MIAD alumna’s art influences her Chicago restaurant’s décor and food

“When you are at MIAD, you feel like you can create and do anything,” said Anna Posey ’08 (Integrated Studio Arts).

MIAD instilled in Anna confidence and the desire to always improve—traits she draws on daily as she owns and operates Chicago-based restaurant Elske with her husband, David.

“I think chefs have that artist mentality that they can always get better,” said Anna. “Working with food is like being a painter. You can work your whole life at this one thing and you will never be bored and never be perfect. You are always learning.”

One year after opening, that mentality has led to success and some very impressive accolades. Elske received a Michelin star as well as media attention from the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times and Bon Appétit magazine.

“All the attention just pushes us to make our food better, and to be better business owners.”

Anna’s MIAD background has greatly influenced the restaurant’s décor. She and David made art as high a priority as their delicious food.

“We want it to feel like ‘us,’ and it wouldn’t feel like ‘us’ without art,” she said.

The interior design incorporates a Scandinavian aesthetic right down to the knick-knacks on display. Elske features wallpaper designed by Anna, and a painting done by David’s brother. The plates, and even the manner in which food is placed on them, have a definite artistic motif.

Though the restaurant keeps her plenty busy, Anna also recently illustrated and art-directed a cookbook, “Hello, My Name is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop” by friend and pastry chef Dana Cree. It can be preordered now.

No matter what she’s working on, Anna always keeps her artist mentality.