Ēma from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson Opens Tuesday, September 10 in Glenview, IL
This second location will bring its signature Mediterranean cuisine to Chicago’s North Shore
Ēma, the Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, will open its second location in Glenview, IL (1320 Patriot Blvd) on Tuesday, September 10, for lunch and dinner. Ēma aims to transport diners to a summer day in the Mediterranean with a mezze-style menu that spotlights the best-of-the-season ingredients paired with Mediterranean wines and spirits. Reservations are now available for Ema Glenview and may be made here.
“We are thrilled to bring Ema’s lighter style of cooking to Chicago’s North Shore suburbs,” shared Marc Jacobs, Executive Partner and Divisional President, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. “I am excited to offer Ema’s dining experience right here in my own backyard and to be part of the welcoming community.”
Ēma’s first location opened in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in June 2016. Ēma, which means ‘mother’ in Hebrew, is the sister restaurant to Aba (with locations in Austin, Chicago and Miami), translating to ‘father’ in Hebrew. Ēma will join other Lettuce brands on Chicago’s North Shore, including Wildfire, L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, Saranello’s and Di Pescara.
On The Plate
Top Chef Duels alum Chef Partner CJ Jacobson’s menu combines his California roots with inspiration and flavors gathered from his travels and time spent living abroad in Israel, Europe and the Mediterranean. The menu features a selection of mezze, Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on Hummus, Spreads and Raw, in addition to the classics. New selections exclusive to Glenview include Moroccan Onion Dip with medjool date and tamarind chutney, Spinach & Feta Spread with crispy kale and Octopus Carpaccio with calamansi vinaigrette. Also new to the menu, from the Salad, Vegetable and Hot Mezze sections, are the Tahini Caesar Salad, Brown Butter Dates with cippolini onions and Marinated Sweet Peppers with sherry vinegar. From the Kebab and Seafood & Braises sections, diners may indulge in new dishes such as Spicy Brisket Kefta with tamarind BBQ sauce, Moroccan Chicken and Harissa-Crusted Halibut. To view the full menu from Ēma Glenview, click here.
In The Glass
The beverage program showcases cocktails made with fresh and fragrant Mediterranean ingredients like fig, fresno chile and coriander. Highlights include the Mango For Broke with Casamigos Reposado, Chinola mango and lime, Hibiscus Cosmo with Grey Goose, Appel’s hibiscus grenadine and lemon, and the Barrel Select Old Fashioned, featuring a private label bourbon from Koval exclusive to Ēma. Ēma also offers a selection of zero-proof cocktails such as the Say Less with Ritual tequila substitute and passion fruit, and Cucumber Jalapeño Refresher with ginger, mint, cilantro, lime and pineapple compote.
The wine list is curated by Sommelier John C. Slatter, featuring more than 70 globally sourced selections, with a focus on wineries practicing organic and natural production across the Mediterranean, including ancient grape varietals from Greece, Lebanon and Italy.
The Space
Inspired by a summer day in the Mediterranean, the restaurant was designed by Lettuce’s in-house design team led by Director of Interior Design Avril Zayas and Director of Architecture John Cinelli, in collaboration with Executive Partner Marc Jacobs. The 230-plus-seat restaurant features warm, textured finishes, including ivory brick, natural stone and reclaimed rustic wood. An expansive skylight and operable window system floods the space with natural light. Cream sheers, sprawling ivy, potted trees and lush plant life fill the space.
The Vanessa Room, Ēma’s private dining space, seats groups up to 52 guests and features built-in A.V. and Bluetooth capabilities.
Ēma will be open daily for lunch and dinner with carryout, weekend brunch, delivery and large group event bookings to follow later this fall. Reservations are now available and can be made via OpenTable or by calling 847-262-9500. Ēma is located at 1320 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026.
For more information and to view restaurant hours, please visit www.emarestaurants.com or www.lettuce.com and follow the restaurant on Instagram at @emarestaurants.