Tre Dita opening wows guests at the St. Regis

Tre Dita, the latest addition to Lettuce Entertain You’s restaurant portfolio, made a grand entrance onto Chicago’s dining scene with a splash of glitz, glamour and drama at the St. Regis on March 13. The exclusive opening event welcomed over 400 guests, including VIPs, local notables and even a former mayor.

Tre Dita (pronounced trā dē-tä) is Italian for three fingers and a nod to the thickness of a traditional bistecca Fiorentina that the restaurant served on opening night from its open-hearth wood fired grill. The Tuscan steakhouse, located in the St. Regis at 401 E. Wacker, is in collaboration with award-winning Chef Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf).

As guests arrived and checked in, they were serenaded by live music as photographers captured the moments. Chicly clad attendants directed partygoers to the fifth floor where the main event unfolded. The Melman family, renowned for their commitment to excellence, never do anything in half measures and this restaurant was no exception.

A dramatic two-story dining room/bar area offered breathtaking views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. There were so many activations and serving stations, that invitees were given a map upon entry.

On the mezzanine, an artist was busily sketching a scantily clad model lounging on a sofa as a server poured generous measures of Amaro Nonino from a glass spout. A lavish antipasti table was nearby.

A highlight of the night, and one which drew a continuous line, was Chef Funke’s bistecca Fiorentina station. Antipasti tables adorned with magnificent floral arrangements were spread throughout the space as well as wine tastings. One room was dedicated to desserts with a gelati cart and Italian cookies while another station served delicious house-made pasta. Live jazz added to the festive atmosphere.

Seen on the scene were former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Linda Johnson Rice with daughter Alexa Rice, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Rocky Mosele, the Landan Twins (Andrew and Jon), Sylvia Perez with daughter Magali Blasdell, Dr. Julius Few, Robin and Mark Tebbe, Phil Vettel, Les Coney, Chef Jean Joho (Miru), Desiree Rogers, Beth Heller, Karen and Phil Stefani, Tom Kehoe, Matt Rodrigues, Cortney Hall, Mike Siegel, Monsignor Velo, Neal Zucker and Marko Iglendza, Martha and Molly Melman, Lou Canellis, Nina Mariano, Billy Marovitz, Pasquale Gianni, and so many others.

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is an independent, family-owned restaurant group based in Chicago that owns, manages and licenses more than 110 establishments in Illinois, Minnesota, Maryland, Nevada, California, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Florida. They were founded in June 1971 by Richard Melman and Jerry A. Orzoff with the opening of R.J. Grunts and today, serves guests at more than 60 concepts ranging from fast casual to fine dining restaurants. (Tre Dita, 401 E. Wacker, treditarestaurant.com)