Alhambra Palace Restaurant, Chicago

The Moorish monarchs of Granada built a legendary palace and fortress known as Calat Alhambra, both to fortify their hold on Southern Spain and serve as center of art and culture. The palace, which has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, captured the imagination of Chicagoan Dr. Nasar Rustom. He made many trips to the Middle East, North Africa, and southern Spain to obtain artifacts to fill his own recreation of Alhambra Palace, one that serves as a testament to the culture and cuisine of the Mediterranean region.

Dr. Rustom recruited artisans from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Morocco design the interior of his new restaurant. The team built custom gilded doorways, hand-painted tiles, carved the furniture, and created the mosaics found around the multi-level dining room. Rustom went to equal lengths when creating an the menu, full of authentic flavors of kabobs, paella, and seasoned lamb. On top of the food and decor, Dr. Rustom added live entertainment, which includes international music, Latin, Swing, and belly dancing, and even dance lessons sure to charm a date or a stern loan officer .