Vermilion becomes women-centric Sanctuary
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Restaurateur Rohini Dey at her newly opened Sanctuary Chicago in River North. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Rohini Dey has rebirthed her River North Vermilion restaurant as Sanctuary Chicago, a "cocktail and comfort food den," featuring the food of women-owned restaurants, retro dance nights and "unfettered conversations."
What she's saying: "In the last few years we've been overt about our politics with 'Let's Talk Womxn' Chicago events, but now I believe it's even more important to stand up and say 'we believe in differences, in immigrants and in women'," Dey tells Axios.
- "It's my gesture to bring us all together."
The vibe: Chill and loungy with pictures of groundbreaking women and neon empowerment quotes lining the walls.
On the menu: Vermilion holdovers including tamarind ribs ($24), pani puri ($16) and lomo saltado ($26) and a rotating roster of treats from other women-run spots.
- Currently find birria from Tacoltlan ($24), red chai coconut ice cream from Pretty Cool Ice Cream ($10), caramel cake from Brown Sugar Bakery ($12) and a chocolate eclair from Molly's Cupcakes ($14).
Drink up from international cocktails including pisco sours ($14) and a cardamom, saffron and vanilla infused dessert drink called "My Drink My Choice" ($26).
Boogie down every Thursday at 5pm when DJ BesB will spin '70s, '80s and '90s tunes at "Let Loose Retro Thursday" dance parties.
What's next: Dey is hosting her annual Women's History Month party "More than March" at Moe's Cantina on March 2 and the next Let's Talk Womxn event at Sanctuary March 13.