CHICAGOLAND’S HOTTEST NEW AUTHENTIC SPANISH RESTAURANT, EL TAPEO, OPENS THIS SUMMER

chi-el-tapeo-to-debut-in-oak-brook-20140627-001The high energy, sleek restaurant and lounge El Tapeo, its name originating from the local Spanish term “Vamos de tapeo”, will open July 31st at Chicagoland’s newest luxury hotel, Le Méridien Chicago- Oakbrook Center, a Rockbridge portfolio property, located at 2100 Spring Road in Oak Brook.  The 58-seat restaurant will feature authentic Spanish cuisine created by culinary artist and Chicago native Chef Franco Diaz (St. Regis Bal Harbour Florida, St. Regis Aspen Colorado, St. Regis Princeville Kauai, The Drake Hotel, Peninsula Hotel Chicago). Located on the 9th floor of the hotel, El Tapeo boasts breathtaking views of the city with floor-to-ceiling, wrap around windows.  In the refined 25-seat lounge and intimate 12-seat bar, guests can enjoy freshly made handcrafted cocktails and light tapas style appetizers.

One of Chef Diaz’s passions is to respect the quality of ingredients, understanding and using the best products available in his dishes.  The menu provides a taste of the uncommon as Chef infuses the exploration of new cultures into his art.  “My hope is to transform the traditional dining experience,” says Chef Diaz, “I strive to evoke the guest’s senses with my contemporary cuisine.”

El Tapeo’s menu will consist of tapas style dishes and main course dishes including Croquetas de Marisco– crispy shellfish fritters and piquillo aioli, Paella de Langosta- bomba rice, maine lobster, spicy chorizo, mushroom, mussels, lemon and garlic aioli, Chuletero Ibérico– grilled Ibérico pork chops and mojo verde, and Carne Asada– waygu skirt steak, arugula, manchego and piquillo pepperand a selection of desserts.  The master mixologist will also shake things up with a selection of fine Spanish wines and champagnes by the glass; and a selection of local, domestic and international beers by the bottle.

El Tapeo Restaurant is located at Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, 2100 Spring Road · Oak Brook, Illinois. Hours for the restaurant are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The lounge will feature a diverse lineup of talented artists performing from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  A reduced food menu will be available beginning at 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.eltapeorestaurant.com. 

About Le Méridien Chicago- Oakbrook Center

Located in Greater Chicago directly adjacent to Oakbrook Center and steps from the upscale commerce and business district, Le Méridien Chicago- Oakbrook Center is a destination of choice for visitors to the western Chicago suburbs.  Unveiling a $25 million transformation July 2014, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center offers a sophisticated, timeless design featuring 3,500 square feet of event space and 172 artfully designed guestrooms and suites. Revitalize the mind, body and spirit in one of the luxurious Spa Suites, unparalleled in the Western Suburbs. The ninth floor features spectacular views from floor to ceiling windows, a chic new bar and restaurant concept, a 3,000 square foot Grand Salon Ballroom and Executive Club Lounge. From floor plan to room key, Le Méridien Chicago- Oakbrook Center incorporates its passion for art and culture in every aspect of conception, partnering with the Chicago Artists Coalition to produce dynamic works of art by two local artists Brent Fogt and Justus Roe. High impact art includes a grand, one-of-a-kind mural by artist Justus Roe, for the re-interpreted traditional hotel lobby, The Hub. Le Méridien Chicago- Oakbrook Center offers all the benefits of the Starwood Preferred Guest Loyalty program.  For more information visit www.lemeridienoakbrook.com or facebook.com/LeMeridienChicagoOakbrookCenter.

About Rockbridge

Rockbridge is a private equity firm that invests in hotels. Since 1992, Rockbridge’s team has formed and managed ten institutional private equity funds and executed on more than 325 hotel investments in 45 states in transactions worth more than $5 billion.  An integrated hospitality firm and the market leader in hotel investment for more than 20 years, Rockbridge’s cycle-tested investment strategy has enabled the company to successfully manage risk while creating solutions that deliver current cash flow and create long-term value.  For additional information about Rockbridge, visit www.rockbridgecapital.com.

About Wischermann Partners, Inc.

Wischermann Partners, Inc. is a national hospitality firm, focused on the operations of upper upscale and luxury hotels. Recognized by clients, peers and industry experts, Wischermann Partners brings a unique mix of knowledge, experience and insight to hospitality management, development and acquisitions. Currently, Wischermann Partners operates a hotel portfolio of nearly 3,400 rooms. For more information about Wischermann Partners, please visit www.wischermannpartners.com.

(Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks and uncertainties are presented in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results and events will not materially differ. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)