// M IS FOR MARISOL

THE MCA’S HOTLY ANTICIPATED RESTAURANT IS SET TO BE THE CHICAGO FOODIE DESTINATION FOR SUMMER.

The MCA’S hotly anticipated restaurant is set to be the Chicago foodie destination for summer.

Part of a major redesign for the Museum of Contemporary Art’s 50th anniversary, vibrant new restaurant Marisol is poised to become a destination in its own right. Here’s the scoop.

The Name: Marisol Escobar (1930–2016) was a Venezuelanfrench artist known for playful wooden sculptures blending pop and folk art, including portraits of Andy Warhol and John Wayne. Warhol and Escobar were close friends, and she appeared in his films The Kiss and 13 Most Beautiful Women. In 1968, she also gave the MCA its first artwork, Six Women, initiating the museum’s now worldclass collection of contemporary art.

The Inspo: “Marisol was an independent, spirited, brilliant woman and artist,” says chef

Jason Hammel. “The strength and humanity in her work resonate with [me] as a chef.”

Set the Scene: Art, food, and design intertwine to inspire dialogue and community in a warm, inviting space. Immersive works by British artist Chris Ofili include window etchings and a massive mural centerpiece.

Dig In: “We’re cooking with depth of flavor, brightness, and color to accent the natural forms of ingredients,” Hammel says.

Drink Up: Natural wines complement the lighter palate, while an extensive aperitif list is ideal for before or after museum events. 205 E. Pearson St., 312280-2660; marisolchicago.com

Soon-to-open MCA restaurant Marisol will beckon with artful dishes like dry-aged beef with spring onions and black currant vinaigrette. 65

From chef Jason Hammel (ƛƨƭƭƨƦ ƫƣơơƭ), tempting options at new MCA restaurant Marisol (ƛƞƥƨư ƫƣơơƭ) include prawns roasted in walnut oil with Tardivo radicchio (ơƞƫƞ) and steamed swordfish with sunflower seeds and English peas (ƛƨƭƭƨƦ ƥƞɵƭ).