectacular marriage merges the worlds of welcoming hospitality and elevated fine food. For twenty years, the owners of Marchesa, Kathryn Sullivan Alverà and Jason Clark, have been running along parallel roads with Paskewitz, but the two roads never intersected until now. The moment Paskewitz walked through the door he knew the restaurant was the perfect culinary stage for him, prompting the now infamous line: “Did you build this place for me?” Marchesa offers Chicago’s well-known Paskewitz a fresh canvas to create his best work yet. “I’m excited to put my heart and soul into this project and fine tune the menus – lunch, dinner and late night.”
While continuing to showcase Marchesa’s European flair and fare, Paskewitz will create new menus to please the palates of those wanting to rekindle the sheer delight from his critically acclaimed days at The Blanchard. With countless awards and accolades behind him, including James Beard Best New Restaurant semifinalist, he is thrilled he has found a permanent home where his many talents will be appreciated and nurtured. “I’ve been waiting on an opportunity like this to come along for two years, so get ready,” exclaimed Paskewitz.
Marchesa partner Alverà recalls her first bite of Paskewitz’s food. “I’ll never forget the sensation of eating that decadent morsel of truffle-crusted foie gras followed by the most sublime sole meunière … it was one of my favorite meals in Chicago. Since then, I’ve been following Jason’s career. I didn’t dream we would be working together until he walked in the dining room.” Echoes partner Clark, “We feel a certain kismet with this new partnership and are looking forward to introducing our Marchesa guests to Jason’s cuisine. We feel they will embrace him as we have.”
Guests will love the new late night menu, which can be enjoyed with a complimentary glass of Champagne or cocktail while drifting away to Marchesa’s downstairs jewel box, The Cave. In addition, Chef Paskewitz will be adding to the restaurant’s private dining repertoire, which has expanded to include everything from understated board dinners to intimate wedding luncheons. During the holiday season, a high tea service will be offered.
