Chef Luciano's Blog

Chef Luciano Wins Landmark Award

chefluciano — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:31:48 +0000

Chef Luciano & Gourmet Chicken was awarded the 2011 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence for the renovation of its historic building, which was built in 1929 as one of the first White Castle restaurants in the city. The award honors outstanding projects that involve notable improvements to buildings within Chicago Landmark Districts.

The building was restored in 2010 to its 1920s glory, when it housed the 16^th White Castle restaurant built in Chicago. The building, with its visually distinctive, white glazed-brick with medieval inspired details, is considered an early example of 20^th century programmatic architecture – visually distinctive buildings that served as advertisements for companies. In addition, the building is considered an important part of the South Loop’s Motor Row Chicago Landmark District.

The City press release & display board can be found here. For the full press release, please click here.

5 Cent Chicken Dinners Coming to Gourmet Chicken

chefluciano — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:17:15 +0000

To celebrate the completion of our renovation & restoration project, and to honor our past, Gourmet Chicken is selling our famous roasted chicken for only 5 cents every Sunday in November. For just a nickel, you will receive a two piece roasted chicken dinner with a side of pilav rice. So start digging through your couch cushions and come see us!

You probably know that we have been proudly serving Chicago’s South Side since 1983. What you may not know is that the building we are housed in was built in 1929 and was the site of the first White Castle in Chicago. Part of the renovation work included restoring the building to its original 1929 splendor, complete with castle tower, new lighting, and period specific signage.

As you can see in this picture, taken in 1929, White Castle proudly sold their hamburgers for just 5 cents each. We have decided there is no better way to celebrate the completion of our project with 5 cent chicken dinners. So come see us this month and take advantage of this great deal.

For the full press release, click here.

Renovations Nearing Completion

chefluciano — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:52:02 +0000

As the calendar turns to November, we are finally reaching the completion of our renovation and restoration project. To celebrate, we will be announcing some awesome specials for the month of November, but in the mean time, here are some pictures of the work that was done.

New facade & entry - only one door now!

Renovated Chef Luciano Customer Area

Renovated Gourmet Chicken Customer Area & Dining Room

: Restored Facade of Gourmet Chicken – Originally a White Castle Building Built in 1929

Click Here For a Picture of the Original White Castle Building from 1929.

Trading in our Pots & Pans for Jackhammers

chefluciano — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:45:16 +0000

Day three of the closure is in the books, and tons of work has been already been done. Even though you can’t see much from the outside, we assure you that big changes are taking place inside and that we are right on schedule.

Demolition has been completed and the new walls are going back up. The first walk-in cooler has been replaced and the second one is underway. The new floor tiles will be starting soon, and finishes won’t be far behind that.

Be sure to stop by to check out the new digs starting August 3rd. We can’t wait to see you guys again!

Lots of action happening behind that scaffolding!

Beefing up the structural steel so we can serve you for another 30 years.

Yes, there used to be a walk-in and a wall there.

Be sure to check back here for more pictures and updates.

Chef Luciano & Gourmet Chicken’s Renovation Has Started!

chefluciano — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:55:05 +0000

After almost 18 months of planning, the renovation has started at Chef Luciano and Gourmet Chicken. The first day saw the safety canopy go up and demolition start with the removal of the old signs. As you can see, we are open for business and welcome you to visit us or call for delivery this week.

: Chef Luciano & Gourmet Chicken are open for business – for now!

However, starting this Sunday, July 18th, we will close for approximately two weeks to really go gung-ho on the work and get everything finished. We are planning on re-opening on Tuesday August 3rd with some killer grand re-opening specials coming up later this summer.

Stay tuned to the blog and our facebook page throughout the construction project for lots of pictures and updates on the project.

For more information on the renovation, the full press release can be viewed here: Chef Luciano Renovation Press Release.

Selling Wings like its 1999!

chefluciano — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:06:38 +0000

Remember 1999? Michael Jordan retired for only the second time, the world was racked in Y2K panic, and we all sat around the television to see who Wanted to be a Millionaire.

Also, it was the last time we here at Gourmet Chicken sold our Famous 4 Jumbo Wings and Potato Wedges for $4.99. And now, for one week only, Gourmet Chicken is rolling back the price to 1999 levels. So get your butt over to 43 E. Cermak and take advantage of this great deal!

Celebrate Earth Day with Chef Luciano!

chefluciano — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:45:37 +0000

In honor of Earth Day, Chef Luciano will be giving out free lemonade Thursday, April 22. All you have to do is bring in a reusable water bottle or coffee tumbler and we will fill with with 16oz of Chef Luciano’s Gourmet Lemonade for free! No purchase necessary, limit one per customer. So stop by and see us!

Enter to Win Dinner for Two at Chef’s Private Table

chefluciano — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:14:57 +0000

Throughout the month of April, Chef Luciano will be accepting entries for our contest to win dinner for two at Chef Luciano’s private table. The winner will receive a three course off-menu meal prepared by Chef Luciano himself. All you have to do is stop by the restaurant and fill out an entry form. A winner will be drawn on May 1st to receive this special prize.

Chef Luciano’s April Newsletter Now Available

chefluciano — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:13:15 +0000

Chef Luciano’s April Newsletter is now available. Included are a chance to win dinner for two at the Chef’s private table and a brand new delivery coupon. Check it out and make sure you are registered to receive the email by clicking on the Sign Up link.

Chef Luciano Featured on Sloopin.com

chefluciano — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:13:46 +0000

Chef Luciano & Gourmet Chicken were featured on the Sloopin.com website, a blog devoted to the South Loop. Check out the article as well as the rest of the site. It is a must visit for all things South Loop related.