2 New Restaurants To Replace Winnetka's Restaurant Michael In May

WINNETKA, IL — Restaurant Michael will serve its final meals Sunday after more than 14 years in Winnetka. On Friday, chef and owner Michael Lachowicz announced plans to replace it with two new dining concepts as "siblings" to the award-winning George Trois, which will temporarily shutter.

Beginning in the spring, there will be three restaurant experiences with three different styles of gastronomy at three different price ranges, all operating at 64 Green Bay Road under Lachowicz's direction.

“This is a project that I’ve been working on for over a year,” Lachowicz said. “We’ve been here for 14 years now and it’s time for a change. I’ve listened to my customers and am very excited to bring these two new experiences to Winnetka.” George Trois will be on hiatus until the first week of May, when its Michelin-level tasting menu will be joined by a more informal dining alternative as well as a refined mid-range option.

Aboyer, which means "to bark," aims to create a relaxed setting mixing American and French cuisine with global influences. Pub-style food with quick a la carte service will be mixed with classic and modern craft cocktails

“Aboyer is what Winnetka needed – an urban outpost 18 miles from the city,” said Lachowicz. “It’s a welcoming restaurant where guests can sit at the bar for a cocktail or have a weekday meal in under an hour.”

Silencieux, the French translation for “quiet,” will be the other new restaurant. It intends to offer an unpretentious contrast with discreet service, an approachable experience and a conversation-friendly environment. in a mid-century environment.

“Silencieux was born out of feedback from my Restaurant Michael clientele who wanted to continue having that mid-level fine dining experience,” said Lachowicz. “Guests will feel the embrace of the kitchen in every bite.”

The 1,300-square-foot space will be able to be opened to combine into a single experience for private events. Both new restaurants will offer the "perfect entryway" for guests headed to George Trois, which will continue to offer an intimate, avant-garde experience but with new lighting, ceiling and a marble fireplace.

“I wanted a clandestine feel, allowing even more to be left to the imagination by guests who haven’t dined with us yet,” Lachowicz said.

Websites for the new restaurants are not yet complete, but the planned hours are set for 5:30 to 11 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday at Aboyer, which will accept a limited amount of reservations but encourage walk-in diners. Silencieux will accept reservations from Wednesday To Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., while George Trois reservations are available at seating times from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.

Related:

• Winnetka's Restaurant Michael To Permanently Close In March
  
• George Trois Becomes 1st Suburban Winner Of Top Restaurant Award
  
• Winnetka Restaurant Ranked Among Best In Suburbs
  
• French Restaurant Owner Opens French Restaurant Next to His French Restaurant
  
• Q&A: Chef Michael Lachowicz on Crowded Kitchens and Reaching Milestones