Three-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee Carrie Nahabedian and her cousin Michael Nahabedian, who did stints at Green Dolphin Street and Cafe Absinthe, opened NAHA in the space that formerly housed Chicago’s distinguished Gordon restaurant. NAHA’s seasonal American menu reflects Carrie’s Armenian roots as well as the time she spent cooking at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills.

Tom Nahabedian, Carrie’s cousin and Michael’s brother, created the architecture and design of the restaurant, including furniture and accessories. A graduate of the prestigious IIT school of architecture and founder of Collaboration, a Beverly Hills design firm, Tom’s dressed-down approach to clean, contemporary design brings affability to the polished restaurant.

Nahabedian commissioned local artisan Lora Fosberg for the restaurant’s artwork. Using a unique technique that combines print and sketch mediums with found objects, Fosberg injects a bit of drama to an otherwise clean-lined aesthetic.

Enter into a relaxed lounge with a bench of soft fabrics and leather ottomans. Above, a sinuous soffit leads one through the restaurant, where clean lines dominate: A walnut host table sits in front of a blue silk and brown velvet drape; a bar of concrete and leather curves in the space; raised tables create a transition into the dining room, where back-to-back banquettes separated by a built-in planter sprouting tall grasses create areas within. Large expanses of glass enliven and visually extend the space into the surrounding city. Softly colored walls recess into niches as expressive works by Fosberg become a part of the restaurant, not simply objects hanging. Natural materials in Mediterranean colors give the room a warmth and quality that enhance the entire dining experience.

But the experience is not about concept at all. Innovatively, it is simplicity in completeness; it’s excellent food served thoughtfully in a warm environment.

NAHA

500 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60610
www.naha-chicago.com
(312) 321-6242
photography by David C Lee