I LOVE Mr. Chow & Philippe. I have great memories eating at Il Mulino but I think this be a great asset to Chicago's dining! I am drooling thinking about their duck dish and lychee martinis!!!!

Il Mulino Reportedly Closing Friday; Is Mr. Chow In?

Thursday, July 12, 2012, by Ari Bendersky

It's been a long time coming and now it looks like Il Mulino is finally leaving the historic Biggs Mansion. Word is that the storied New York Italian restaurant will finally close its doors on Friday after months of speculation that a new business—whether that was the Playboy Clubor Philippe, both of which had been in talks to move in—would take its place.

And with the beautiful building becoming vacant, it opens the door for another blue chip project to enter the scene. It looks like Mr. Chow, the celebrated celebrity haunt with locations in London, Beverly Hills, New York and beyond, will take over the space.

Back in September, Crain's reported that Fred Latsko, who owns the Biggs Mansion, had inked a deal with Mr. Chow owner Michael Chow to expand his brand to Toronto and possibly Chicago. Word is that Mr. Chow will bring its upscale Chinese cuisine to the Gold Coast and that the restaurant will take Il Mulino's place following an extensive makeover. It's likely the restaurant won't open until next spring.

As for Il Mulino, Eater hears it won't tuck its tail between its legs and sheepishly walk away, but that the restaurant's owners are currently looking for another location in the city.
· Playboy Club Not Taking Il Mulino [~EChi~]
· New York's Philippe Chow Looking for Space in Chicago [~EChi~]
· Playboy Club Moves on to Other Chicago Sites; Latsko Teams up with Chow Restaurateurs [Crain's]

Il Mulino will leave the Biggs Mansion [Photo: Crain's