CHICAGO - July 2003 - Famed chef Don Yamauchi of the legendary Le Francais has been named the new chef for Richard Mott's latest creation, a signature restaurant in the stylishly unique Hotel 71.  Taking the center stage in Chicago's booming restaurant scene with Jackson Harbor Grill and the highly acclaimed North Pond, the restaurateur is putting the finishing design and concept touches on the soon-to-be named restaurant set to open in October.

A native of Chicago, Chef Yamauchi has been part of the city's restaurant scene for nearly two decades preparing fine cuisine at top locations such as Gordon, Le Mikado and Carlos.  Yamauchi was handpicked by chef/owner Jean Banchet of Le Francais in 1999, which solidified his place among America's top chefs.  Among his many talents, Yamauchi holds a black belt in martial arts, is a skilled musician, and has received many honors and awards including being named "Top 10 New Chefs in America" by Food & Wine, as well as one of the James Beard Society's "Top Five Rising Chefs in America."

After a major renovation and refurbishment, Hotel 71, ideally located on East Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, welcomed its first guests in late 2002.  Mott's new signature restaurant and bar are the final pieces in the hotel's transformation into one of the city's most elegantly modern, trend-setting places to stay, do business and socialize.

Mott, whose North Pond recently was given four stars in Michelin's Travel Guide USA series, and Nancy Warren, of Warren Architects, are keeping the details under wraps for now, but travelers and Chicagoans can expect a contemporary, sophisticated dining and drinking experience that reflects the individualistic design of the hotel itself.  The restaurant will feature contemporary American cuisine and a great wine cellar of the finest vintages from the West Coast. 

The restaurant will be located on the ground floor, with outdoor dining along the Chicago River a distinct possibility once a new riverside park is completed just across from the hotel. 

Hotel 71 caters to business and upscale leisure travelers looking for a hotel that is more than a place to stay - an experience that is welcoming and supremely comfortable, while offering a character and atmosphere like no other.  Hotel 71 satisfies that expectation with 422 guestrooms, 32 suites, and a menu of guest amenities that anticipates every need and wish. 

This includes spacious work areas in each room with the latest telecommunications capabilities, including free broadband Internet access.  Beds are made with 300 thread-count linens, amenity bars feature exclusive Dean & Deluca products, and H2O Plus Spa products and oversized bath towels are features of each bathroom.  Business travelers enjoy stylish but practical luxuries like an oversized work desk, an ergonomic leather chair, and an atomic clock. 

Hotel 71 is owned by Boykin Lodging Company (BLC), a real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition of full-service, upscale commercial and resort hotels and AEW Capital Management, a full-service real estate investment advisory firm.

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