Two new eateries called Selva and Fora are making their way to the Emily Hotel in the Fulton Market District, located at 311 N. Morgan St.
The 159-room hotel that was once named Ace Hotel will soon see some new eateries, including a new bar, restaurant, and coffee shop. The new owners, Canadian developer Onni Group, paid over $63 million for the property earlier this year and have since rebranded the hotel. The first to open is Selva, a rooftop bar with plenty of plant decor that should open in a few weeks. Following Selva is the new ground-floor restaurant called Fora, expected to open in Summer 2022. Finally, the first-floor coffee shop will eventually be rebranded.
While Onni Group owns the building, all of these eateries will be operated by Chef Billy Caruso of Rye Deli + Drink. Both Fora and Selva will have Spanish and Mexican influence in the food and drink menus. Caruso tells Crain’s Chicago Business Fora will have Tulum vibes with super fresh ceviches and other Mexican foods with a Japanese influence. On the roof, guests will find tacos and more agave-focused cocktails. Guests of the hotel will be able to order from any of these restaurants via Bluetooth.
“Mexico at night is a whole different ballgame,” Caruso tells Crain’s. “That’s when I think true Mexico comes to life.”
Caruso is bringing in some heavy hitters to help turn this concept into a reality. First up, Matt Danko, who worked under Curtis Duffy at Michelin-starred restaurant Grace, will be the restaurant’s executive chef. Next, Cristiana DeLuca, who used to work at the Aviary, will be in charge of the drink menus as the restaurant’s cocktail director. The Emily Hotel also features a 20- to 40-foot outdoor cinema on the hotel’s fifth floor. Guests will have the luxury of sitting in beach lounge-type chairs while watching various movies.
