Pick Terzo Piano for Lunch at the Art Institute for Chicago Restaurant Week 2012

Image via WikipediaTerzo Piano's Bar in Chicago

There are two ways to get to Terzo Piano: take the elevator up or ascend the sky bridge from Millenium Park. Terzo Piano is located at 159 E. Monroe on the 3rd floor of the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Terzo Piano means "Third Floor" at the Chicago Art Institute

In the comtempory space, you can gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows onto Michigan Avenue as you enjoy the “Michelin Guide Recommended 2012″ cuisine of Chef Tony Mantuano from Spiaggia.

View of Michigan Avenue from Terzo Piano in Chicago

Tony, Chef di Cucina Meg Colleran Sahs and Pastry Chef Megan Neubeck developed an outstanding $22 Chicago Restaurant Week 2012 Lunch Menu:

First Course: Chickpea and vegetable soup with tahini, cumin, fried chickpeas and cilantro salad or

Crispy Perch with red beet puree at Terzo Piano in Chicago

Crispy pearch with red beet puree, marinated beets, frisee in dill vinaigrette

Second Course: Cured and braised beef with mashed red potato, carrot, and house made sauerkraut or

Cured and braised beef at Terzo Piano

Hand crafted tagliatelle ‘alla Puttanesca” with olive, capers, tomatoe, and goat’s mild cheese or

Chilled shrimp salad with mixed green, capers, marinated peppers, red onion and lemon

Dessert: Banana Tiramisu with brown butter gastrique or

Banana Tiramisu at Terzo Piano

Camambert Fermier, pasterized cow’s mild with dried strawberry compote

Take some time to peruse the magnificent art collection in this world-class museum before or after lunch. My son’s favorite is Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks located in Gallery 262 on the second level.

Image via Wikipedia

I love the Impressionists! Who can resist Georges Seurat‘s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (1884)”?

George Seurat's A Sunday on La Grand Jatte 1884

Renoir at the Art Institute of Chicago

Degas at the Art Institute of Chicago

“The Chicago Art Institute has one of the world’s most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in its permanent collection.”

There are incredible masterpieces at the museum: you can see Pablo Picasso’s “the Old Guitarist” in Gallery 391 on the third level; El Greco’s “The Assumption of the Virgin” in Gallery 211 on the second level and Vincent van Gogh’s “The Bedrooom” in Gallery 241.

Everyone loves Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” couple in Gallery 263 on the second level.

Take some time to check out Salvador Dali’s “Venus de Milo with Drawers” in Gallery 396 on the third level.

Don’t leave the museum without seeing Marc Chagall’s America Windows in Gallery 144 on the first level of the Modern Wing. They will take your breath away!

Marc Chagall's American Windows at the Art Institute

Meander into the Museum Store in the Modern Wing of the Chicago Art Institue and pick up some cool posters, colorful art glass or chic scarves to remind you or your visit.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com