Tribute Closes: Only in Business for Five Months

Tribute restaurant at 800 S. Michigan closed Sunday, December 4, 2011. After barely being open five months, the upscale eatery, specializing in comfort food, was unable to attract the crowds necessary to keep it humming.

A Rough Start
The original chef, Brandon Baltzley was fired after it was revealed he had a substance abuse problem. Sous-chef, Lawrence Letrero was elevated to Executive Chef in May, two months before opening. After several shaky starts, the restaurant had it’s unveiling on July 6, 2011. The first official day of business was July 7 at 6 a.m. In September, Letrero was out and Jared Case became the new Executive Chef and the menu was tweaked.

Space Transformed
Tribute transformed the old Savoy Grill into a modern, fresh space, featuring unusual and dramatic fixtures made with repurposed movie film from Disney’s 1951 animated classic Alice in Wonderland. The lounge area was cool and comfortable and the large outdoor space across from Grant Park was lovely this summer. But alas, it just wasn’t meant to be.

The "Unveiling" of Tribute

Tribute at 800 S. Michigan Ave. had their “unveiling” tonight. This first look, if you will, gave the press and invited guests a chance to see the new space, sample some food, drinks, and meet the staff. Tomorrow, July 7, 2011 is the restaurant's first official day of operation; Tribute will be open for breakfast at 6 a.m.

Light fixture contains repurposed movie film.

According to their press kit, “Tribute is a classic American restaurant with a modern culinary edge.” The interior space certainly has a modern edge that is both comfortable and visually appealing. The impressive light fixtures “are made of repurposed material.” Some of the repurposed material is film from the Disney animated classic Alice in Wonderland (1951). Other furnishings made from repurposed material, include the chairs from the Chef’s table, which were made from recycled seatbelts. The restaurant has gone to great lengths to be environmentally friendly and will be applying for green certification.

"Tribute's Unveiling"

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Tribute will be serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner under the supervision of Executive Chef Lawrence Letrero.

Business hours: 6 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 6 a.m. – 12 a.m. Friday – Saturday. Cash and all major credit cars accepted. For information or reservations, call 407-963-0242. Find Tribute on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.