Alta Cucina
Downtown's best new bar food is 27 stories high
There's been plenty of hype about the height of Roof, the new bar on top of theWit Hotel. But with food and drinks from Todd Stein and Josh Kaplan, there's more to love than the up-close view of the Marina City towers.
The duo, who worked together at River North's MK, have reunited at theWit, with Stein as chef of Roof and the hotel's upscale restaurant, Cibo Matto (opening tomorrow), and Kaplan as beverage manager.
Until Cibo Matto gets up to speed, preview Stein's cooking at Roof--a nearly perfect summer space, with low tables and couches both indoors and out (and service until 2 a.m.).
Stein's Italian-inspired menu of small plates includes lighter dishes, like charred peppers with chile-mint breadcrumbs ($9) and salmon crudo with fava beans ($15), and more substantial fare like grilled lamb burgers ($13) and pizzas ($14 to $16) that arrive straight from the wood-burning oven. There's assorted salumi ($13), and a beautifully composed salad of prosciutto, watermelon, cucumber and watercress, sprinkled with balsamic and mint ($16).
Cocktails are summery (try the Pimm's Cup, $12), and by-the-glass offerings include Burgundies and Lambrusco, a prime salumi pairing. Though Kaplan's favorite is the Hirsch Riesling from Austria--no doubt an excellent wine to drink while taking in the view.
Roof at theWit Hotel, 201 N. State St. (at Lake St.); 312-239-9501 or roofonthewit.therestaurantsatthewit.com
