Ria Partners with the Shedd to Create “Ocean-Friendly Fare”

Last week was the kickoff dinner to celebrate two-star Michelin recipient Ria’s partnership with the Shedd Aquarium as they become the latest local restaurant to join the “Right Bite” program. The Right Bite program includes local restaurants, retailers, caterers, purveyors and culinary schools who pledge to offer at least two sustainable seafood options at all times and, if applicable, to permanently remove at least one unsustainable choice from their menus or product inventories. Other Chicago spots involved with the program include Lockwood Restaurant and Bar, Naha, Oceanique, Prarie Grass Cafe, Trattoria No. 10, Park Grill, Uncommon Ground, Wildfire, Shaw’s Crab House among others.

Executive Chef Jason McLeod, Chef de Cuisine Danny Grant, and Executive Pastry Chef Stephanie Prida’s four-course menu featured environmentally-friendly seafood with small batch wines paired by Sommelier Dan Pilkey. All selections were sourced or farmed using methods that do their best to preserve the ecosystem. Day-boat Atlantic scallops, wild Spanish pot-caught octopus and farmed American sturgeon caviar were some of the evening’s highlights.

To learn more about the Right Bites Program, visit http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Ria, the Elysian. 11 E. Walton St. 312.880.4400. http://www.riarestaurantchicago.com/