Mercat a La Planxa
“Opening Mercat in Chicago’s South Loop is a dream for us,” says Karpinski, who leads Sage Restaurant Group, one of the country’s hottest hospitality upstarts which specializes in creating innovative restaurants in distinctive landmark properties. Mercat a la Planxa will feature an extraordinary selection of tapas dishes from cut-to-order charcuterie and cheeses to fresh seafood, steaks and chops, all inspired by Barcelona and Spain’s Catalan region. The impressive menu will include an emphasis on meats and seafood served a la planxa or grilled-to-order, like the restaurants Garces visited during his recent culinary tour of Barcelona. “I’m excited to return to my hometown,” says Garces, a versatile chef who has become an acknowledged master of cuisines from the Spanish speaking world. “It’s a thrill for me to join the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.”
For a casual dinner, guests can mix and share the restaurant’s small plates with friends over drinks, or combine them to create a full meal. Some of the enticing dishes will include: Pulpo con Patatas, Spanish octopus, confit potato and smoked paprika; Costillas con Alberginies, braised shortribs, eggplant puree, royal trumpets with smoked prune reduction; Rodaballo, Mediterranean turbot, Verdial olive mash, and Nora chile puree; and Tocino con Boniatos, slow-cooked pork belly, white sweet potatoes, vanilla, rosemary and brown butter. Guests will have more than 20 different a la planxa choices, including: Bluefin Tuna; Prawns; American Prime Ribeye; and Argentine Filet Mignon.
At the bar, a tempting array of seasonally inspired sangrias, Spanish-styled cocktails and martinis will be available. Guests can also choose from Mercat’s extensive collection of Spanish cavas, wines, ciders and beer. The carefully selected wine list will feature 40 Spanish wines available by the bottle or by the glass.
To create Mercat’s stunning atmosphere, Karpinski brought together the collaborative team of award-winning architect David Ashen of d-ash design and Denise Korn of Korn Design, a nationally recognized brand design and strategy firm. Ashen named “One of 10 Designers to Watch” by New York Magazine, has gained recognition for his one-of-a-kind hospitality and retail projects, including Food Gang in Miami and Avalon and XL in Manhattan.
