With a nod to the vibrant traditions of Carnival, Lirica Restaurant is heating up its wintertime offerings with a limited-time, chef-curated menu of delicacies inspired by the Latin flavors of Brazil and beyond. The approachably elevated eatery, located on the ground floor of Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, will roll out its Carnival prix fixe menu and a la carte specials during dinner hours from February 28 through March 8, alongside live music and flamenco from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, February 28 and March 7.
The creation of Lirica executive Chef Ricky Amaya, the Carnival prix fixe menu begins with a choice of two tapas among Ensaïmada (petit flatbread, smoked chorizo, caramelized pumpkin, and micro greens), Longaniza de Aragón (cured Spanish sausage and pepper), Boquerones (white anchovies over a slice of hard boiled egg with citrus vinegar), Empanada Gallega (mini Spanish empanada with mackerel, olives, piquillo peppers, and salmorejo sauce), and Datiles y Chorizo (chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates with spicy honey glaze).
Prix fixe entrée offerings include a choice of Gambas al Ajillo y Fiedeo (black tiger shrimp, spaghetti, garlic butter, and cherry tomato), Bacalao de Madeiras (pan-roasted Alaskan cod, Spanish green olives, scallions, capers, Spanish baked potatoes, and oregano citrus sauce), and Porrusalda a la Vizcaina (vegetable stew, crispy potatoes, and tomato confit), topped off with a dessert of Orejas de Carnival (petit flat churro, cinnamon, and powdered sugar) or Leche Frita (orange and vanilla fried custard). The per person prix fixe is $95. Select tapas are also available a la carte.
Navy Pier International Carnivale
As part of its 2025 Global Connection Series, Navy Pier will celebrate International Carnivale on Saturday, March 1, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom. Drawing on the unique traditions of cultures across the globe – from Brazil to Columbia, Greece, Puerto Rico, and North America – the free event will capture the colorful revelry of Carnivale with live music, dance performances, elaborate costumes, and interactive art-making activities for guests of all ages.