Next

The frenetic build-up to Grant Achatz’s Next, what the NYTimes is calling “the most hotly anticipated opening in the country,” has at long last ended! Achatz recently announced on Twitter “1st 1,000 emails sent from tickets@nextrestaurant.com just now. Be sure 2 check your spam box! As of right now 0 covers 4 tonight. Exciting.”

Tickets for Next were expected to go on sale a few days prior to opening in bursts of 500 emails every hour, beginning with staff and family, and then extending in order of registration to the 18,946 eager diners who have signed up to receive updates from the restaurant’s web site. Not to dampen your spirits, but only 7,500 tickets will be available for the first three-month menu theme, Paris 1906.

Ticket prices are expected to range from $65-$110 per person (excluding beverage, tax, and gratuity) for a 5-course+ dinner. The price of the ticket is contingent upon the desirability of the dinner hour you choose, a system that Zagat predicts will “revolutionize the restaurant reservation process.”

Investors, friends, family, and members of the Chicago food media were treated to a 9-course preview dinner on Sunday featuring dishes from Next’s first theme, Paris, 1906—Escoffier at the Ritz. After three months of Paris, Next will transport diners to what is expected to be a dining atmosphere and menu inspired by Thai street food.