Drink: Smokeshow (Divan).
Chicago’s dining scene is as bold and diverse as the city itself, and no one embodies this spirit better than Carmen Rossi. Through his 8 Hospitality group, Rossi has crafted an eclectic portfolio of restaurants, each with its own distinct personality and purpose. Felix Magazine takes you inside five of his standout establishments, exploring how they blend creativity, elegance, and community to create unforgettable experiences.
Hubbard Inn: Where Every Night Tells a Story
Tucked into the bustling streets of River North, Hubbard Inn feels like a meeting point between history and modern indulgence. This is a place where you come not just to dine but to connect—to the past, to the culture, and to the vibrant pulse of Chicago.
Hubbard Inn’s culinary offerings nod to contemporary American cuisine while drawing subtle inspiration from European traditions. Whether you’re savoring a brunch favorite or an evening entrée, the flavors are fresh, balanced, and bold. The cocktails, however, are where Hubbard Inn truly shines. The Grinchmas, a mischievously minty holiday creation, is the perfect companion for a night of celebration.
It’s not just the menu that makes Hubbard Inn special. The interior is a canvas of design and ambiance—a space where guests can transition seamlessly from an intimate dinner to a lively gathering. Here, every night tells its own story, and no two visits are the same.
Divan Chicago: A Supper Club Reimagined
Sophistication finds a new home at Divan, where the steakhouse meets the supper club in a way that feels fresh and timeless. Located in River North, Divan offers a refined dining experience that blends American steakhouse traditions with European elegance, curated under the meticulous eye of Executive Chef Mike Sheerin.
From expertly aged steaks to delicately prepared sides, each dish at Divan is a celebration of culinary artistry. But dining here is about more than food. It’s about atmosphere—elevated yet inviting, with a multi-level layout that caters to intimate dinners, group celebrations, and live entertainment.
And then there’s the Smokeshow—a cocktail that encapsulates Divan’s essence. A blend of whiskey and black cardamom, kissed with orange liqueur and finished with swirling cinnamon smoke, it’s more than a drink; it’s an experience.
Café Bionda: A Slice of Italy in the South Loop
For an authentic taste of Italy, look no further than Café Bionda. This South Loop treasure channels the warmth and charm of a classic Italian trattoria, where the food is crafted with love and the atmosphere feels like home.
From house-made pastas to rich, flavorful entrées, every dish at Café Bionda is steeped in tradition. But it’s the little details that make dining here so special—like the Tiramisu Martini, a decadent blend of vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and cold brew, topped with a delicate ladyfinger. This is Italian comfort, reimagined.
At Café Bionda, every meal feels like a family gathering. It’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name, newcomers are embraced, and everyone leaves with a smile.
The Wine Cellar Experience at Divan: A Journey Through Flavor
Hidden beneath the bustling energy of Divan’s main floor is a sanctuary for wine lovers. The Wine Cellar Experience invites guests on a curated tasting journey, pairing three exceptional wines with a selection of bites from Chef Sheerin’s kitchen.
This isn’t just a wine tasting—it’s an education in pairing, flavor, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply curious, the cellar offers a rare chance to deepen your appreciation for fine dining. With its intimate setting and expert guidance, the Wine Cellar Experience is perfect for celebrations or a quiet indulgence.
Drink: Tiramisu Martini (Café Bionda).
Drink: Tiramisu Martini (Café Bionda).
Elevating the Cocktail Experience
At every 8 Hospitality venue, cocktails aren’t just an afterthought—they’re a signature. Crafted to complement the food and setting, these drinks stand out as moments of artistry in their own right.
• Grinchmas (Hubbard Inn): A festive blend of peppermint schnapps and crème de cacao, this drink is a holiday in a glass— playful, minty, and irresistibly smooth. • Smokeshow (Divan): Bold and smoky with whiskey, cardamom, and orange liqueur, this cocktail is both sophisticated and show-stopping. • Tiramisu Martini (Café Bionda): Dessert in liquid form, combining coffee liqueur and vanilla vodka with the nostalgic comfort of a ladyfinger garnish.
Each cocktail is as carefully curated as the menu, making them essential to the dining experience.
A Vision Rooted in Community
At the heart of Carmen Rossi’s ventures is a commitment to community. His restaurants aren’t just places to eat; they’re spaces that bring people together. Whether it’s the intimate warmth of Café Bionda or the dynamic energy of Hubbard Inn, each venue reflects a deep understanding of its neighborhood.
Before opening a new concept, Rossi and his team engage with local groups to ensure their vision aligns with community needs. This thoughtful approach isn’t just good business— it’s what makes 8 Hospitality’s venues feel so personal and enduring.
A Culinary Landscape Defined by Passion
Carmen Rossi’s 8 Hospitality is more than a collection of restaurants; it’s a love letter to Chicago. Each venue—whether it’s the timeless charm of Café Bionda, the elegance of Divan, or the vibrant allure of Hubbard Inn—offers a distinct experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Felix Magazine celebrates Rossi’s vision of blending innovation with tradition, elegance with warmth, and ambition with community. As Chicagoans and visitors alike continue to flock to these destinations, it’s clear that Rossi’s impact on the city’s dining scene is here to stay.
At 8 Hospitality, every dish, every drink, and every moment is a testament to the art of hospitality—and to the city that inspires it.
Drink: Grinchmas (Hubbard Inn).
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Jennifer Lee
- Senior Editor
- Laura Notorangelo
- Image courtesy
- 8 Hospitality
