We’re putting the final touches on Saigon Sisters, the fine dining Vietnamese concept by sisters Mary Nguyen Aregoni and Theresa Nguyen. The 800 square foot restaurant will be located at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Galter Pavilion, and is the Nguyen’s third (the other two are on the Near West Side and at French Market). Saigon Sisters turns out magnificently flavor-rich dishes, playing off of the traditions of Vietnamese cuisine with global influences. Reading The Reader’s Mike Sula’s review makes us want to get an early dinner. Saigon Sisters joins Au Bon Pain, Protein Bar, and Med/Greek Kitchen at the Galter Pavilion food corral.
While the material palette was limited by hospital guidelines, we were able to use reclaimed lumber shelving, custom steel table and shelf supports, and stainless steel counters, all fabricated locally in Chicago’s West Loop. Meanwhile, the floor and wall contain 70% recycled content. We wanted to create a less sterile environment conducive to leisurely eating, similar in feel to Saigon Sister’s other locations. We hope a hot bowl of ramen will provide some respite from the myriad stresses of a hospital visit.
Following the health inspection (and the installation of a custom steel sneeze guard), Saigon Sisters should be open for business in about 3-4 weeks! More photos after the break.
