Vermilion, a unique Indian and Latin restaurant in Chicago, has evolved over 23 years, particularly with a recent remodel and menu overhaul to include Indo-Chinese dishes. Owner Rohini Dey, an activist and founder of Let's Talk Womxn, transformed her restaurant into Sanctuary in response to political events and social issues impacting women's rights. The new venue aims to be inviting and community-oriented, featuring a diverse menu that merges Indian and Latin culinary elements, and highlighting collaboration with women-owned businesses for desserts and events.
Activism has long been part of Dey's persona, but after November's election results and the aftermath, Dey saw an opportunity to recast her restaurant which quietly closed in December.
Dey calls it a cocktail den, and it feels more like a bar compared to Vermilion, though the furniture remains the same. It's the kind of space that could entice passersby off Hubbard Street to come in for a drink or snack.
Dey wants to open Sanctuary to more groups for events. She's also called in a few favors from her Let's Talk Womxn coalition with desserts from Dori Isufi, owner of Molly's Cupcakes, and Korina Sanchez Wartan of Third Coast Hospitality.
Dey says she didn't want the space to feel pretentious. The menu features Indian flavors such as an Indo-Chinese version of a dosa and a platter of pakoras.
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