New menus debut at Art Institute of Chicago

Museum-goers seeking more than works of art now have a slate of new menu options to choose from when visiting the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Art Institute on Thursday rolled out a revamped dining program that features La Patinette, a cafe concept from local chef Chris Pandel centered around French-inspired fare, and the soon-to-open GG’s Chicken Shop.

In addition, a new bar for Art Institute members serves free coffee and tea, along with a selection of alcoholic beverages and snacks for purchase.

This relaunch marks the first collaboration between Boka Restaurant Group and Levy, which took a minority stake in the Chicago-based restaurant group last September, according to a news release.

“To reimagine the food and beverage experience in this environment, united by this mission and the leadership of the Art Institute and our talented Boka friends, is a dream becoming reality right in our hometown,” Andy Lansing, Levy CEO, said in the release. “We’re thinking about museum visitors and special event guests alike as we together begin to envision how very special and uniquely Chicago dining at the Art Institute will be.”

Levy manages foodservice at a variety of venues in Chicago and beyond, including a number of sports arenas. Its concessions staff at the city’s United Center recently ratified a new contract with their employer, following upwards of 20 bargaining sessions and a one-day strike.