Conceptualized in 1997 by restaurateurs Donnie Madia, Paul Kahan, Eduard Seitan and Rick Diarmit (1959-2018) along with Architect Thomas Schlesser, Blackbird is One Off Hospitality Group's critically acclaimed flagship concept. The kitchen also serves as home base for Chef-Partner Paul Kahan, winner of the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Chef” in 2013 and "Best Chef of the Midwest" in 2004. Graced with a long lineage of top culinary talents, Ryan Pfeiffer (StarChefs class of 2018 “Rising Star Chefs,” Jean Banchet “Best Chef de Cuisine” 2019) originally joined Kahan in the kitchen as the restaurant’s chef de cuisine in 2014, but was later handed the reins and appointed to the executive chef position of the restaurant in 2019. Now, Pfeiffer crafts elegant and imaginative Midwestern cuisine, to create offerings both classic and approachable, while Pastry Chef Nicole Guini (Jean Banchet “Pastry Chef of the Year” 2019) culminates the menu with intriguing desserts. The restaurant’s unique and timeless atmosphere earned a James Beard Award for “Best Restaurant Design” and a nomination for “Best Restaurant Design Graphics” in 2002. Celebrating its 20th year in 2018, Blackbird continues to inspire and cultivate new talent while retaining a standard for restaurant excellence.