Esmé

Chicago, IL

Esmé’s direction is inspired by Alexander Calder, a man of many crafts, situated in the lineage of modern-art pioneers like Brancusi and Picasso “who reconsidered what it meant to create life.” Calder’s art, as critic Perl frames it, is “an art not of isolated or singular objects but a dialogue between objects - of disparate but linked elements and forces.”

Just like Calder’s work catapults him beyond the confines of an art gallery, the Esme experience catapults you beyond any expectations of fine dining, drawing inspiration universally, from music to color, sculpture to sound. Chef Tomaska and team embrace the principles of constant creativity and innovation, honoring craft in everything that happens between Esmé’s walls.

Creative Direction: Polonsky & Friends
Graphic Design: Claire Dufournier
Photography: Candice Hauss, Sandy Noto, Daniel Kelleghan, Dan Piotrowski