Avli On The Park (Lakeshore East) is slated to open this April with a Mediterranean focus. Creations prepared by the forthcoming restaurant’s chef will bring them to small seaside villages lining the Greek coast. Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros’ menu will reflect Greece’s flavors: mountains, sea, and villages.
Born and raised in Piraeus, Greece, Chef Kapernaros brings over 20 years of experience at five-star hotels, resorts, and restaurants (including Hyatt Regency Chicago and Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens) to his newest venture. He was named among the 11 best Hyatt Chefs from the U.S.; collaborated with several Michelin-starred chefs; and served as head chef for musicians, including Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Minogue.
“I am excited to present my vision on the art of cooking to our guests at Avli On The Park,” says Kapernaros. “My experience as a chef, culinary instructor, and my strong base of authentic Greek cuisine make for a great match with Louie Alexakis's [Avli’s founding partner] 30 years of passion for Greek food.”
Kapernaros has selected dishes for the menu including his own family’s recipes. Fresh fish and specially marinated meats take the spotlight, prepared with Greek ingredients.
Kapernaros' highlights selections include:
Shrimp Mikrolimano, sautéed shrimp prepared in fresh tomato sauce, herbs, and smoked feta over cauliflower puree. A Kapernaros signature dish, the feta’s smoked flavor balances with the cauliflower puree.
A family favorite served by Kapernaros’ mother and grandmother during summers in Lakonia, Greece, Octopus Stifado is a stew of octopus, pearl onions, fresh tomato, and rosemary glazed with red wine, served with Greek fava and oven roasted beets.
Lavraki Sofregada - the lavraki (Mediterranean seabass) is sautéed with wild greens, black-eyed peas, fresh tomato, and herbs, topped with a raw Mediterranean garnish of tomato, parsley and extra virgin olive oil.
In addition to the menu and daily specials, Avli On The Park will feature a Chef’s Table that offers a fine-dining experience.
Says Louie Alexakis, “We have long admired Niko’s talent and we couldn’t be happier to have him directing Avli On The Park’s kitchen. With his heart and soul, he truly embraces the spirit of our restaurants and will deliver his unique and delicious artistry and ancestry to our diners.”
In addition to Chef Kapernaros’ new dishes, guests will also be offered Avli legacy dishes, a curated Greek wine list, craft cocktails and traditional spirits at the central bar. The restaurant will feature multiple private dining and event rooms, a lounge area along the front windows facing Lakeshore East Park and rooftop canopy dining and a fireplace lounge during warmer weather months featuring coffee and Greek desserts. Avli On The Park will also host occasional live Greek entertainment within the interior of the restaurant.
Avli On The Park (Lakeshore East) is slated to open this April with a Mediterranean focus. Creations prepared by the forthcoming restaurant’s chef will bring them to small seaside villages lining the Greek coast. Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros’ menu will reflect Greece’s flavors: mountains, sea, and villages.
Born and raised in Piraeus, Greece, Chef Kapernaros brings over 20 years of experience at five-star hotels, resorts, and restaurants (including Hyatt Regency Chicago and Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens) to his newest venture. He was named among the 11 best Hyatt Chefs from the U.S.; collaborated with several Michelin-starred chefs; and served as head chef for musicians, including Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Minogue.
“I am excited to present my vision on the art of cooking to our guests at Avli On The Park,” says Kapernaros. “My experience as a chef, culinary instructor, and my strong base of authentic Greek cuisine make for a great match with Louie Alexakis's [Avli’s founding partner] 30 years of passion for Greek food.”
Kapernaros has selected dishes for the menu including his own family’s recipes. Fresh fish and specially marinated meats take the spotlight, prepared with Greek ingredients.
Kapernaros' highlights selections include:
Shrimp Mikrolimano, sautéed shrimp prepared in fresh tomato sauce, herbs, and smoked feta over cauliflower puree. A Kapernaros signature dish, the feta’s smoked flavor balances with the cauliflower puree.
A family favorite served by Kapernaros’ mother and grandmother during summers in Lakonia, Greece, Octopus Stifado is a stew of octopus, pearl onions, fresh tomato, and rosemary glazed with red wine, served with Greek fava and oven roasted beets.
Lavraki Sofregada - the lavraki (Mediterranean seabass) is sautéed with wild greens, black-eyed peas, fresh tomato, and herbs, topped with a raw Mediterranean garnish of tomato, parsley and extra virgin olive oil.
In addition to the menu and daily specials, Avli On The Park will feature a Chef’s Table that offers a fine-dining experience.
Says Louie Alexakis, “We have long admired Niko’s talent and we couldn’t be happier to have him directing Avli On The Park’s kitchen. With his heart and soul, he truly embraces the spirit of our restaurants and will deliver his unique and delicious artistry and ancestry to our diners.”
In addition to Chef Kapernaros’ new dishes, guests will also be offered Avli legacy dishes, a curated Greek wine list, craft cocktails and traditional spirits at the central bar. The restaurant will feature multiple private dining and event rooms, a lounge area along the front windows facing Lakeshore East Park and rooftop canopy dining and a fireplace lounge during warmer weather months featuring coffee and Greek desserts. Avli On The Park will also host occasional live Greek entertainment within the interior of the restaurant.
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