Englewood fine-dining restaurant that doubles as classroom reopens after 5 years

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Englewood restaurant Sikia has reopened after five years, offering fine dining and a unique educational experience for students at the Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute at Kennedy-King College. The restaurant serves as both a dining venue and a practical classroom, where 20 students can enhance their culinary skills and learn the intricacies of restaurant operations.

Originally opened in 2008, Sikia had to close its doors in 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jewel Mideau, the executive dean at Washburne, emphasized the importance of high-quality dining experiences in Englewood, stating, "Just because we're in Englewood doesn't mean that we shouldn't and cannot have immensely nice things." The reopening comes after significant planning to ensure a successful launch.

Students are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in Sikia, where they can apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting. "We've been doing a lot of test runs, and this particular crew... we're ready to help each other," said Kennedy-King senior Adrienne Gordon. The collaborative spirit among the students is evident as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Reservations are required for dining, and a 15% gratuity will be added to all checks, with proceeds benefiting the Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Foundation. Freshman Destiny Anthony expressed her excitement, noting the valuable learning opportunities presented by working alongside experienced chefs in a fine-dining environment.

While Sikia is dedicated to providing a premium dining experience, it operates as a class and has limited hours. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Thursday during the spring (January through April) and fall (September through November) semesters, ensuring that students get the most out of their educational journey.