At the heel of the NBC Tower sits Amira, a restaurant where contemporary Mediterranean cuisine joins forces with an Old World setting that would drive a geography buff insane. You'll wonder what region of the Mediterranean the owners are going for. Italian? Greek? Lebanese? Whatever your conclusion, your experience will be fit for royalty (Amira translates to princess in Arabic).
The restaurant fills with a number of people in the arts, be it broadcast journalism or urban erotic literature. Judge Greg Mathis frequents the restaurant as do a number of NBC anchors and staff. Martha Stewart enjoyed street-side dining on a crushed-velvet captain's chair. Jerry Springer gets customized dishes sent to him. And in a sunken martini lounge, poised before a humungous marble bar, a Telemundo team "'tini's it up."
"GM (General Manager) James" claims it's Streeterville's best-kept secret, tucked away as it is from the flurry of shoppers on Michigan Avenue. Inside, royal-red tablecloths and loud murals mesh with low lighting and tawny walls producing a soothing blend of color usage. High ceilings allow you to breathe and stretch. Progressive house plays in the background and potted palms add flair. The environment proves perfect for the many private parties that take place, including fashion shows, fundraisers and corporate events. You can even bring your own caterers, an uncommon practice at most restaurants.
Enjoy an array of kabobs or choose from a list of other menu items like seafood and steak ($18.95-$28.95). Brick-oven pizza runs you about $10.95. The average martini is $11; many have names paying homage to Chicago, like the Chicago River Martini and the Windy City Manhattan. Enjoy a few of them on a Saturday night before the restaurant turns into a nightclub (expect a $10 cover), catering to an urban hip-hop crowd.
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
