Lettuce Entertain Brings International Cuisine to Chicago

As a native Chicagoan, one of my earliest memories of dining involves hamburgers and the legendary R.J. Grunts, the very first of the now-nationwide Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. My family was introduced to this fun Lincoln Park spot in the '70s by my North Side dwelling and world traveling aunt Sophenia.

Much has changed in all our lives since then. For one, I’ve grabbed the globetrotting baton from my aunt. And although, I still love nothing better than a great burger (and R.J. Grunts still has those), I’ve become a passionate foodie obsessed with international cuisine. Fortunately for us Windy City dwellers—and thanks in grand measure to Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises' dozens Chicago restaurants—it’s easier than ever to travel the globe through our tastebuds without ever leaving town. Starting back in the 1980s, the chain branched out into French cuisine (with now shuttered Ambria), Spanish (Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!) and Italian (Scoozi!, anyone?), and now 80-plus restaurants strong, it hasn’t looked back.

This month, Lettuce Entertain You turns 40 years old—and like any fine wine, it seems to be getting better with age. And the 40th year must be a charm. After six consecutive nominations for the über-prestigious James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Restaurateur” Award, Co-Founder Richard Melman and LEYE finally brought home, this spring, the prize.

For the complete story, click here.