Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/101703
ON THE TOWN INSIGHT Words to live by: "Be honest and up front." Biggest indulgence: "I can eat an entire jar of Nutella if I'm having a bad day." Twilight on Oak Street outside TR Napa Valley. First words in English: "You are beautiful; would you like to have a drink with me tonight?" Top Chef charmer Fabio Viviani is coming to Chicago. Vino from TR's extensive cellars. the italian stallion "T hese people are genius," Fabio Viviani exclaims, looking around in approval at what's certain to be the tiniest wine-only lounge in the city. TR Napa Valley (61 E. Oak St., 312-929-2299) served as an appropriate backdrop for my first encounter with the Top Chef star, who proclaims he's "the biggest wine drinker you'll ever know." The bar carries more than 8,000 bottles on display in cases along the walls and in the back room, with 80 percent originating from Napa Valley. Don't be surprised if you run into Viviani, a California resident, at this Gold Coast–based bar as a regular, because he's set to open Siena Tavern (51 W. Kinzie St., 312-595-1322; sienatavern.com) in River North on February 15. He's partnered with nightlife hotshots David Rekhson and Lucas Stoioff (Bull & Bear, Public House) for the contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, which will feature original recipes 62 from Viviani's grandmother, interactive cooking classes, a craft-cocktail program, and a crudo and pizza bar. Over a bottle of TR's own TR 3 Reserve from 2008, he shared additional details on the new restaurant and more. Michigan Avenue: You're very personable and appear to be a huge flirt, and that's part of the reason you won "Fan Favorite" during your season of Top Chef. Is that really you or the Italian persona you think the public wants? Fabio Viviani: I am a very well-behaved man. I respect ladies very much.... I learned how to be polite because of my grandfather, who was the ultimate gentleman. He always told me that in a relationship you can either be right or you can be happy. He told me to always go for happiness and let the lady be right. It was the best piece of advice he ever gave me. PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN KIRKMAN AS HE PREPARES TO OPEN HIS MUCH-ANTICIPATED FIRST CHICAGO RESTAURANT, FABIO VIVIANI OF LIFE AFTER TOP CHEF JOINS US FOR A DRINK TO DISCUSS HIS INFLUENCES, HIS PASSION FOR CHICAGO—AND WHETHER ITALIANS ACTUALLY DO MAKE BETTER LOVERS. BY AUDARSHIA TOWNSEND MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 062-063_MA_FOM_OnTheTown_Winter13.indd 62 1/2/13 5:26 PM