Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Paul Virant Set To Open 'Restaurant Within A Restaurant' Concept in 2013: Radler & D.A.S.

virant
Chef Virant photo via Time Out.

Following a successful year and a half with his second restaurant, Perennial Virant, famed chef Paul Virant is on the move again. This time he's partnering with Vie Chef de Cuisine Nathan Sears and Adam Herbert for an awesome "restaurant within a restaurant" concept.

Radlerwhich plans to open in late spring/early summer 2013 in either Lincoln Park or Logan Square—pays homage to Sears' rich German heritage and Herbert's extensive travels to Germany. Radler will offer a Bavarian beer hall with German pub fare, and the more exclusive D.A.S. will be tucked inside. D.A.S. will also have a fine-dining chef's table with seating for eight to 10 guests.

How did the names come into play?!

Radler is German for "cyclist" and named for the beer-based mixed drink with a long history in German-speaking regions. The team was inspired by traditional Bavarian beer halls, so they plan to feature communal dining, an extensive menu of casual fare, rotating sausages (including house-made charcuterie) and, of course, an impressive regional beer list.

D.A.S. is named for the German philosophy "ding an sich," meaning "thing in itself." It'll offer a six-course tasting menu ($80-$100) and will be open Thursday-Saturday.

Look for Herbert to curate the bar program, which will showcase local, German and Austrian craft beers and wines. The restaurants will also partner with local craft breweries to build a program of barrel-aged and vintage beers, and Flesk Brewery will create a house beer.

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