09/27/2026
The Man Behind the Murals: Edward Sorel
Walk into La Storia and you may come for the pasta, the w**e, or the cozy Gold Coast atmosphere—but then you look up at the walls.
And suddenly, dinner comes with a little history.
Those colorful, larger-than-life characters are part of the work of Edward Sorel, one of America’s best-known caricaturists and illustrators. Born in the Bronx in 1929, Sorel developed a distinctive style built around exaggerated faces, expressive characters, and a very sharp sense of humor.
Sorel’s drawings appeared in publications including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, and Esquire. He created dozens of New Yorker covers and became known for turning politicians, celebrities, cultural icons, and everyday American life into wonderfully mischievous characters.
What made Sorel especially interesting was that he didn’t simply draw people—he captured their personality. A raised eyebrow, an enormous nose, a ridiculous expression… somehow, you knew exactly who you were looking at.
His artistic philosophy was surprisingly simple: humor could say what anger couldn’t. Sorel once explained that he learned early that if you use humor, you don’t have to yell.
And that’s what makes the murals at La Storia so much fun.
Instead of looking at a traditional historical painting, you’re surrounded by Chicago history, American culture, famous personalities, and Sorel’s imagination—all having a little party on the wall.
So next time you’re having dinner at La Storia, take a break from your plate and look around.
You might recognize a face.
You might discover a piece of Chicago history.
And you might catch Edward Sorel making fun of someone.
After all, at La Storia, the walls have stories too.
