After losing executive chef Jason McLeod in 2011, RIA closed on July 27, 2012, after replacement Danny Grant left his restaurant position.

He explained that his decision to leave was fueled by his desire to open his restaurant and that he gave notice of his departure during RIA's closure in January.

[10] McLeod's seasonal tasting menu included rabbit with foie gras, common sole with leeks, pain de mie, and Peking duck breast with blood orange, fennel and cumin.

[10] At the same time, they also introduced a limited-time table d'hôte menu called the "Ria Lucky Seven", where one of seven parties got to experience a three-course meal with champagne for $75.

Jeff Ruby of Chicago described the place as a "polished new spot", as it felt "less like a restaurant visit and more like a banquet on a private island with your own staff.

"[22] Modern Luxury's Michael Nagrant enjoyed his experience, stating that it was "an oasis—of unpretentious fine dining" and that the establishment was "a five-star restaurant waiting to happen, derailed only by minor details".

[27] Martha Bayne of the Chicago Reader praised RIA's grilled sturgeon, as well as the "pink knuckles of lobster and pale scallop dumplings trickled with impeccably clear pale-gold consomme".

[28] After McLeod's departure as executive chef, the Chicago Tribune's Phil Vettel gave the restaurant a four-star review,[29] stating that "Danny Grant is a taste master.