April 30, 2007

Too Much of Everything

Alhambra Palace Restaurant Opens

You won’t want to go to Alhambra if you:
1. Fear crowds.
2. Loathe extravagance.
3. Are boring.

Harsh, we know. But Alhambra isn’t for the weak, meek, or agoraphobic. Built to resemble a Moroccan palace, the new West Loop restaurant seats 1,000. (Or approximately the population of Vatican City.)

Alhambra has multiple personalities: dining room, party space, and lounge. Most everything — from mosaic walls to marble and walnut tables — comes straight from Morocco.

Rest your laurels on velvety, throne-like chairs in the formal dining area, where the menu is as extensive as the decor: French-inspired, small Mediterranean plates and larger dishes like bouillabaisse and chicken tagine, a spicy stew with veggies and infused with ginger and saffron.

Then cruise the massive banquet hall (with room for 400); enjoy live belly dancing, flamenco, salsa, and jazz in the main room; and don’t forget to hit the private balcony.

We know you’ll be impressed. The royal we, that is.

Alhambra Palace Restaurant, 1240 West Randolph Street, at Willard Court (312-666-9555 or alhambrapalacerestaurant.com).