Custom House   

500 S Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60605
312-523-0200
www.customhouse.cc

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As Shawn McClain's Asian-inspired Spring and vegetarian-focused Green Zebra continue to win accolades, he moves on to his next venture, this time taking on the red-hot South Loop. With Custom House, situated in cushy boutique hotel Blake, McClain and partners Sue and Peter Drohomyrecky focus on regional American cuisine with Mediterranean influences. As always, McClain is conscientious and dedicated to supporting local vendors by frequently using farm-raised products on his seasonal menu. For example, expect dishes like roasted squab with mushroom bread pudding, short rib ravioli with celery root sauce and bone-in monkfish with savoy, caraway and lardons to deliver the dining experience for which McClain's become famous. And Custom House's design element -- courtesy of designer Francois Geneve -- also wants to make a name for itself as it pays homage to the early days of the South Loop when it was known as Custom House Levee District. Back in those Al Capone days, men of ill-repute conducted their business in the area's seediest bars and restaurants. Custom House offers the vibe of a gentleman's club of a different breeding: masculine and grand, but with the sophistication of luxurious, bone-hued suede banquettes, brown Italian floor tiles and Macassar Ebony wood accents.