ANDERSONVILLE — A new seafood restaurant offering a Thai spin on classic dishes is scheduled to open in Andersonville next month.
Blu 57 hopes to open at 5701 N. Clark St. in July, according to co-owner Jai Sookhakitch, who partnered with chef Joe Sukjam on the venture.
"You're going to have an array of dishes inspired by various countries around the world, and you're going to get an Asian spin on them," said Sookhakitch, of Rogers Park.
In 2013, Sukjam won first place in the International Culinary Cup's Fusion Foods division. He moved to Chicago to work at Arun's Thai Restaurant, 4156 N. Kedzie Ave., "one of the few upscale Thai restaurants" in Chicago, according to Sookhakitch.
This will be Sukjam's first restaurant where he can show off his versatility as a chef and be a proprietor, he said.
Blu 57 will offer its own take on dishes like lobster risotto featuring curry, he said.
The restaurant will be BYOB allowing for "a fine dining experience with a neighborhood vibe," he said. "We're somewhat off the beaten path, so we wanted to something that would become a destination."
Sookhakitch chose Andersonville because "it's one of the best neighborhoods in the city" reminding him of a mix between Roscoe Village and Wicker Park.
"It's a lit bit artsy with families, and the neighborhood really supports the kind of foods we intend to offer," he said.
The opening was first reported by Eater Chicago.
The Food:
[Photos by Androu Devos]
