CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and HMSHost are pleased to announce the grand opening of a chic, new lounge, ICE Dishes and Drinks, at O’Hare International Airport — just in time to cool things down during the summer travel season.

ICE Dishes and Drinks recently opened in Terminal 3, L concourse, near Gate L2 and held its official grand opening today.

The sleek, modern “ice” environment may just transform how travelers think of airport bars. The cool tones and the lounge’s design reflect its contemporary setting and its name. A distinguishing element of the bar is its bottle display featuring a selection of 26 vodkas, including organic, wheat, grain, rye and grape. Various textures of ice are used to accentuate the flavors of drinks, incorporating shaved, cubed, blocked, and more, depending upon the beverage. Customers can also choose among a variety of wines by the glass or bottle, sparkling wines; spirits; and beer. For diners, an all-day menu of tapas, tartines and salads complements the drink offerings. Selections include Mediterranean Vegetable Sampler, Charcuterie, Artisan Cheese Plate, Beefsteak Tomato Salad, fresh berries and more to satisfy any appetite.

“ICE Dishes and Drinks creates a unique vibe within the airport environment, and is the latest example of the world-class concepts we are committed to providing to O’Hare travelers,” said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. “On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and everyone at the CDA, I want to thank our partner HMSHost for opening this cool and refreshing dining and drink oasis, which will no doubt be very popular with the millions of travelers who come through O’Hare from across the globe.”

ICE Dishes and Drinks is just the latest among several critically acclaimed world-class dining concepts to be unveiled at O’Hare in 2012. The Chicago Department of Aviation and HMSHost opened two piano wine bars, Beaudevin in Terminal 1 and Bubbles in Terminal 3 in February. Also, the second Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless at O’Hare opened in Terminal 3 earlier this year. Tortas has been acclaimed by food critics and a top pick on several nationwide travel magazines and websites, including Frommer’s Best Airport Food list.

“Once travelers step inside our new ICE Dishes and Drinks, they find themselves ensconced in a setting so inviting that they forget they are in an airport,” said Tom Fricke, HMSHost President & CEO. “We are very excited to debut this exceptional airport bar at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.”

About Chicago Department of Aviation

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O’Hare and Midway International airports. Together, Chicago’s airports generate more than $45 billion in annual economic activity and create 540,000 jobs for the region. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Mark your calendar for the fifth annual Airports Going Green Conference, November 4- 7, 2012, at the Westin Chicago River North in Chicago, Illinois. Airports Going Green is the industry’s premier green event, bringing together aviation leaders and innovators from across the globe to discuss all aspects of sustainability unique to an airport environment. To learn more please visit www.airportsgoinggreen.org.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.7 billion and employs more than 34,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €5.8 billion in 2011, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,800 people. It manages over 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information and find us on Facebook at HMSHost Making the Traveler’s Day Better.