Spring is fast approaching, and the locals are beginning to crave the sunnier days ahead. One way to prepare to celebrate the changing of seasons is through a new category of dishes. Food in the spring is brighter, featuring produce and fresh flavors that match the fresh spring air. The cocktails are no exception with lively flavors that bring all the fun and fresh vibes of the season. Here are some of our favorite spring dishes, produce, cocktails, and chef’s tips to ensure your spring is full of fresh flavor!

Spring Produce

Spring cooking is highlighted by vibrant, fresh produce ingredients. Asparagus is a spring signature. Try lemon parmesan roasted asparagus for an easy, spring-forward appetizer, or asparagus tartine for a simple and elegant meal. Just serve it up with ricotta cheese and herbs like mint or basil. 

Peas and snap peas are another spring staple that bring so many dishes to life. Eat them alone with classic spring flavors like lemon, garlic, and parmesan, or try a dish like a spring pasta that features peas. These dishes are easy and light, making them perfect plates to whip up this spring.

To finish on a sweeter note, spring fruits like rhubarb and strawberries make their highly anticipated return. Their bright, slightly tart flavors lend themselves beautifully to everything from crisp salads to pies, tarts, and homemade jams. Whether baked into a dessert or used to add a pop of freshness to a dish, these fruits are a delicious reminder of the season’s simple pleasures.

Garden- inspired Cocktails

Spring cocktails are defined by fresh, light, and vibrant flavors that reflect the energy of the season, often highlighting herbs, florals, and bright citrus. State and Lake Chicago Tavern’s Peach on the Platform is a perfect example, blending juicy peach purée with zesty notes of lime and lemon for a refreshing sip that feels made for spring.

Mocktails can be just as fun and fresh, offering vibrant flavor without the alcohol. Think cucumber and mint spritzes, lemon and honey tonics, or strawberry-basil sodas topped with sparkling water. Whether crafted as a cocktail or other fun beverage, garden-inspired drinks are the perfect companion to spring dining and leisurely afternoons.

Inside the Kitchen

For our chefs spring cooking means tapping into what characterizes the season, from spring produce to classic techniques. As fresh produce blooms and ripens, the focus shifts to lighter preparations, clean flavors, and cooking methods that allow each ingredient to shine. Spring menus are guided by balance. They are comforting yet refreshed, familiar yet vibrant.

From simple vegetable-forward dishes to thoughtfully crafted plates, the kitchen embraces restraint and intention, highlighting what’s fresh rather than overcomplicating the process. It’s a return to fundamentals, where quality ingredients and timeless technique come together to create dishes that feel both seasonal and satisfying.

Join Us This Spring

Spring is a refreshing time of new beginnings, fresh ideas, and time spent together with the ones you love. At State and Lake Chicago Tavern, our menu features dishes that are perfect no matter the weather and ambiance you’re seeking. Join us to enjoy vibrant plates, refreshing cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a reason to linger a little longer this spring.