photo: courtesy of Clifton Henri

The Merchandise Mart has always had plenty of places to grab a quick lunch, with a Potbelly's on the first floor and a top-level food court carrying everything from sushi to Arby's. But the opening of Bluprint marks the mart's first full-service restaurant. It offers design-savvy diners a gourmet menu dreamed up by the team behind Blue Plate catering, a full bar and a perfect post-work cocktail lounge. The cleanly appointed space offers both communal and private tables; zebra wood, colored glass and dark walnut add decorative touches. A futuristic bar, made of brightly lit glass, separates the lounge and the main dining room.

Chef Sam Burman (Avenues, Tru) filled the lunch menu with upscale comfort fare like mac 'n' cheese, bubbling with melted smoked cheddar, and a turkey reuben. Heartier entrees (ranging from $13-$17) include steak frites and Prince Edward Island mussels cooked in saffron broth. The ingenious Designer Lunch ($17) dishes up three courses, all served at once to accommodate an on-the-go lifestyle. Designer options include gazpacho followed by a hot ham and Swiss sandwich and chocolate brownie. Dinner menu standouts include Alaskan halibut and boneless leg of lamb, and a drink menu boasting "traditional cocktails with a twist" lists a Mod Margarita, shaken up with red apple liqueur. Divided into Nibble, Munch and Bite sections, the lounge menu has options like citrus-marinated olives and duck confit nachos.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jennifer Berg